October is finally here and that means only one thing for all true blue Tiger fans: Homecoming.
Along with the traditional student events, there are activities planned for both faculty and alumni.
The half-century club reception will kick things off for the former graduates at 5 p.m. at the Alumni Center. This event is specifically for class friends and graduates of 50 years or more.
The rest of The University will get started at 5:30 p.m. with the Homecoming parade hosted by the alumni association and the Student Activities Council.
Some of the parade highlights will include float and banner competitions, the Mighty Sound of the South marching band, ROTC cadets, U of M spirit squads, mascot Pouncer and music from Sound Fuzion.
The parade will take a different route this year and will have a slightly different tone as well.
"There are some new rules this year," said Mindy Gregory, director of alumni programs and special events. "The floats will have no pomping, no hydraulics and no kind of rotation or lateral movement."
For those who do not know, pomping is the process of gluing tiny pieces of tissue paper to the structure of a parade float.
"We are trying to tone down the competitive aspect of the parade and just have a good time," said Jessica Sullivan of the Student Activities Council. "The new rules were instituted because we wanted everyone to go home and relax during fall break, not be here working on their float the entire time."
The new parade route will go along Zach Curlin, Walker, Patterson and Central between Patterson and Innovation Drive. Entrance to The U of M will be limited between 4 and 7 p.m. Memphis police and U of M police will direct traffic at the major intersections and Central Avenue will remain open for the duration of the parade.
"We are very excited about this year's homecoming parade," said Julie Johnson, vice president of advancement. "E-mails have been sent to all students, faculty and staff informing them of the parade route and traffic adjustments. Additional information is available on The University Web site."
The adjustments to the parade's route are primarily to accommodate activities taking place in the music, theatre and communication buildings.
"We don't want to limit attendance to any of these events and we are trying to inconvenience everyone as little as possible," said Curt Guenther, U of M Director of Communications.
Those attending the events Friday evening are advised to park in the Southern lot.
The pep rally will take place at 6:30 p.m. immediately following the parade at the corner of Central and Patterson, outside the Fogelman College of Business.
Tiger coach Tommy West will be the special guest. The parade floats will be on display, a moon bounce will be available for children and Huey's will provide refreshments.
On Saturday the "True Blue Barn Bash" will be take place before the game at 12:30 p.m. in the barn located on the west side of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium near gate 3. Everyone is invited to enjoy barbecue with the $5 admission.
Of course, it would not be Homecoming without a football game, and the Tigers will take on East Carolina at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 901-678-2331 or visit www.gotigersgo.com.
"Last year's turnout is the best I have ever seen in my time at The University, and I hope this year is even better," Gregory said. "Homecoming is really important in an urban, commuter campus like ours because it really brings the focus back to students, and alumni can spend time on campus and truly feel like they have come home."
