The С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ will celebrate Homecoming Oct. 8-14 with a week full of activities that energize all three С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ campuses to come alive in a show of support and university pride. The Tampa Bay community is invited to join students, alumni, faculty and staff at dozens of events, including a concert, carnival, talent show, parade and the С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ football game against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Raymond James Stadium.
Homecoming is one of С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ's oldest traditions, dating back to 1964, one year after the first graduating class. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the impact С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ alumni make on the Tampa Bay region and beyond. There are more than 374,000 living С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ alumni; approximately 270,000 of them live in Florida and more than 3,300 work at their alma mater.
Key Homecoming events scheduled include:
Monday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. – Homecoming Kickoff & Lip Sync battle (Tampa campus)
Held in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom, hang with Rocky, hear the Herd of Thunder band, enjoy free food, grab promotional items, meet the Homecoming Royal Court and be engaged with С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ Homecoming 2023. This event is free for С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ students and the community.
Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. – NPHC Extravaganza Step Show (Tampa campus)
The National Pan-Hellenic Council was chartered in 1996 and has carried out the tradition of stepping in what we now know as the Extravaganza Step Show. Held in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom, this free event offers students and the community a chance to learn about the history of stepping and see the creative skills. This is the first time since 2015 the show will take place.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. – Cardboard Boat Race (St. Petersburg campus)
Teams of students and staff are set to build boats out of cardboard, duct tape and trash bags and race them in Bayboro Harbor. This year, the race will be broken into several heats, with more than 20 boats participating. Turn out at the Harborlawn to watch the competition.
Thursday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. – Homecoming Concert (Tampa campus)
This event, held at the Yuengling Center, features Lunay and Baby Tate. Tickets are $25 for the public; $10 for students; $15 for a student guest; and $20 for С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ faculty, staff and alumni and can be purchased online from the link on the Homecoming website.
Friday, Oct. 13, at 5 p.m. – Homecoming Carni-Bull (Tampa campus)
Held in С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ Parking Lot #35 (along С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ Genshaft Drive, next to С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ tennis courts), students and the community can enjoy rides, food, and performances by talented С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ students. There will be a variety of family friendly and adult rides, at no cost, for all ages to enjoy. Food will be available for purchase.
Friday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. – Homecoming Running of the Bulls Parade (Tampa campus)
Take part in a С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ tradition and support your favorite student organizations, local businesses and С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ departments. With watch parties and lots of fun along the route, it's the perfect environment for families and students alike. Watch along Holly Drive, Genshaft Drive and Alumni Drive. This year's Grand Marshall, Joseph Dituri, is an associate professor at С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ. He recently set a world record for living 100 days in an underwater habitat as part of a research project.
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3:30 p.m. – С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ Football vs. FAU -- Head over to Raymond James Stadium to support the С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµ Bulls as they take on the Florida Atlantic University Owls. Tickets are available for purchase
A complete list of events on all campuses can be found on С»ÆÑ¼ÊÓÆµâ€™s Homecoming website.