Homecoming weekend, a long-standing tradition at DU, will begin on Friday and continue through the weekend with a parade and hockey game.

On Friday, the Pioneers pre-game tailgate will take place on Driscoll Lawn at 5 p.m. before the hockey game against Ohio State. There will be free food and a beer garden for those over 21.

DU plays Ohio State again on Saturday. The puck drops at 7:37 p.m. on Friday, and 7:07 p.m. on Saturday.

The traditional Pioneer parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday. It is expected to be the largest in DU’s history, with more than 25 floats by campus organizations. A marching band and Cub Scout troop will lead the parade.

The grand marshal of the parade is Corey Ciocchetti, professor of Business Ethics and Legal Studies at the Daniels College of Business.

The parade route will pass by all major DU residence locations, going up Josephine Street, down Iliff Avenue and along High Street, making its final stretch down Buchtel Boulevard. The judging booth will be on High Street near Centennial Halls.

During Saturday night’s hockey game, this year’s Homecoming king and queen will be crowned. The video of the nominees will be shown after the first period, and the king and queen will be announced after the second period.

Five couples were nominated. Students can vote online at www.du.edu/voting for king and queen. Voting closes on Thursday at 5 p.m. Seniors Antoine Perretta and Matt Lane are co-chairs of the Homecoming Committee.

“Homecoming King and Queen are an example of DU spirit and pride. It is a great way to be part of the homecoming tradition and celebrate the university,” said Caitlyn Shea, one of the nominees for Homecoming Queen. This week, 13 restaurants in the area will offer specials to celebrate DU’s Homecoming weekend.

A list of Homecoming events can be found at www.du.edu/homecoming.

Homecoming will also overlap with parents’ weekend on Saturday and Sunday.