Contrary to what most students believe, the Tiger Pride Council is not doing away with the 2016 basketball homecoming. However, Tiger Pride Council has gotten rid of competitions between greek organizations.
Funding and control for this year’s basketball homecoming has shifted hands and names.
The Student Activity Fee Committee has taken responsibility for operating the week-long event. This means student government will no longer have to pay or plan the event.
“I suggested to the Tiger Pride Council that we rebrand the event to focus on student spirit initiatives,†said Justin Lawhead, associate dean of Student Involvement at the University of Memphis.
Contrary to what some students believe, the Tiger Pride Council is not doing away with the 2016 basketball homecoming. However, Tiger Pride Council has gotten rid of competitions between greek organizations. This includes diminishing the responsibilities of creating banners, flyers and decorating floats.
“We are not doing away with homecoming as a whole per say, however, we are opting out of doing competitions within Greek Life and registered student organizations,†said Molly Martin, president of the Tiger Pride Council.
Some students support Tiger Pride Council’s decision to switch gears, while others are hesitant in their acceptance.
“If they feel like they can get more participation from students, I think it’ll be a good call,†said freshman Virginia Parr. “Whatever brings more students to the game is best.â€
"Ultimately opting to have a spirit week is more practical,†said Sarah Alford, a recording technology junior. “The Greeks and student organizations won’t have to be concerned with competing, making banners, and things of that nature.â€
However, not all students are hopeful about the changes to homecoming. “Although it may seem practical on paper, I don’t necessarily agree with the change-up,†said Alex Johnson, junior foreign language major.
The rebranding of the basketball homecoming comes right after a season in which the Memphis football team preformed exceptionally well.
“There is plenty of time, money and effort invested into the football program, including providing incentives to get students to the games,†Martin said.
The University has spent more money on football homecoming activities than basketball homecoming recently.
“Students were showing up by the masses for football games to the point where we were constantly having to replenish everything,†Martin said.
Initializing a basketball spirit week will lessen the pressures placed on student organizations brought on by homecoming events. However, the budget for the basketball spirit week will be the same as basketball’s homecoming.
“Now that we’ve gotten to basketball, we still want to invest just as much time and effort. However, we have to take into account what will be best for everyone,†said Martin. “We are just taking a step back to figure out what will be best for the basketball program and the student body collectively.â€
The Tiger Pride Council found it in the best interest of student organizations to compete only once, during the football homecoming.
During basketball spirit week, there will be giveaways and free food served in the University Center.
“If we were to do a basketball homecoming we wouldn’t be able to do as much, however, with a basketball spirit week, we have the opportunity to use the money in different ways to better the experience,†said Martin.
Spirit week will begin Feb. 22 with many incentives and prizes in store for students. The Memphis vs. SMU homecoming game will take place Feb. 25 at the FedExForum.
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