Southern Utah University’s annual Homecoming week is here. Students, alumni, families and the community are invited to reunite for a variety of traditions running from Sunday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 28.
Sunday
Kicking off the activities and athletic events, this week will open with a SUU women’s soccer game. The team will take on Portland State University from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Thunderbird Soccer Field. This match will be streamed on ESPN+.
Monday
Talking about kick off, the following day, the annual homecoming kick off party will take place on Monday, Sept. 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Library Quad. The event will feature multiple activities, hot dogs and snowcones.
For those looking for more ice-cold refreshments, the Sherratt Library will have other options available with the “Chillin’ on the Quad” event. It will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m and popsicles will be provided. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in three SUU traditions.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, Sept. 23, most of the day will be free to give students time to rest and be ready for the Pep Rally and Powder Puff Football game. These events will start at 7 p.m. at the Eccles Coliseum and will feature a special halftime performance.
Wednesday
At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the SUU Community Engagement Center will host a special homecoming service event, offering participants the chance to win prizes.
Later that day, students will have the opportunity to explore new flavors at the International Food and Festival Fair in the Ballroom from 6 to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Battle of the Bands: Thunderground will bring local, live music to campus’s upper quad from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday
On Thursday, Sept. 25, school spirit will take center stage with a full day of dedicated events. Signs and Snacks will be held on the Library Quad from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m and participants will bring their creative touch to campus by creating posters at the decorating party. The finished artwork will be displayed all around SUU.
That evening, the Rivalry Rally will happen at 5 p.m. in the America First Event Center. Face painting, poster decorating and snacks will be available for students before the SUU Volleyball team takes on Utah Tech at 6:30 p.m.
At the same time, the Alumni Award banquet will be held in the Gilbert Great Hall of the Hunter Alumni Center to recognize members from the class of 1975 and the newest members of the 50 Year Club.
Friday
The next day, Forever Red will join the nationwide celebration of America 250 and bring an Americana theme to the upper quad. The evening will feature live performances by Good Vibrations: A Tribute to The Beach Boys and Rhinestone Rodeo, along with food trucks, scholarship giveaways and more.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., everyone can dance and sing until the end of the night before closing the evening with True T-Bird Night at 11:30 p.m. Students will have the chance to complete a SUU tradition and share a kiss with someone of their choice.
The last thing on the agenda this day is the Alumni Band concert. All alumni are invited to participate, regardless of experience. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center Theater, with a short reception to follow.
Saturday— Homecoming Day
On Saturday, Sept. 27, the festivities will start with the Simply A Miracle 5K run at 8 a.m. Then, the traditional Homecoming pancake breakfast will fill everyone’s stomach while the Homecoming parade makes its way down University Boulevard.
Right after, the SUU Campus Store will do its grand reopening at 11 a.m. Exclusive SUU merchandise, giveaways and special discounts will be offered to celebrate the renovated space.
At 4:30 p.m., Eccles Coliseum parking lot will be the place to be for the football student tailgate. Games, activities and snacks will be on display to hype up the crowd before the main event of the week; the Homecoming football game. The Thunderbirds will face off against the University of West Georgia at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday
The week will conclude with another rivalry game with SUU Women’s Soccer taking on Utah Tech at 1 p.m. on the Thunderbird Soccer Field.
More information on Homecoming week can be found on the Homecoming website.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Briar Adams
Photos courtesy of SUU
life@suunews.net