As the University of Utah celebrates its inaugural year in the Pac-12, Homecoming Week has special significance for the campus and the community. This year, the theme for all events is “Pac to the Future!”.
As usual, the weeklong Homecoming celebration promises something for everyone, beginning with the Legacy of Lowell Community Service Day on Sept. 24, and culminating with the first Pac-12 home Utah football game vs. Washington on Oct. 1. Students, alumni and U fans won’t want to miss out on the complete schedule of events listed below. Visit https://www.alumni.utah.edu/homecoming/ for more information and event registration.
Saturday, Sept. 24: 8 a.m.-noon
Legacy of Lowell Community Service Day
The Lowell Bennion Community Service Center gets Homecoming Week started with a large-scale community service event. Volunteers will meet at Mountain View Elementary and be transported to the service site of their choice. More than 20 different service projects will be performed throughout the day, including literacy tutoring, home repair projects for seniors, environmental restoration, hygiene kit assembly, community gardening, mural painting and neighborhood cleanup. The event will include breakfast, followed by a luncheon at Mountain View Elementary. In addition, U alumni chapters around the nation are mobilizing in their local communities to perform service where they live.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
House Decorating: 4 p.m.
In keeping with tradition, students will participate in a house decorating competition on Greek Row and other campus locations. Decorated houses will be judged for originality and expression of this year’s Homecoming theme.
Emeritus Reunion: 6 p.m.
$25/person
U graduates from 40 or more years ago will hold their Emeritus Reunion at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Special guests are members of the class of 1971, the newest associates of the emeritus alumni. While reminiscing and renewing acquaintances, guests will get a special glimpse from museum curator Donna Poulton on the exhibition “LeConte Stewart: Depression Era Art.” They will also be invited to take docent-led tours of the museum. Register online at https://www.alumni.utah.edu/boards/eab/?display=11_emeritus-reunion.php.
Thursday, Sept. 29: 6 p.m.
Songfest and Crimson Pep Rally
The energy on campus really starts to heat up in anticipation of the homecoming football game with the annual Greek Songfest presentation of song-and-dance routines judged for creativity and presentation, followed by the Crimson Rally, a traditional pep rally with football coach Kyle Whittingham, and appearances by the players, the marching band, cheerleaders and the U’s mascot, Swoop. The event is free and open to the public, to be held at the Union ballroom and Union patio.
Friday, Sept. 30
Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament: 8 a.m.
$150 per person or $600 per foursome
The sixth annual 18-hole Homecoming Scholarship Scramble golf tournament at Bonneville Golf Course benefits the Alumni Association’s Student Scholarship Fund. Online registration is available through Sept. 20 at: www.alumni.utah.edu/golf/.
UNight: 6-7 p.m.
This year, the 48-hour game day experience for fans, families and visitors will begin Friday night before the game at The Gateway shopping center downtown. Join U fans in a parade led by the marching band, dance team, cheerleaders and Swoop as they march through The Gateway to the Olympic Fountain plaza. Participating stores and restaurants will provide UNight specials. The event is free and open to the public.
Homecoming Dance: 8 p.m.-midnight
Tickets: $6/student
Students get their groove on at The Depot for the homecoming dance (400 W. South Temple). Students must present their Ucard at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the Associated Students of the University of Utah office (Room 234 Union) or online: http://www.asuu.utah.edu/.
Saturday, Oct. 1 – Homecoming Day
5K Run/Walk/Stroll: 8:30 a.m.
Day-of registration 7:30-8:15 a.m.
Advance registration fees: $30/Adult ($35 day of); $25/U of U Faculty & Staff; $20/Student
On Homecoming Day participants of all ages and abilities will gather at the Alumni House (155 S. Campus Drive) for the ever popular 5K Run/Walk/Stroll on the U campus.
Kids 1K Fun Run: 9:15 a.m.
Day-of registration 7:30-9 a.m.
Advance registration fee: $12/Child ($15 day of)
Kids 1K Fun Run for children ages 12 and younger.
The 5K and Fun Run are organized by the Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Board to raise scholarship funds for students. Two students will be selected to receive a $500 scholarship, and the two student groups with the largest number of race entries will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Other prizes are awarded to participants in various categories, including fastest male/female runner, and runners wearing the best red-themed costume. Online registration is available through Sept. 28 at: www.alumni.utah.edu/5krace/.
Pre-game Tailgate and Ute Walk: Two and a half hours prior to game time (TBA)
Tailgate registration fees: $20/Adult; $15/Alumni Association member; $10/Children ages 6-18; Free/Children 5 and under
Don’t miss the first Pac-12 home tailgate party at 500 South and Guardsman Way (east of the tennis center). Register online at: www.alumni.utah.edu/homecoming/. When the players arrive join the Ute Walk procession to Rice-Eccles Stadium. Game time will be confirmed and announced in late September. Check the U Athletics website: http://utahutes.cstv.com/.
Homecoming Game: Utah vs. Washington
Game time will be confirmed and announced in late September. Check the Athletics website: http://utahutes.cstv.com/.
Parent and Family Weekend: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
Parents and families of U students are invited to spend time on campus and take part in Homecoming weekend festivities. Register online at: https://umarket.utah.edu/orientation/.
Housing and Residential Education Reunion: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
Former Housing and Residential Education staff and student leaders hold their first reunion during Homecoming weekend. For more information call 801-587-2002, or find HREunion on Facebook.