Story: Lisa Sollie
The University of West Alabama has announced the schedule for its annual Homecoming celebration, with events for alumni scheduled Oct.24-27.
For students, homecoming week kicks off with Casino Night on Monday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Bell Conference Center. The event features a full slate of table gaming in a casino-style environment.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, students will have a chance to dunk some familiar campus faces and snag a Homecoming t-shirt from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then stop by the SUB starting at 5 p.m. for a chance to grab some delicious Chick-Fil-A. There is no cost for current students, but the give-a-way is first-come, first-served.
The excitement continues Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Serendipity, the annual Homecoming talent show where students compete for prize money and bragging rights. Serendipity will begin at 7 p.m. in UWA Auditorium. The 2024 Homecoming court will also be spotlighted during the event.
On Thursday, Oct. 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. the community is invited to join the Tiger football team, the West Alabama Marching Band, UWA cheerleaders and LUie for the Homecoming pep rally and campus carnival with live music. After dark, a bonfire and fireworks show will light up the intramural fields. Following these events, the Campus Activities Board will host a silent DJ party for students starting at 8 p.m. at the SUB.
The annual homecoming alumni party, one of the most anticipated events of the year, is set for Friday, Oct. 25. Hosted by the Office of Alumni Affairs, the party begins at 6 p.m. at Bell Conference Center. Always a great time for friends, food and fun, this year’s party will feature the band Farmer’s Daughter. Admission to the party is $40 and pre-registration is required.
Several athletic events will also take place during homecoming week. UWA Soccer will take the field on Friday, October 25 against Alabama Huntsville with women’s soccer set for 5:00 p.m. followed by men’s soccer at 7:30 p.m. Also on Friday, UWA Volleyball will have an alumni reunion during their home match against Auburn-Montgomery starting at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner after the match.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the annual homecoming parade will begin at 10 a.m. when UWA students and organizations, special guests, and marching bands from across the state will wind through downtown Livingston and back onto campus at Stadium Drive. Following the parade there will be an alumni tailgate from 12 until 2 p.m. on the hill in front of the Campus School across from the home gate of Tiger Stadium. Alumni are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or quilts to be comfortable and enjoy the gathering. Finally, at 2 p.m., UWA will kick off against Chowan at Tiger Stadium. The 2024 Homecoming Queen and her court will be announced on the field during halftime festivities.
Homecoming events wrap up on Sunday with an alumni baseball game at Tartt Field hosted by UWA Baseball. Alumni who want to play can register for the game, whether they played baseball in college or not. Members of the baseball team will serve as officials and bat boys, and they will also offer skill-building for youth registrants prior to the game. Proceeds from the event will benefit the baseball program. Participants must register online.
The UWA Bookstore will be open during Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 26.
For more information about UWA Alumni events, please contact Banks Gordy, director of Alumni Affairs, at 205-652-3867 or email bgordy@uwa.edu.