A haunted homecoming: SDSU unveils spooky new logo for 2025
Coinciding with Halloween and Día de los Muertos, this year’s Homecoming features a new design and theme that highlight Aztec pride in a festive way.
San Diego State University’s homecoming is leaning into a century-old tradition with a spooky twist. Homecoming 2025 coincides with Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and the university is marking the occasion with a haunting new logo that transforms Hepner Hall and the Imperial Valley campus into a spirited scene.
The design, created by Aztec Shops staff with contributions from recent alumna Daisy Garcia, a graphic design major who graduated in spring 2024, centers on the words Haunted Homecoming Week splattered in eerie red. Red bats take flight across a black background, circling iconic SDSU landmarks including Snapdragon Stadium, Hepner Hall, the University Library dome, Ballesteros Tower and the Steppling Art Gallery.
“The inspiration was basically: make something haunting while incorporating SDSU campus, SDSU Imperial Valley and Snapdragon Stadium,” said Ben Eisenstein, marketing director for Aztec Shops, which operates the SDSU Bookstore.
Eisenstein said the goal was to create a design that felt festive for both Halloween and Día de los Muertos while still tying directly to Aztec pride. “We wanted something playful but unmistakably SDSU,” he said.
Garcia, who had worked with Aztec Shops as a student employee, said the project was a chance to combine her love of illustration with school spirit.
“This was such a fun and exciting project, because it's the first time I can remember that we've had a Halloween-themed Homecoming. I enjoyed the sketching process and the outcome came out even better than I expected!,” she said.
The logo will make its debut on stadium signage and campus promotions throughout the week, Oct. 27-Nov. 2. Students and alumni can expect to see it on social media leading up to the football game at Snapdragon Stadium in SDSU Mission Valley and on promotional items during homecoming week.
This year’s homecoming events will carry the “haunted” theme, blending SDSU tradition with seasonal fun. The logo is meant to set the tone.
“It’s about showing school pride in a way that’s unique to this moment,” said Jennifer Ranallo, alumni relations specialist.
