Lamar University’s Homecoming week will kick off Oct. 13 with a schedule of events leading up to Saturday’s football game against UT-Rio Grande Valley.
The theme, “Vanquish the Vaqueros,” ties into Saturday’s matchup, but organizers say the focus is on building campus pride and community spirit.
“We want to make sure Homecoming feels like it’s for everyone,” Kyle Fayan, associate director of student involvement, said.
“It’s not just for football fans or for Greek life. It’s about building pride and connection across campus.”
The week will include many free activities and events which will have many giveaway aspects, including free Homecoming themed LU swag.
The Homecoming schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, October 8 – Thursday, October 9
Royal Court Applications will be open all day. All applicants must be sponsored by a registered student organization. Applications are available through LUHub.
Royal Court Information sessions will be held in 122 Setzer Student Center-Bayou South from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 9.
Monday, October 13
Voting for Royal Court begins and will be open through Oct. 16. Voting will take place on LU Hub.
Homecoming week festivities will begin with “Wake Up to Homecoming,” a breakfast taco giveaway, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in The Quad in front of the Setzer Student Center.
The annual bonfire and Royal Court showcase will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Bonfire Field opposite Spindletop Boomtown Museum. The Homecoming Royal Court showcase will be held before the bonfire.
Tuesday, October 14
Students can take advantage of the Resource Market held in Gentry Hall at Cardinal Village beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students will be able to learn about different campus resources. Free hot chocolate and donuts will be provided.
At 12:30 p.m., “Cardinal Craze” will allow students to get in touch with their creative side at a DIY-based event in the Setzer Student Center Atrium.
The Cardinal Activities Board will host a mum-making themed night as part of their weekly Patio Nights, 7 p.m. at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.
Wednesday, October 15
The Career Center will partner with CAB for a non-industry-specific “Hire a Cardinal Career Fair.” The event offers an opportunity for students to network and seek opportunities within any field. The event will be hosted in the Montagne Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LU’s softball team will play San Jacinto College at 5 p.m. at the LU Softball Complex. Entry is free with student ID.
LU Football Head Coach Pete Rossomando will host a live radio show on the Patio at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The show will break down the weekend’s matchup and he will share his insights on the Homecoming game. Students will have the opportunity to win a free food voucher, which may be redeemed in the concession stands during the game.
Thursday, October 16
Brook Shivers Dining Hall will host its annual fall-themed lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The weekly Student Success Workshops will continue at 1 p.m. in Morris Hall at Cardinal Village.
LU volleyball will play the University of the Incarnate Word in McDonald Gym at 6 p.m.
Friday, October 17
The Homecoming concert will take place in the Neches FCU Arena at the Montagne Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. The concert will feature rapper G Herbo, with Iann Dior as the support act. The concert will begin with a pep rally by LU’s cheer and dance teams.
“We wanted to elevate the experience this year,” Hayden Jackson, student engagement coordinator, said. “Last year’s concert was a success, but students wanted more. By adding another artist and making it feel like a full show, we’re giving them that.”
Saturday, October 18
Game day will include many events for the Southeast Texas community. Big Red’s Classic & Antique Car Show will take place in the Spindletop Boomtown Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Dishman Art Museum will be open for visitors to view “Part Geometry-Part Zen,” an exhibition of paper folding by artist Joan Son, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LU’s volleyball team will play Houston Christian University in McDonald Gym at 11 a.m.
The Boomtown Tailgate will take place on the Plummer Lawn, Lot E-3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The tailgate will allow alumni and student organizations to collaborate and create more excitement for the Homecoming game, Fayan said.
A Cardinal Walk to the stadium will begin at 12:15 p.m. The walk will feature LU’s football team as they walk through the tailgate to the stadium.
The Showcase of Southeast Texas, LU’s marching band, will present a pre-game show at 2 p.m. in Provost Umphrey Stadium. Shortly after at 2:40 p.m., the Cardinal Belles and LU’s cheer team will present a pre-game show.
The big Homecoming game against the UT-RGV Vaqueros will kick off at 3 p.m.
“Our goal is to build excitement leading up to Saturday,” Fayan said. “When students walk across campus, we want them to feel Homecoming everywhere they look.”
For more information, visit lamar.edu/homecoming.