Why is John Goodman coming to Missouri State? The big reveal is Saturday

News-Leader

John Goodman, a 1975 alumnus of Missouri State, will be a celebrity guest at the university's "It's On!" event Saturday.

The wait is nearly over. After months of hype, secrecy and speculation, it's almost time for Missouri State's "It's On!"

University officials, flanked by high-profile guests, are prepped to make the big reveal at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

Its much-touted special event will cap off Missouri State's Homecoming festivities.

Hailed as a "transformational event" for the future of the university, the "save the date" invitations for "It's On!" went out months ago and banners, with only the scarcest details, hung off buildings.

MSU officials have been tight-lipped until recently, when they started teasing out of few specifics, most notably that TV and movie star John Goodman — a 1975 alumnus in theatre and dance — will be a celebrity guest on campus.

His inclusion at the event was announced in a dramatic video. In it, the Missouri-born star of movies "The Big Lebowski," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and television shows "Roseanne" and "Treme" states: "For me, Missouri State is where it all started."

David Glass, owner of the Kansas City Royals, will be part of the "It's On!" festivities at Missouri State.

On Monday, the university announced David Glass — yes, the namesake of Glass Hall on campus, which houses the College of Business — will also attend the event.

Former Walmart CEO, Glass is the current owner of the Kansas City Royals.

Illinois native Clay Harbor, who played football for Missouri State and was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 NFL Draft, will also be on stage.

Harbor was later a contestant on the 14th season of the Bachelorette, where he suffered a wrist injury, and the sixth season of Bachelor in Paradise.

On the Facebook page for the Saturday event, nearly 1,000 indicate they will attend and nearly 2,000 more mark that they're interested.

The university will host a warm-up Party on the Patio, primarily for students, in the east side of the performing arts center at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Clay Harbor, a tight end at Missouri State University, played in the National Football League.

It will be hosted by the Student Government Association President Abdillahi Dirie, Chief of Staff Tara Orr, and Senior Class President Chase Stockton.

Following the "It's On!" event, there will be a gathering in the heart of campus for a food truck fair, fireworks, and entertainment.

“It’s good to be a Bear this Homecoming,” said Lori Fan, executive director of alumni relations at Missouri State, in a news release. “Our events celebrate all things maroon and white for everyone in the community.”

Highlighted Friday homecoming events

10:30 a.m. — Class of 1969 50-Year Reunion, 10:30 a.m., Kentwood Hall. Register with the alumni association.
7:30 p.m. — Miranda Lambert Concert on her “Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars” tour with special guests Elle King, Pistol Annies and Ashley McBryde at the JQH Arena. Ticket prices vary and parking is $10.

Highlighted Saturday homecoming events

9 a.m. — Band of Bears Homecoming Parade, John Q. Hammons Parkway.
9:30 a.m. — Watercolor Painting Bears, 9:30 a.m., Meyer Library Room 120. Tickets for hands-on class is $10 per person and registration required.
10 a.m. — Breakfast with Boomer, Foster Recreation Center.
10 a.m. — Bears in the Belfry, Meyer Library.
10:30 a.m. — Golden Bears Luncheon, Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom. An exclusive lunch for alumni who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago.
11 a.m. — Tailgate at BearFest Village, Plaster Stadium.
2 p.m. — MSU Football vs Northern Iowa, Plaster Stadium. Tickets range from $14-27.
5:30 p.m. — "It's On!" event at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.