Homecoming festivities begin Oct. 7, and there are many events for students, alumni and members of the community to participate in leading up to the big game against Stephen F. Austin on Oct. 12.
“Homecoming is a collective effort across campus,” John Rollins, associate director for community relations and public affairs said. “With our new ‘See for Yourself’ campaign finally launched, this is a chance for us to invite the community out to come see and support our football team, as well as our band, our cheerleaders, dance team, all of the groups that are involved that make this come to life.”
Rollins said Cardinal football is on an upward trajector which has energized the campus.
“They’re doing really well right now with the recent national ranking,” he said. “There’s a newfound excitement behind the football team, and that makes it great for all involved.
“But beyond the game, Homecoming is an entire week worth of festivities, all leading up to community tailgate, which everyone can come out and be a part of.”
Here is a schedule of the week’s Homecoming events.
October 7
A pumpkin painting contest will be held at the Setzer Student Center from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will paint mini pumpkins and vote for the winner.
Contestants for the Homecoming Court and Waka Flocka Flame concert opener finalists will have a showcase at the Shelia Umphrey Recreational Sports Center Patio from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
October 8
Students will be able to add personalized touches to LU merch at the Cardinal Craze in the Setzer Student Center from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
LU’s volleyball team will play Stephen F. Austin in the McDonald Gym at 6:30. Students with ID will receive free admission and free popcorn.
Voting for the Royal Court and the Office Door Decorating Contest will also begin online and will run through Oct. 10.
The Rec Center will host a Late Night Mum Factory from 8:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. where participants can make Homecoming mums and corsages.
October 9
LU’s Greek Life Card-nival and NPHC Hump Day. Locations and times TBA.
October 10
Students can participate in a game show called “Minute to Win It” in the Setzer Student Center from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can win cash prizes in 60 second competitions.
The Bonfire kicks off with the Spirit Walk from Cardinal Village to Gladys-City Spindletop Boomtown Museum at 6 p.m., including a pep rally from Lamar University’s marching band.
After performances from the LU band, cheerleaders, and dance team, there will be DJ Battle and food.
October 11
Students can participate in Goat Yoga at the Dining Hall Lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
LU’s Soccer team will play Texas A&M Corpus Christi at the LU Soccer Complex at 7 p.m. Free for students with ID.
Artist Waka Flocka Flame will perform a free concert in the Neches FCU Arena in the Montagne Center beginning at 8 p.m.
October 12
Gladys-City Spindletop Boomtown Museum will host the Big Red’s Classic & Antique Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Dishman Art Museum will hold free art events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Boomtown Tailgate will start at 11 a.m. and run through 2 p.m. at the Plummer Lawn, Lot E-3.
There will be an Alumni pre-game party in the Neches FCU Arena at the Montagne Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Advance registration and payment are required. For details, visit lamar.edu/alumni.
Lamar University’s marching band, The Showcase of Southeast Texas, will perform their pre-game show at 2:40 p.m. at the Provost Umphrey Stadium, with the game against Stephen F. Austin University starting at 3 p.m.
To wrap up Homecoming, the Recreational Sports Center will host its Patio Grand Opening ceremony from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with food, music and more.
For more, visit lamar.edu/homecoming.