Together Again: Homecoming traditions return
"Wildcats Together Again" is the theme for this year's Homecoming, which began Sunday with the lighting of "A" Mountain.
The Club Olympics culminate Thursday with the Mud Tug of War.
Friday's traditional bonfire will include the crowning of Homecoming royalty followed by fireworks.
Staff and faculty have been working to welcome thousands of alumni, friends and community members to campus to enjoy new and traditional events at Homecoming 2021.
"Wildcats Together Again" is the theme for this year's Homecoming, which got kicked off on Sunday with the lighting of "A" Mountain.
This celebration is a true Homecoming for everyone, said John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation.
"It's such a pleasure to see people returning to campus to reconnect. I'm also excited to recognize the Class of 2020 in person," he said. "Let's make this Homecoming a great one for them and everyone in our community, including our student-athletes who will be performing on the field."
The Arizona Wildcats take on the Cal Golden Bears on Saturday. Kickoff is at noon. Tickets are available from Arizona Athletics.
Thursday
Student clubs have been gathering on the Mall this week for the Club Olympics, and annual event aimed at building school spirit and excitement throughout the week preceding Homecoming.
Grab your lunch and head to the Mall at noon on Thursday, when the Club Olympics culminate with the Mud Tug-of-War.
Friday
The day's events begin with an announcement at 9 a.m. of a transformational gift to the College of Pharmacy.
At 4 p.m., Class of 2020 graduates and their families will attend a belated Commencement in front of Old Main.
Beginning at the same time is Bear Down Friday, a community pep rally held on University Boulevard between Euclid Avenue and Park Avenue. As Bear Down Friday winds down, visitors are invited to follow the Pride of Arizona Marching Band to the Old Main Berger Memorial Fountain for the traditional bonfire and crowning of Homecoming royalty. The evening will conclude with fireworks.
Saturday
The Wildcat for Life Tailgate Party on the Mall, which begins at 8 a.m., has something new this year: main-stage entertainment. Featured performers include the University's Club Cheer Team, musicians from the Fred Fox School of Music, and the Asian American Faculty, Staff and Alumni Club, which will welcome the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center to perform a Chinese lion dance. The club will also host a performance by Underskore, the University's student K-pop dance team.
Deans, faculty, staff and students will greet alumni at tents during the Wildcat for Life Tailgate Party. Colleges will also host breakfasts and other gatherings throughout the week to give alumni opportunities to reconnect.
Additional Homecoming events include the class of 1970 and 1971 reunions and the Alumni of the Year Awards.
Visit arizonaalumni.com/homecoming for a full calendar of events. For health and safety protocols, visit covid19.arizona.edu/updates.
This year's Homecoming sponsors are Bank of America, the BookStores, Geico, Loews Hotels, American Pacific Mortgage, Hensley Beverage Co. and Raising Cane's.