UT’s Homecoming celebration begins on Sunday, embracing the university’s 225-year anniversary with this year’s theme, “Lighting the Way.”
Over 25 events are planned for the campus community, alumni, and the public leading up to the Vols’ football game against the University of Alabama–Birmingham at 7 p.m. Saturday, November 2.
See the full schedule of events.
Featured Events
All Campus Events will kick off the week on Sunday, October 27, with Chalk Ped Walk. Teams will be invited to use sidewalk chalk to decorate their designated squares at 1 p.m. on Pedestrian Walkway.
The Center for Student Engagement will host the Homecoming Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, October 28, at the Student Union Plaza. The event will include a virtual reality roller coaster, a caricature artist, inflatables, free food, and more.
New this year, the Spirit Run/Walk will kick off at 6 p.m. Monday, October 28, at the Student Union Plaza. Participants are encouraged to wear orange and bring their UT spirit for a short one-mile route through campus. The first 150 people to arrive get a sport wicking shirt. This event is open to the public. Register now.
Also debuting this year, the Jones Center for Leadership and Service will host the Service Fair from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, at the Student Union Plaza. At the fair, students can meet with community partners including the YMCA of East Tennessee, Emerald Youth Foundation, and the Family Justice Center, to learn about ways to engage in service with the Knoxville community.
From 10 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, the Student Government Association will host its annual Homecoming Bonfire at Fiji Island in Fraternity Park. The event will celebrate the Volunteer spirit with a Halloween twist and feature s’mores, giveaways, and the UT Spirit Squad. Costumes are encouraged.
Alumni are invited to the second annual Alumni Tailgate on Saturday, November 2. The event will begin three hours before kickoff in the Student Union Ballroom. Attendees can enjoy food and beverages, music, and special games for little Vols. The event is $20 per person in advance ($25 at the door) for adults and free for children under 17. See the full schedule of events open to alumni.
Parade
The annual Homecoming parade will take place at 4 p.m. Friday, November 1. The parade starts at Circle Park and will head north on Volunteer Boulevard and turn left onto Cumberland Avenue. The parade brings together UT and the city of Knoxville, showcasing student organizations and community floats. Miss Tennessee 2019 Brianna Mason will lead the parade as the grand marshal. Children ages 10 and under are invited to participate in the parade’s Little Vol Walk and then attend a celebration with crafts and games afterward in the Lindsey Nelson Baseball Stadium.
See Parking and Transit Services for parking options during Homecoming.
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CONTACT:
Maddie Stephens (865-974-3993, msteph44@utk.edu)