Athens State to Celebrate Bicentennial with Week-Long Series of Events

Founders Hall

Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate a momentous occasion, one that few institutions of higher learning (and none in the State of Alabama) have reached — our bicentennial!

The “Athens Forever” Bicentennial Celebration will consist of a week-long series of activities coinciding with Homecoming and Summer Commencement. We encourage you to save the dates for the below events and visit our website for the most up-to-date information. Ticket information, if required, is noted on the webpage, and space may be limited.


Friday, July 22 – 6:35 pm

Rocket City Trash Pandas Game

Join us for a Trash Pandas game at Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama! Athens State is proud to sponsor this game against the Birmingham Barons as a special way to kick off our Bicentennial Celebration! This family-friendly event will include a fireworks show after the game. A limited number of Athens State Group Tickets are available.


Sunday, July 24 – 11:00 am

Service of Gratitude

Join us for a special service at Athens First United Methodist Church as we celebrate the institution’s history and the obstacles it has overcome. All are welcome to join this special event that will commemorate Athens State’s beginnings as a Methodist institution.


Monday, July 25 – 7:00 pm

Athens State Community Band Concert

The Athens State University Community Band, a collaboration of musicians from the local community and the campus community, will perform in McCandless Hall for this special bicentennial concert. This event is FREE and open to the public! Registration is required due to limited seating.


Tuesday, July 26 – 6:00 pm

Movie Night featuring “Encanto”

Join us for a Movie Night featuring “Encanto” in McCandless Hall. This event is FREE and open to the public! Registration is required due to limited seating.


Thursday, July 28

Concert on the Square

Join us in Downtown Athens for “Concert on the Square,” a special commemoration of Athens State University’s bicentennial! This event, which will be held on the Courthouse Square, is FREE and open to the public!

5:30 pm – Alumni Social in Merchant’s Alley

7:00 pm – Concert Opener, featuring Iron Horse

8:00 pm – Concert Headliner, featuring Collin Raye


Friday, July 29

Homecoming & Grand Celebration

You’re invited to join us at the “Athens Forever” Homecoming celebration!

  • Reunite with classmates, Greek brothers/sisters, fellow athletes/cheerleaders, and more!
  • Take a Museum Tour (Fiddlers, Delmore Brothers, and Sports Museums).
  • Sightsee and reminisce on a Campus Tour! (Be sure to see the historic “Athens Forever” trees on campus!)

Afternoon Events

3:30 pm – Student Presentations

4:30 pm – Faculty Emeritus “Legacy Lectures”

Evening Events

5:30 pm – Cocktail Social

6:30 pm – Dinner

Dinner Celebration — Carter Gymnasium | $10 per person


Saturday, July 30 – 11:00 am

Summer Commencement

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2022 alongside the Class of 1972, who will be joining the “50 Year Club!”


For more information, tickets, and more, please click here!

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