What to expect at the first-ever Bisons Block Party

Join the herd at Princess Auto Stadium on September 20 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.! The Bisons Block Party is more than just a celebration — it’s a showcase of what makes our community extraordinary. It’s a chance to relive your favourite moments and forge new ones with fellow Bisons fans, family and friends, as one herd. From the Bisons Homecoming football game to a Speaker Series powered by the Free Press, to interactive games, there’s something for everyone.  

Here’s what to expect: 

Doors open at 12:00 p.m.

• Enter through Gates 1, 2 or 3 at Princess Auto Stadium
• Free parking in U lot off Chancellor Matheson Rd.
• New Bisons apparel, along with the Mondetta x UM collaboration, will be available at the Merch Pop-up on the concourse!

Bisons Homecoming Football Game 

• Kickoff at 2:00 p.m. at Princess Auto Stadium 
• Cheer on the Manitoba Bisons vs. Alberta Golden Bears! Be part of the excitement and celebrate the NEW Bisons logo! 
• Enjoy music from Morgan Grace at halftime!

Kid’s zone  

• Billy the Bison’s B-day Party
  • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the concourse near the Gate 3 entrance
  • Join UM’s beloved mascot, Billy the Bison, and mascot friends from around the city! Kids can enjoy carnival games, face painting, and loot bags. Arrive early and get a free cupcake!

Community and alumni engagement 

• Alumni Lounge  
  • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Pinnacle Club 
  • Reconnect with fellow alumni and faculty over bar service and live music.

• Speaker Series powered by the Free Press  
  • Join us in the Pinnacle Club for these exciting speakers!  
    • 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. – Southwood Circle
    • Greg Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer, UM Properties, will lead a presentation about the future of the Southwood Circle development. 
    • 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Homegrown Drones with UM Knowledge Exchange
    • Join Annemieke Farenhorst (AVP Research) and Andrew Bowman (UM STARlab) and discover the drones and satellites built and used in Manitoba research on land, in the sky and in orbit. Get an up-close look at the ArcticSat, nanosatellite, research rovers and high-tech attachments like thermal cameras and radars which will all be on display.  
    • Halftime (approximately 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.) – Mondetta x UM
      Hear from UM alumni and Mondetta co-founders, Prashant and Ash Modha, as they discuss building a global brand from Winnipeg, rooted in sustainability and ethical production. Learn more about how Mondetta went from its iconic flag designs and retro flair, to its newest luxury boutique and partnerships with the Jets and now UM!

• Campus Tours and Scavenger Hunt  
  • Hourly from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
  • Register ahead of time to secure your spot for a guided campus tour or scavenger hunt.
  • Meet outside Gate 1 at Princess Auto Stadium for campus tours and the scavenger hunt. 

Educational and interactive activities on the concourse 

• Visit the following UM faculties and programs for engaging activities: 
  • UM School of Art: Craft table for creative fun 

• • Desautels Faculty of Music: Try a new instrument and make some noise! 

• • UM Heart Garden: Fill out orange hearts in support of the Heart Garden at UM 

• • UM Extended Education: Enjoy a game of cornhole 

• • UM Libraries/Archives: Discover historical photos and insights into UM’s history 

• • Price Faculty of Engineering: See drones and robots from UMUAS (Drone Team) and UMRT (Robotics Team) in action 

• • Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources: Pick up fun stickers 

• • IDEA START: Play a fast-paced board game themed around innovation, showcasing UM’s Innovation Hubs and I-VIC community outreach 

• • St. John’s College: Enjoy games for all ages, alumni nostalgia activities, and the chance to win SJC gear! 

• • UM Student Recruitment: Apply before December 1 for a chance to win a $5,000 tuition prize 

• Visit the faculties and programs on the concourse to learn more about: 
  • UM Faculty of Social Work 

• • Asper School of Business 

• • UM College of Nursing 

• • Faculty of Arts 

• • Indigenous Engagement & Communications 

• • Indigenous Student Centre 

• • Indigenous Leadership Programming 

• • Indigenous Birding Club 

• • Indigenous Student Recruitment 

Support our campus community 

• Bring a Tin for the Bin! 
  UMSU and the UM Food Bank are partnering for a food drive at the Bisons Block Party. We’ll be collecting food donations to support students in need and raise awareness about food insecurity on campus. Learn more about the most needed items. 

“This is what being a Bison is all about,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch. “Homecoming gives us the chance to come together, celebrate our community and show what makes the University of Manitoba so special.”   

Tickets for the Bisons Block Party are free and available through Ticketmaster. For groups of 10 or more, please register here. 

To explore the full schedule of events and register, visit the Homecoming page. 

See you there! 

UM Today Staff