The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Homecoming celebration kicks off Sunday, Oct. 29, bringing past, present and future Vols together to celebrate the university’s history and traditions.
This year’s theme is There’s No Place Like Neyland, honoring the iconic stadium that has stood on UT’s campus for over 100 years. More than 30 events are planned for the campus community, alumni and the public leading up to the Vols’ football game against the University of Connecticut at noon on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Al Wilson will serve as this year’s Homecoming parade grand marshal. A College Football Hall of Famer, Wilson was a linebacker on UT’s 1998 national championship team. He graduated in 1999 and went on to play for the Denver Broncos for eight seasons.
“Homecoming is a great time to enjoy everything UT has to offer,” said Brad Ward, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement and this year’s Homecoming Committee chair. “We received a lot of great feedback from the campus community last year, and we’re excited to have put together a lineup of events for this year that everyone can enjoy. With the leaves changing, football heating up and our alumni coming back to Knoxville, it’s an exciting time to be a Volunteer!”
See the full schedule of events.
Featured Events
- Chancellor’s Homecoming Kickoff, Monday, Oct. 30, 3:45 p.m., Humanities and Social Sciences Plaza. Chancellor Donde Plowman will kick off this year’s Homecoming festivities with the UT tradition of dyeing the Europa and the Bull fountain orange. Homecoming T-shirts, free food and a pumpkin patch will follow.
- Chalk Ped Walkway, Monday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m., Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Walkway. Participating groups will create chalk designs to promote Homecoming and the UT spirit.
- VolFest 2023, Monday, Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m., Circle Park. Waka Flocka Flame and Sage the Gemini are taking the stage for VolFest 2023. The concert is free for students with an active VolCard.
- Banner Drop, Tuesday, Oct. 31, noon, Neyland Stadium. Participating groups will create designs for large banners that will hang from Neyland Stadium to promote Homecoming.
- Rocky Top Rally, Friday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m., Torchbearer Plaza. Attendees will enjoy a celebration filled with novelties, free food and activities before this year’s Homecoming parade.
- 22nd Annual Southeastern Stomp Fest, Friday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Student Union Auditorium. A signature Homecoming event, Stomp Fest is an opportunity for the student body, alumni and the Knoxville community to enjoy high-energy stepping performances by National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities.
- Alumni Homecoming Tailgate, Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 9 a.m., Student Union 21st Mortgage Plaza. Attendees will enjoy food and beverages, music, special games for little Vols, and remarks from grand marshal Al Wilson and special guest Head Baseball Coach Tony Vitello. The event is $35 per person for adults, $15 per person for children ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and younger. See the full schedule of alumni events.
Parade and Little Vols
The annual Homecoming parade will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. The parade starts on Volunteer Boulevard across from Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium. The procession will head north toward Circle Park, where the judging will take place, and end down Peyton Manning Pass. Participants in the Little Vol Walk (kids 10 and under) will also join the parade. View the parade map.
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CONTACT:
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, mpalme19@utk.edu)
Erica Estep (865-974-2225, eestep2@utk.edu)