For Butler, 2026 can be summed up in one word: change. That word is evident in the multiple new construction projects around campus, the reinvention of the university’s branding unveiled three weeks ago and now with the addition of a new block party to Homecoming week.
Unlike the Student Involvement Block Party hosted at Hinkle Fieldhouse, from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 14, Butler will host its first-ever Butler All Access block party in the Sellick Bowl — and everyone is invited.
With free admission, games, giveaways and banner painting — a Homecoming tradition — this event aims to continue the mission of the “Boldly Butler” campaign to bridge the gap between the university and its surrounding neighborhoods. The goal is to give these neighbors a chance to meet, chat and play with Butler’s student-athletes throughout the party.
Lindsay Sparks, assistant athletic director for marketing and licensing, credits Grant Leiendecker, vice president and director of athletics, for always searching for ways to increase community involvement.
“[Leiendecker] is really big on interaction and relationships, and creating opportunities where fans can get to know our student-athletes,” Sparks said. “We’re trying to do a better job of creating events where the sole purpose is for fans and student-athletes to be able to interact one-on-one, face-to-face.”
Once the athletic department decided to pursue this initiative, the next steps were figuring out what to do and who to reach out to. However, finding their desired audience did not take long, as all they needed to do was look in their backyard.
“We [looked] at [it] like ‘How do we work better with Midtown?’,” Sparks said. “This event is aimed directly at inviting people across 49th St. That’s something we’ve been talking about all year long. As we’ve talked about football tailgating or events like Butler All Access, Hinkle Magic or whatever event that doesn’t [require a ticket], how do we get people to walk across the street when they live a couple houses or a couple streets down, and come be a part of what we’re doing, even if it’s only for an hour?”
Although the target audience is for those outside of the Butler bubble, Sparks emphasized that this event truly is for everybody, with activities fit for families and students alike.
“I think [this event] allows people to pick and choose [their own adventure],” Sparks said. “Whether it’s a family that’s bringing a toddler, or it’s a college student who is doing something to kick off Homecoming week … We want people to come over and be active with us, and again, get to shake the hand of a student-athlete, get to know their name [and] find out what sport they play for, rather than just coming to a game where [they do not typically get those opportunities].”
Adam Crist, a junior film and media production major who is considering attending the event, believes this new addition to Homecoming week offers a great opportunity to be more engaged.
“It seems like a cool opportunity to be more involved on campus, especially now that I live in [Apartment Village],” Crist said. “I feel very disconnected from the rest of campus … I’m just [excited] to see what kind of stuff they have at the block party, like what types of games [and such].”
While some students are excited to see what the block party will hold, others appreciate what this function could mean for future events at Butler, sports-based or not. Junior pharmacy major Ethan Manning is one of those students.
“[The block party] seems like a good way to build community,” Manning said. “It seems like a nice open event for people to go and meet athletes, [and get] an actual understanding that they’re people and not just athletes. [Plus], a good, free event [here at] Butler is actually nice because I feel like they don’t have enough of those.”
Regarding the future of the block party, Sparks believes the community can look forward to attending the fall event for years to come.
“Hopefully, it just continues to grow,” Sparks said. “We love the idea of it being early in the fall on a day where a majority of our teams can be a part of it, [and] where we can count on pretty good weather.”
Along with that, she hopes that the student-athletes can get to learn more about the people they represent on game day.
“Our student-athletes and teams are so wonderful about volunteering whenever we have opportunities, and I think it feels good for us when we ask them to do things where they feel really fulfilled about what they [get] to do,” Sparks said. “[Our goal is] that our attendees have a great time, and that our student-athletes who are a part of the event really enjoy the people that they get to connect with.”