The university celebrates Homecoming this week with an array of activities leading up to the main event, the UT-Memphis game at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
This year’s theme is “Rock ‘n’ Roll the Tigers!” As UT takes on Memphis, there will be several different ways for students, faculty and alumni to come together and celebrate their UT ties.
“In recent years, the Homecoming theme has been in the same genre, due to the teams we have been scheduled to play,” said Caitlin Lindstrom, Homecoming 2009 co-director. “This year is exciting because we have been able to embrace a fresh theme.”
A parade, moving eastbound on Volunteer Boulevard and starting at the Rock, will usher in Homecoming’s main events on Friday. Bobby Osborne, who holds a special place in the hearts of UT affiliates for his role in the Osborne Brothers’ recording of “Rocky Top,” will direct the parade.
“The Homecoming Parade is one of our most exciting events because the floats are worked on for days and days by the organizations,” Lindstrom said. “I am always thrilled to see the participants’ hard work pay off as the floats line up for the parade.”
Pre-parade events include “Anything Goes,” a series of fun events and relays held on Fiji Island at Sunday. Also a basketball tournament will take place on Monday at 4 p.m. in HPER, as well as a soapbox derby on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in front of Stokely Athletic Center.
Competition will rage all week as student organizations of all types face off for the Madge Harrison Trophy. This coveted award will be presented to the organization in highest point standing at the end of the week. The award will be given during halftime of the game on Saturday.
“The main activities include banner competition, Smokey’s Howl and the Homecoming Parade,” Lindstrom said. “Organizations submit painted banners to ACE (All Campus Events) early Friday morning. The banners are hung at Neyland Stadium for all football goers to see as they walk to the Homecoming game on Saturday.”
Smokey’s Howl will incorporate the various creative abilities of students here on campus.
“Smokey’s Howl is a spirit-based competition that included cheers, chants, dancing and cheerleading moves judged by knowledgeable faculty and community members,” Lindstrom said.
Some new locations have been incorporated into the Homecoming festivities this year.
“We are so excited to have the pep rally and Smokey’s Howl Finals in Neyland Stadium this year immediately after the Homecoming Parade, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. on Friday,” Kate Humphrey, interim program adviser of Student Activities, said. “Smokey’s Howl prelims will be in Thompson-Boling Arena on Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m., but we are moving outside to arguably one of the most recognized places on campus for the finals.”
After the parade, the Pride of the Southland Marching Band will celebrate the 140-year duration of the program at the Knoxville Marriott, with a reception at 5:30 p.m.
Also on Friday, both the Homecoming Kickoff Show and the Knoxville Wine Down will occur at 7 p.m. The kickoff show is in the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and will feature a series of well-known comedians. The Knoxville Wine Down will be held at the SOBU Restaurant & Lounge.
