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More than 50,000 visitors are expected to participate in this year's celebration, which features several new recreational, educational and social events

By Johnny Cruz, University Communications
September 23, 2008

Several new events and programs will be unveiled at The University of Arizona's 2008 Homecoming, which takes place Oct. 23-25. More than 50,000 guests – including UA alumni, friends and students – are expected to participate at this year's event, which culminates with the football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans.

This year's theme is "There's no place like home," and for the first time Homecoming will add educational and recreational programming to its traditional events.

"The UA's Homecoming event is a celebration that is truly unique compared to its peers," said Chris Vlahos, president of the UA Alumni Association, which is responsible for coordinating the annual celebration. "We are looking forward to hosting an event that celebrates the lifelong ties that our alumni have to the UA while engaging every area of the University."

The UA Alumni Association is also partnering with Campus Recreation to coordinate several hiking excursions for Homecoming guests on the morning of Oct. 25. In addition, UA alumni will be able to purchase daily recreation center and fitness class passes during their visit.

Campus visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the UA's contributions to the environment, medicine and space exploration at the new Homecoming lecture series. This year's speakers are Peter H. Smith, principal investigator for the Phoenix Mars Mission; Paul Portney, dean of the Eller College of Management; and Victoria Maizes, executive director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

One of UA Homecoming's best-known traditions is the "Tents on the Mall" event, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. This year the Mall also will include the UA College Village, which will serve as a central gathering place for alumni looking to reconnect with friends and faculty from their college and learn about their academic department's recent achievements.

During Tents on the Mall, beer sales will be handled by the UA Student Unions. There will be additional points of distribution and prices have been reduced.

"Our goal is to make every Homecoming better and more enjoyable for the campus and Tucson communities," said Vlahos. "We listened to students and alumni after the 2007 Homecoming and have made enhancements based on their feedback and our desire to provide a safe and enjoyable environment."

The weekend's events include:

Oct. 23

6 p.m. – Class of 1958 reunion dinner, Student Union Memorial Center, Grand Ballroom

Oct. 24

11 a.m. – Emeritus Club Luncheon, Student Union Memorial Center, South Ballroom

Members of UA classes of 1958 and prior years are invited.

3 p.m. – Alumni Awards and Recognition Reception, Student Union Memorial Center, South Ballroom

5 p.m. – Bear Down Friday, University Boulevard (between Park and Euclid)

7 p.m. – Homecoming Kick-off Celebration and Bonfire Pep Rally, west side of Old Main.

Homecoming weekend formally kicks off as alumni, students, cheerleaders, fans and UA head football coach Mike Stoops come together to cheer the Wildcats to victory. The Homecoming king and queen also will be announced.

Oct. 25

9 a.m. – Bobcat Breakfast, Student Union Memorial Center, South Ballroom

10:30 a.m. – Class of 1958 Campus Walking Tour, begins at Old Main Fountain

11 a.m.-game time – Homecoming Information Tent, Campus Mall (south of Alumni Plaza)

1-7 p.m. – Alumni Food Tent, Campus Mall (at Alumni Plaza)

2 p.m.-game time - Tents on the Mall, Campus Mall

Colleges, fraternities, sororities and alumni and campus organizations will host their alumni.

3:30 p.m. – Homecoming Parade, Campus Mall (from Campbell to Old Main)

The Grand Marshalls for this year's parade will be several 2008 UA Olympians. More than 100 parade entrants will participate including floats, bands, pep groups,and  past and present members of the Homecoming Court.

7:15 p.m. – Football Game

Arizona Wildcats vs. USC Trojans