Sept. 18, 2014 – The University of Utah’s annual weeklong Homecoming celebration promises something for everyone, beginning with Redfest on Sept. 19 and culminating on Sept. 27 with the football game against Pac-12 peer Washington State University. In keeping with the theme “Believe in U,” Homecoming 2014 provides ways for students, alumni and other U fans to foster educational opportunities and engage in community service such as the Legacy of Lowell Community Service Day on Sept. 20. Visit the Alumni Association for more information and event registration.
Friday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m.
Redfest
Free for U students
$25 general admission
Homecoming 2014 starts with the return of Redfest, the annual on-campus fall concert on the Union Lawn. Hip hop recording artist B.o.B. (also known as Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr.) will headline the show. Tickets are available at the front desk of the Union.
Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m. to noon
11th Annual Legacy of Lowell Community Service Day
More than 1,000 volunteers from the Salt Lake community are expected to participate in 18 different service projects, including literacy tutoring, organizing hygiene kits, home repair projects, environmental restoration and knitting hats for newborns and the homeless. Volunteers will meet at Glendale Middle School, 1430 W. Andrew Ave. From there, they will be transported to the service site of their choice. Breakfast and lunch are provided. More details are available at the Bennion Center.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 4 p.m.
House Decorating
In keeping with tradition, students will participate in a house decorating competition on Greek Row and other campus-area locations. Decorated locations will be judged for originality and expression of this year’s Homecoming theme “Believe in U.”
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 5 p.m.
Emeritus Alumni Reunion
$35 per person
U graduates from 40 or more years ago (or age 65 or above) will hold their Emeritus Alumni Reunion on the U campus. Special guests are members of the class of 1974, the newest members of the Emeritus Club. After reminiscing and renewing acquaintances at the Alumni House, 155 S. Central Campus Drive, attendees will enjoy guest speakers, a tour of the new Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex and a performance by the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program. Online registration is available through Sept. 19.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Songfest (6 p.m.) and Crimson Rally (7 p.m.)
The energy on campus really starts to heat up in anticipation of the homecoming football game against Washington State University, beginning with the annual Greek Songfest presentation of song-and-dance routines, judged for creativity and presentation in the Union Ballroom. The annual Crimson Rally will get under way immediately after Songfest concludes, on the Union Lawn. The pep rally features remarks by Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham and some of his players, the marching band, cheerleaders and the U’s mascot, Swoop. Both events are free and open to the public.
Friday, Sept. 26
– Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament, 8 a.m.
Alumni and U fans will hit the Bonneville Golf Course for the 18-hole Homecoming Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament to benefit the Alumni Association’s Student Scholarship Fund. This year’s event is sold out.
– Homecoming Student Dance, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tickets: $10 per student or $15 for two students
Also on Sept. 26, students get their groove on at the Homecoming Dance at The Grand Hall at the Gateway downtown, 400 W. South Temple. Tickets may be purchased at the ASUU office, Room 234 in the Union.
Saturday, Sept. 27, Homecoming Day
On Homecoming Day, participants of all ages and abilities are invited to the Alumni House, 155 S. Central Campus Drive, for the ever popular 5K and KidsK on the U campus.
The 5K and KidsK are organized by the Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Board to raise scholarship funds for students. Two students will be selected to receive $500 scholarships, 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 the fastest male and female runner, and runners wearing the best red-themed costume. Online registration is available through Sept. 23, here.
– 5K, 8:30 a.m.
Day-of registration 7:30 to 8:15 a.m.
Registration fees: $25 in advance per runner/walker/stroller for U students/faculty/staff/Alumni Association members
$30 in advance for other adults
$35 day-of per participant
– Kids 1K, 9:15 a.m.
Day-of registration 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Registration fee: $15 per child in advance, or $20 day-of run
Kids 1K Fun Run for children ages 12 and younger.
– Ute Walk, 5:30 p.m.
When the players arrive, join the fun Ute Walk procession north down Guardsman Way to Rice-Eccles Stadium.
– Utah vs. Washington State University Pre-game Tailgate, 4 p.m.
$20 Alumni Association members and children ages 3-17
$25 per nonmember adult; children age 2 and under free
Utah fans can get pumped up for the game and enjoy food, music, fun and prizes at the tailgate party at 500 South and Guardsman Way (east of the tennis center). Online registration is available through Sept. 24.
– Utah vs. Washington State Homecoming Football Game, 6 p.m.
Rice-Eccles Stadium. Go Utes!