Homecoming Week is back.
From the kickoff party on the West Hall lawn last night to the game against Tulsa Saturday, there are plenty of opportunities for University of Memphis students to get involved.
"It's a unique celebration of all The U of M has to offer, and generates excitement about everything from academics to athletics," said Brennan Berg, graduate assistant for alumni programs. "And it marks a great occasion for alumni to come back and see the progress their school has made."
The parade and pep rally on Friday, followed by the game on Saturday, mark the culmination of Homecoming Week.
The parade is a great way to draw interest to an organization, according to Berg.
"It shows to the rest of the community what you are all about and is a great way of advertising," he said.
There are 75 entrants in this year's parade, up from last year's 50, featuring floats and banners created by student organizations, The Mighty Sound of the South marching band, Tiger spirit squads, guests of honor, Pouncer the mascot, and many others.
The parade will begin on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and will move from Zach Curlin to Walker, then right onto Patterson, ending on Central at the site of the pep rally on the Fogelman College of Business and Economics lawn.
The pep rally will feature football coach Tommy West, food from Huey's, and live music from The Soul Outsiders.
Traffic along the parade route will be affected, but no problems are expected, according to Bruce Harber, director of police services.
He said that the traffic situation last year ran smoothly because Central stayed open, and Zach Curlin and Walker re-opened as soon as the parade passed, so this year the situation will be the same.
"Each street should only be closed for 10 or 15 minutes each," Harber said.
But students will be unable to enter Zach Curlin starting at 4 p.m. to allow the parade to form.
Homecoming is particularly important to Greeks, according to Chris Hawk, 2006's Greek Man of the Year.
Fraternities and sororities pair up and compete by making a banner and a float, and performing in the step show Thursday at the Rose Theatre. There is also a blood donor competition.
"Homecoming's really important because it's the first big competition for the fall," Hawk said. "People show support for the school but also get to know people from other organizations."
Other events include the Alumni True Blue Barn Bash BBQ on the west side of the Liberty Bowl before the game Saturday, and the Homecoming Step Reunion after the pep rally Friday.
The Step Reunion will feature "Ole Skool" NPHC members stepping in the Carpenter Complex parking lot.
"The enthusiasm has really spread this year," said Berg. "We're expecting a larger audience [at the parade] enjoying a unique experience that only happens once a year."
