It's Homecoming Week at Tennessee! Don't miss these Big Orange student and alumni events
It's time to celebrate all things Rocky Top!
It's Homecoming Week for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and the festivities will culminate Saturday with Tennessee football facing UT Martin. But leading up to the big game, plenty of activities are planned to get in the Volunteer spirit.
This year's theme is "Salute to Smokey," honoring the retiring Smokey X and celebrating the passing of the torch to young bluetick coonhound Smokey XI.
Make the most of this yearly VFL gathering by checking out these events.
Sunday, Oct. 16
Paint the Union | 3 p.m. | Student Union
UT student organizations can sign up to decorate one of the most visible buildings on UT's campus! Paint a portion of the Student Union windows, with the "Salute to Smokey" theme in mind.
Monday, Oct. 17
Dyeing Europa and the Bull Fountain | 2 p.m. | McClung Tower Plaza
Make a splash by dyeing the fountain water at Europa and the Bull a vibrant Tennessee orange. This sculpture and fountain is located at McClung Tower Plaza, and the event is presented by the Student Alumni Association and Homecoming Committee.
Chalk Pedestrian Walk | 4 p.m. | Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Walkway
Take a stroll through Pedestrian Walkway and see the Homecoming Week sidewalk decorations by campus departments and student organizations!
Homecoming Pup Rally | 5:30 p.m. | Humanities amphitheatre
Students and staff can sign up their four-legged friends for a UT-themed costume contest, arguably the cutest homecoming event this year. Details about registration and the vaccine requirements for your furry friend can be found at calendar.utk.edu.
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Paint the Town Orange | Knoxville businesses and community centers
The homecoming spirit is spreading beyond campus and into the community! Do you think your business or nonprofit has what it takes to win a window-painting contest?
Knoxville-area businesses and community centers are encouraged to sign up and paint their windows with UT spirit. UT students will judge the decorations Tuesday night, and winners will be announced during halftime Saturday. Details on how to sign up can be found at calendar.utk.edu.
Wednesday, Oct. 19
A Rockin' Night of Recovery | 7 p.m. | Humanities amphitheatre
Enjoy some tunes from Knoxville-based Wasted Major during this event hosted by Rocky Top Recovery. This student organization supports students recovering from substance abuse and mental health disorders through campus programs and advocacy. More details can be found at calendar.utk.edu.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Comedian Kevin Hart Live in Knoxville | 8 p.m. | Thompson-Boling Arena
As part of his 2022 Reality Check Tour, comedian Kevin Hart will be stopping at Thompson-Boling Arena during Homecoming Week. Catch him at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, starting at $53.50.
Friday, Oct. 21
Homecoming Parade + more! | 4 p.m. | Fiji Island and the Student Union
This year's annual homecoming parade is bigger and better than ever before! Yes, the "Little Vols" in orange and white will still be walking through campus. But this year's parade will feature a Tennessee Walking Horse for the very first time!
The lineup features some new additions, as well as the classic decorated floats. A post-parade celebration will take place at the Student Union, featuring a pumpkin painting competition and a performance from Tennessee alumnus-founded Americana band Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. Plus, don't miss the signature homecoming Southern Stomp Fest!
Saturday, Oct. 22
Homecoming Tailgate Contest
Do you think you have the best tailgate on Rocky Top? Now is your chance to show off your pregame party during this year's tailgate competition − and win four tickets to an upcoming UT basketball game!
Dig up your cornhole kit from the garage, wear your best orange outfit and grab your friends, who hopefully know how to grill, decorate and cook a mean side dish. Judges will rank your tailgate on Saturday, and more information can be found at calendar.utk.edu.
Skyhawks v. Volunteers | Noon | Neyland Stadium
Tennessee's homecoming game is at noon Saturday against the UT Martin Skyhawks. The defending Ohio Valley Conference champions has won three straight games heading into Saturdays matchup. It's only the second meeting between the two teams, who both are in the UT System.
Becca Wright: Higher education reporter at Knox News
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee Homecoming Week: Knoxville events for students, UT alumni
