What's up, Lancers!

Is Mount Marty Homecoming More Fun Than USD or SDSU?

Homecoming season in South Dakota is always full of excitement, school spirit, and tradition. Whether it’s the massive crowds at SDSU’s “Hobo Day,” the community pride of USD’s “Dakota Days,” or the tight-knit celebration of Mount Marty’s Homecoming, every campus does it a little differently. But if you’re a Mount Marty student, you might wonder — is our smaller, more personal homecoming actually more fun than the big state schools’ events? The answer I think is yes. 

At South Dakota State University, homecoming isn’t just an event — it’s a spectacle. “Hobo Day” is the largest one-day event in the Dakotas, packed with parades, tailgates, alumni gatherings, and thousands of fans cheering on the Jackrabbits. Which is held this weekend!  USD’s “Dakota Days” offers a similar level of energy, with a week full of pep rallies, concerts, and a massive football crowd that takes over Vermillion. This was held this past weekend! Both campuses have deep-rooted traditions and huge turnouts that create an atmosphere you can literally feel in the air. For students who love the buzz of a big university and the thrill of large-scale events, it’s easy to see why USD and SDSU homecomings are considered legendary.

Mount Marty, on the other hand, does things differently — and that’s part of the fun. Homecoming at MMU, also known as Lancer Days, may not fill stadiums or make front-page news, but it has a personal touch that bigger schools can’t quite replicate. You actually know the people in the parade floats, the friends competing for royalty, and even the professors and alumni cheering on the sidelines. There’s a sense of community that makes every event feel more connected. From the homecoming Mass to the campus cookouts and alumni events, everything feels grounded in the relationships that make Mount Marty special.

For many MMU students, the fun of homecoming isn’t about size — it’s about belonging. You’re not just another face in a crowd of thousands; you’re part of something close-knit and meaningful. You can get involved in planning events, representing your class, or even being crowned royalty — opportunities that might be harder to come by at USD or SDSU. And because the campus is smaller, it’s easier to relax and actually enjoy the festivities without feeling overwhelmed.

That’s not to say Mount Marty’s homecoming is “better” in every way — if you crave the energy of a huge football game, endless tailgates, and massive crowds, then USD or SDSU’s celebrations might be more your style. But for those who value connection over chaos, laughter over noise, and genuine community over massive crowds, Mount Marty’s homecoming often ends up being more fun than any big-state blowout.

In the end, the best homecoming isn’t about the size of the crowd or the scale of the event — it’s about how it makes you feel. For Mount Marty students, homecoming is about celebrating each other, reconnecting with alumni, and showing pride in the small but mighty Lancer community. And that’s a kind of fun that no massive parade or packed stadium can replace.
By the way, Lancer's days is coming up the 20th- 27th so get yourself ready for a blast of a week! 

 

Upcoming Home Events: 
Volleyball @ home on Friday @ 7:30 vs Morningside! Then again @ home on Saturday @ 3 vs Briar Cliff! 


Shout outs: 
Cross Country for some top 25 finishes these past meets! 

Go follow the Instagram page: mmuhallwayhighlights! Here you can send in story ideas, vote on polls and maybe even be interviewed for the stories for next year!! 

That's all for this year. Stay tuned, and more importantly, stay true!