Homecoming Features New Concert, New Pageant and New Spartan Games

Kayla Roy ’13 is hoping to build upon homecomings from the past with events that turn into traditions.

As the special events chair for Student Productions, Roy oversees the planning of all homecoming week activities. Her team has added events, tweaked some and kept favorites, like Casino Night.

With homecoming running Oct. 17-20, Roy will be in high gear starting today with the kick-off Greek God/Goddess Pageant.

Roy said she changed the event from last year, which just involved a toga contest.

“People thought it didn’t last long enough,” said Roy, a marketing major with a minor in new media production. “So we’ve added a one-minute talent portion and a Q-and-A on school spirit and UT life.”

There is an increase in participation this year, from the number of pageant participants to the number groups walking in Friday’s parade. Student organizations earn points for their participation throughout homecoming week with the winner receiving a $1,000-sponsored event planned by Student Productions.

Aside from the prize money, Roy said students should participate because of the energy that homecoming imbues. It’s like a big, collegiate pep rally.

“I really look forward to everyone getting together to celebrate school spirit,” Roy said. “It’s a good time to just have fun.”

One of the new events this year is the Spartan Games. Because of the response from upper classmen during the freshmen-only Spartan Olympics this August, Roy decided to institute a similar event during homecoming. Pitting freshmen and juniors against sophomores and seniors, students will compete in games for giveaways and of course, honor.

The other new event is the Saturday night concert in Vaughn Courtyard by Green River Ordinance. Roy said she had heard them all summer over Sirius Satellite Radio but didn’t know the band’s name. She described them as an up-and-coming, alternative rock band.

“It’s going to be a mini Party in the Park,” said Roy, referencing the big concert event Student Productions hosts in the spring.

A complete list of homecoming week events includes the following:

Greek God/Goddess Pageant, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 8-11 p.m., Vaughn Lobby
Casino Night, Thursday, Oct. 18, 8-11 p.m., Vaughn Lobby
Parade, Friday, Oct. 19, starts at 5:30 p.m., Beginning on University Drive and Spartan Lane
Tailgate, Friday, Oct. 19, 6-7 p.m., Outside Stadium Center with live, student reggae band Jahguar
Women’s Volleyball Game, Friday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Martinez Athletics Center
Spartan Games, Saturday, Oct. 20, 1-4 p.m., Outside McNiff Fitness Center
Green River Ordinance Concert, Saturday, Oct. 20, 8-11 p.m., gates open at 7 p.m., Vaughn Courtyard

Homecoming is also a time for alumni celebrations. For a full list of alumni events, click here.

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