ISU Homecoming 2026 — Bengal Game Day Guide + Where to Stay

Homecoming weekend is one of the biggest dates on Pocatello's calendar, and 2026 is shaping up to be a big one. On Saturday, October 10, Idaho State University welcomes alumni, families, and Bengal fans back to campus for the Homecoming Parade in the morning and a home football matchup against Cal-Poly that afternoon. If you're planning a trip in for the weekend, here's what to know — and where to park your rig while you're here.

ISU Homecoming: The Weekend at a Glance

Homecoming at ISU is a full day of Bengal pride. It kicks off with the Homecoming Parade winding through campus, followed by tailgating and pre-game festivities, and closes out with kickoff against Cal-Poly. Add in a campus full of returning alumni, current students, and Pocatello locals, and you've got one of the liveliest weekends of the fall.

Whether you're coming back for your first homecoming since graduation or introducing the next generation to Bengal football, this is the weekend to do it.

Parade Route & Timing

The Homecoming Parade steps off Saturday morning and moves through the heart of campus, with floats, marching bands, and student organizations showing off their school spirit. Arrive early to grab a good spot along the route — sidewalks fill up fast, especially near the main campus corridor. Bring a chair or blanket if you want to settle in comfortably, and check ISU's official homecoming page closer to the date for the exact route map and start time, since routes can shift year to year.

Game-Day Info: Kickoff, Parking, and Tailgating

Once the parade wraps, the day shifts to game mode. Idaho State takes on Cal-Poly Saturday afternoon, and the stadium lot fills in well ahead of kickoff with tailgates, grills, and Bengal flags flying. A few things to plan around:

Parking: Campus and stadium lots fill quickly on homecoming day. If you're driving in just for the game, plan to arrive several hours early, or look at satellite parking with a short walk or shuttle in.
Tailgating: Lots typically open hours before kickoff. Bring your own setup, or wander the rows and soak in the pre-game atmosphere — tailgating is as much a part of homecoming as the game itself.
Kickoff: Times are usually announced a few weeks out as the Mountain West schedule firms up, so it's worth checking ISU Athletics' site as the date gets closer.

Cowboy RV: Your Homecoming Weekend Base

Here's the part that makes the whole weekend easier: you don't have to fight campus traffic on the way in and out, and you don't have to book a hotel a year in advance. Cowboy RV Resort is just minutes from campus, with full hookups, contactless check-in, and clean facilities — a place to land after the parade, refuel between events, and unwind after the final whistle.

Whether you're rolling in with the family rig, bringing grandkids to their first homecoming, or meeting up with old classmates for the weekend, Cowboy RV gives you a comfortable, easy home base without the downtown hotel scramble.

→ Book your homecoming weekend site at staycowboyrv.com — use code TRAILRV1 for 10% off

FAQ

Is parking available at Cowboy RV during homecoming weekend?
Yes — every site includes parking for your RV and tow vehicle. Just note that campus and stadium lots are separate and will be busier than usual on game day, so plan extra time getting to and from campus.

Are pets allowed?
Cowboy RV is pet-friendly. Bring your four-legged fans along for the weekend — just be sure to keep them leashed and clean up after them around the property.

Can I check in early?
Early check-in is available on a first-come basis. If you're arriving in time for the parade Saturday morning, reach out ahead of your stay and we'll do our best to get your site ready early.

Get Your Site Before Homecoming Fills Up

Homecoming weekend fills fast, both on campus and around Pocatello. Reserve your site now at staycowboyrv.com with code TRAILRV1, and spend the weekend cheering on the Bengals instead of hunting for a place to stay.