"The significance of this day is it is a time for a reflection among graduates like myself," said Von Till, a 1966 MSU graduate.

While many MSU students see Homecoming simply as another opportunity to celebrate a Spartan game in East Lansing, alumni from around the world will flock to the city to meet up, reminisce and cheer on their former team.

The MSU Alumni Association's Green and White Brunch, which will bring close to 1,000 alumni together, is already sold-out.

"Traditionally that's what Homecoming is," said Nancy Brent, associate director of the MSU Alumni Association. "It's the alumni coming home to their alma mater."

Psychology junior DeAirah Banks said Homecoming just doesn't have a pull for her now, and she doubts it will later in life.

"I don't have anything planned for Homecoming," Banks said. "I'm supposed to be going home. (After graduation), I'm not going to be like, 'Oh I have to go to (MSU) for their Homecoming.'"

Von Till, who works as a lawyer in California, said the events seem to be a little more important to alumni than students.

"Something like this gives us a chance to come home," Von Till said. "Often, our old homes have come and gone, and MSU gives us a chance to come back and remember."

While Kermit the Frog's presence as grand marshal of the Homecoming parade caught the interest of mechanical engineering freshman Ray Podvin, he said Homecoming will be no different for him than any other football weekend.

"I'm going to the game, probably just a party, and then I'll go to Big Ten Burrito — a standard Friday, Saturday, Sunday night," he said.

The tailgates and other Homecoming activities provide an opportunity for students to meet and network with alumni, said Bob Duncan, dean of the Eli Broad College of Business.

"They always love to come back and meet with students, find out what you like, what's your interest and view of the world," Duncan said. "For all alumni at (MSU), it was a major experience for them. It launched their very successful lives. They have tremendous affection for the Broad college, and they do everything they can to help today's students."

The events in which the Spartan Marching Band is taking part are geared toward people of all ages, band director John Madden said. However, at halftime of the football game, the Spartan Marching Band will feature the Alumni Band.

"The Spartan Band is what we would argue belongs to everybody," Madden said. "It's timeless. These things are constant — the alma mater, the uniforms, the drum beats."

Some students, such as supply chain management and East Asian languages and culture junior Dave Gross, said they want to attend more events at Homecoming.

"I'll tailgate and everything that goes along with it," Gross said. "I feel I need to get more involved because when you're in high school, they force you to get involved. Maybe it's harder because it's a big university."

Though many students will be out making the most of the Spartan home game on Saturday, the game and the events surrounding it seem to be enjoyed most by the people who no longer call MSU home.

"Homecoming is a time-honored tradition, and alumni who have come back have always loved it," said Bob Bao, the assistant director for communication and promotion at the alumni association. "There seems to be an element of nostalgia attached to it."