Desert Bound: Celebrating Wildcat pride during Spirit Week and Homecoming

By Andy Ober, University Communications
Oct. 7, 2024
A red letter A glows under a sunset

The lighting of "A" Mountain is the traditional kickoff of Spirit Week.

When the "A" on Sentinel Peak begins to glow at dusk on Sunday, students in the University of Arizona Bobcats Senior Honorary will officially signal the start of Homecoming week, themed "Desert Bound," Oct. 13-19. 

Three men in red shirts cheer while they hold instruments

The volunteer University of Arizona Alumni Band, made up of past participants in University of Arizona Bands, is an annual favorite during Homecoming Week.

The traditional lighting of "A" Mountain with red flares kicks off Homecoming festivities for alumni returning to campus to reconnect with the university. Campus will be abuzz all week, providing ample opportunity for students, faculty and staff to participate in Spirit Week.

"We're so excited to welcome our alumni and community back to campus. We hope all faculty and staff check out the fantastic events we have planned and share their Wildcat pride by participating in our first Homecoming Spirit Week," said Jonelle Vold, senior vice president for alumni engagement at the University of Arizona Foundation.

10 ways to participate in Spirit Week and Homecoming 

  1. Submit your Spirit Week photo(s) by Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 11:59 p.m. Alumni will vote for the most spirited college/unit and student group on Instagram (@arizonaalumni). The winning photos will be shown on the jumbotron at the Oct. 19 football game against Colorado.
  2. Download a Homecoming Zoom background.
  3. Check out the Student Club Olympics on the Mall, Tuesday-Thursday, 12-12:50 p.m. 
  4. Wear the colors or Wildcat gear and meet for the Spirit Week group photo at Old Main on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 12:45 p.m. 
  5. Attend TEDxUofA on Oct. 18.
  6. Share social media posts from Arizona Alumni on Facebook, X and Instagram.
  7. Volunteer during Homecoming.  
  8. Attend the bonfire and see who is crowned Homecoming Royalty. 
  9. Join the Wildcat for Life Tailgate and Tents on the Mall.
  10. Show your Arizona spirit by wearing red and blue all week, and remember to wear your red to cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Colorado Buffaloes.

"Spirit Week is an opportunity to involve the entire university community in Homecoming and remind ourselves that every one of us is an important piece of what makes this university a special place to return to," Vold said.

A group of people in University of Arizona clothing pose in front of a building

The Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, which is made up of university and University of Arizona employees, oversees Spirit Week and Homecoming festivities each year.

Homecoming event highlights

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