The University of Memphis wrapped up their 2024 Homecoming Week that ran October 11-26. From performances from the Mighty Sound of the South to a live concert originally headlined by Boosie BadAzz and BossMan Dlow (the latter of which called out sick), to an epic
football comeback win against Charlotte, “Back to the M” week has been a week full of school spirit, comradery, and giving back to the community.
Homecoming this year was put on with help by the University of Memphis Student Activities Council.
Homecoming for the Tigers officially kicked off on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the official homecoming kickoff held in the University Center Ballroom. Students participated in various competitions in a 70s disco themed event with chances to win multiple prizes.
On Monday, students had the opportunity to make intention bracelets with the Student Activities Council members in the UC Bluff Room. Following this at 6 pm, students and alumni were treated to a comedy show put on by ‘Nate Jackson & Friends’ in the Rose Theatre.
Tuesday brought forth two events for Tigers students and alumni. From 12-2 pm, the University held its ‘Tiger Threads’ donation drive competition. Students brought in clothing items to donate to those in need with the highest donating student, organization, or RSO winning points to win prizes. Then at 6:30 pm, students were able to see the original 1985 Back to the Future film at the Malco Summer drive-in theater.
Students had another chance to win points on Wednesday at the RSO dodgeball tournament in the campus rec center. Then came the very popular “Aux-cord Wars” held in the Rose Theatre later that night. Attendees shared their favorite playlists and songs to claim the title of aux supremacy among their peers.
On Thursday, the annual University of Memphis Black Alumni Chapter Gala took place at the on-campus Holiday Inn, with a presentation honoring the legacy of the Memphis State Eight. Later that night, one of the marquee events of every Tigers homecoming, the Bluff City Bash concert, took place at Simmons Liberty Bank Stadium.
Originally headlined by Louisiana-raised superstar Boosie and up-and-comer rapper Bossman Dlow, the concert switched to three artists after Bossman Dlow abruptly canceled all of his upcoming shows citing poor health. Wisconsin native J.P. and NoCap, a former collaborator with artists such as NBA Youngboy, filled in and performed on Thursday night.
Friday brought the annual Homecoming Parade, highlighted by creative and inventive floats while featuring great presentations put on by all attendees. Students and alumni were also treated to various food trucks that cycled around campus throughout the week.
Finally, on Saturday the Tigers football team faced off against the Charlotte 49ers in their homecoming game. An exhilarating game, coming down to the last few possessions, the Tigers came up huge with a last-minute deep ball from quarterback Seth Henigan to receiver Roc Taylor to get the Tigers the win. More
info about that game can be found here.
While homecoming week may be over, Memphis students and alumni can look back on another successful year of keeping the Tiger spirit alive. While the school might not be the best and biggest university in all the land, it is apparent that those of the Tiger family would not want to call anywhere else home, and can you blame them?
