Homecoming week brings together students, families, alumni, and local supporters in celebration of RAM pride. Whether you are participating in dress-up days, lining the streets for Thursday’s parade, or packing the stadium under the Friday night lights, here is your official guide to navigating Homecoming 2026 at Southeast Polk.

Weekly Schedule & Key Events

• Monday, Sept. 28: Powder Puff Football • 6:30 PM (Jr. High Stadium)
• Tuesday, Sept. 29: Best Buddies Kickball Event • 5:45 PM (Softball Field)
• Wednesday, Sept. 30: RAM Games (High School Stadium)
• Thursday, Oct. 1: Homecoming Parade (Parade map below)
• Friday, Oct. 2:
  • Hall of Honor Ceremony: 5:00 PM (High School Auditorium)
  • 4th Annual Big RAM Bash: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (South Side of High School)
  • Homecoming Game vs. Iowa City High: 7:00 PM Kickoff (High School Stadium)

Individual school buildings across the district will communicate their specific spirit and dress-up schedule directly to families and students.

Parade Route and Staging Guidelines

To assist with traffic flow and safety near the Public Works Building and surrounding neighborhoods on Thursday evening, please follow these staging and route instructions:

• All participating parade groups must enter from 17th Ave SW using the new Public Works Building entrance.

• School groups stage on the north side of the Public Works Building.

• Local business entries stage on the south side of the Public Works Building.

• The parade begins at the intersection of Venbury Drive and 13th St SW, travels east on 13th St, turns north onto 7th Ave SE, heads east on 9th St SE, and ends at Centennial Elementary.

• School buses drop off participating students, exit via Aquatics Park, travel north on Venbury Drive, and stage at Centennial Elementary.

• Student pick-up is designated along 9th Street SE near Centennial Elementary.

• Parking is strictly prohibited along 7th Avenue SE and 13th Street SE/SW.

Pre-Game Festivities

Hosted by the Southeast Polk Education Foundation, the 4th Annual Big RAM Bash brings the community together on the high school greenspace prior to kickoff. The event features local food trucks, vendors, student performances, interactive games, and live entertainment.

Inside the high school auditorium, the community will gather to honor outstanding alumni, educators, and leaders during the annual Hall of Honor induction ceremony. Inductees will also be recognized on the field ahead of the varsity game.

Game Day Information

Stadium gates open to the public at 6:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased digitally in advance using Bound. Cash is accepted at the Northeast Main Entrance ticket booth, but attendees are encouraged to purchase online beforehand to avoid delays at entry.

Please note that student bags, backpacks, and purses are prohibited inside the stadium. Attendees should plan for heavy traffic and allow extra time for parking prior to the 7:00 PM kickoff against Iowa City High.