KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee will start its homecoming celebrations on Sunday. This year's theme is "Neyland Night Lights," which captures the energy of being under Neyland Stadium lights.
More than 30 events are planned for students and the public leading up to the Vols’ matchup against Mississippi State University on Nov. 9.
Some featured events include:
Paint the Union (Nov. 3, 2 p.m. at the Student Union): Groups are assigned a glass window section of the Student Union and judged on creativity and design in keeping up with the homecoming theme.
Banner Drop (Nov. 4, noon at Neyland Stadium): Student organizations will design large banners to hang from Neyland Stadium to promote homecoming.
Chancellor's Homecoming Kickoff (Nov. 4, 4 p.m. at Humanities and Social Sciences Plaza.): Chancellor Donde Plowman will kick off this year’s homecoming festivities by dyeing the “Europa and the Bull” fountain orange.
Rocky Top Rally (Nov. 8, 2 p.m. at Torchbearer Plaza): Attendees will enjoy a celebration filled with novelties, free food and activities before the parade.
Alumni Homecoming Tailgate (Nov. 9): Beginning three hours before kickoff, attendees will enjoy food and beverages, live entertainment and special games for little Vols. This year’s event is sold out.
You can view the full schedule of campus events here.
“Homecoming is the best time on campus in the fall for a variety of reasons,” Brad Ward, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement, said. “Our alumni come home to meet up with friends, family and classmates they haven’t seen in years to chat about the good old days, while our students, faculty and staff get to take part in traditions old and new. Homecoming is the time for celebration, fellowship and fun, and we’re excited for everything this year has to offer!”
Vol For Life Todd Helton will serve as this year's grand marshal for the homecoming parade. Helton was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this year. He was a standout performer who broke many program records during his time at UT. He was also drafted in the first round by the Colorado Rockies in 1995.
The parade will start at 4 p.m. on Nov. 8 in front of Fraternity Park, along Volunteer Boulevard. The procession will head north toward Circle Park, where the judging will take place and end down Peyton Manning Pass.
Participants in the Little Vol Walk (kids 10 and under) will also join the parade. You can register for your kid here.
