Homecoming 2016 kicked off Sunday, October 16th with a party entitled “Homecoming Kick-off Party: Reign ‘Cane with Raising Cane’s!’” This year’s theme is Reign Cane, meaning each event is either a tradition or a throwback to previous years’ Homecoming or Springfest events. Homecoming shirts will be given out at all the events except the bonfire build. The list of events is below.
Monday: Homecoming Color Run. This event is a throwback to 2014 Homecoming. Registration will begin at 6:30pm, although pre-registration is available through SA, and the race starts at 6:45pm. Participants will have colorful powder thrown at them while running or walking a 1.75 mile course, starting at Harwell Field. The top male and female finishers will receive a prize and all will have custom race bibs. After the race, at 7:30pm, there will be a Color War, where people will throw around colored powder. There will be Josh’s Sno Shack.
Tuesday: Street Painting. This TU tradition will run from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Organizations will compete for best painting relating to the theme. Free Papa John’s pizza will be available.
Wednesday: Homecoming Casino Night. From 4:30pm to 7:30pm, a Casino-style buffet will be held at the main level of the Student Union, with food ranging from prime rib, shrimp cocktail and roast lamb. Upstairs, in the Great Hall from 5:00 to 7:00pm, there will be casino tables, with attendants to run and teach the game. Appetizers, desserts and mocktails will be served upstairs. Formal/cocktail attire is encouraged and organizations will receive bonus points for doing so.
Thursday: Bonfire Build and Foam Party. The bonfire build, in association with the Alumni Association, will be from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend but organizations will receive points towards the competition for helping. For safety, wear closed-toe shoes, jeans and work clothes, with gloves encouraged.
The foam party will be held from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Chapman Commons. A throwback to Springfest 2003, this event features a foam dance floor and an inflatable slide covered in foam. Cotton candy and popcorn will be available.
Friday: Student/Alumni Breakfast, Pep Rally and Bonfire and Bike Decorating. This annual tradition will run from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Hurricane Plaza. Ann’s Bakery and Boston Avenue Grill will provide food, from pastries to breakfast burritos.
The bike decorating will run from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Lorton Performance Center parking lot. Free lights and material will be provided. At 7:15pm, a parade will roll down E. 5th Pl and around Dietler Commons.
The Pep Rally and Bonfire will begin at 7:30pm at Dietler Commons. The band and cheerleaders will perform, and representatives from the student body, alumni, faculty and administration will light the bonfire. Fireworks will end the evening. Refreshments for students will be on the west side of Dietler Commons and ones for alumni will be at the alumni shirt.
Saturday: Tulsa Football Game. TU will play Tulane University at 2:45pm.
