Homecoming Week events will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 throughout all of USF’s campuses.
Courtesy of USF
By Sofía García Vargas
USF’s Homecoming is back celebrating 25 years of football with retro-themed events.
From Oct. 31 to Nov. 6, students can showcase their USF spirit in a series of events and activities, culminating in a headlining concert throughout the university’s three campuses. Every event will highlight iconic moments from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s.
Director of Traditions at Harborside Activities Board (HAB) Allison Richards said that “[the board] wants Homecoming week to be something that all students enjoy and remember.”
For the St. Petersburg campus, events will kick off on Monday with Homecoming Tabling where students can get a swag bag and learn about the activities of the week.
Also on Monday will be Karaoke Night in front of the Student Life Center featuring free DIY shirts and snacks.
Tuesday’s Thriller Nights Homecoming Ball offers students the chance to get on the dance floor with fellow Bulls and celebrate the newly crowned Homecoming royalty.
One of the year’s most anticipated events, the Cardboard Boat Race is also one of Richard’s favorites.
“I am most excited about our Cardboard Boat Race event. We haven’t had it occur outside in its full capacity in years, plus it’s a classic tradition on the St. Pete campus,” Richards said.
Wednesday night will bring “classic retro aerobics” with Rhythm of the Night led by Dwayne Isaacs at the Student Success Center.
Thursday promises excitement for USF students as rapper T-Pain headlines the Homecoming Concert in Tampa. It will be the university’s first in-person concert since fall 2019. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 28.
The same night in St. Petersburg, a screening of “The Goonies” will play on Harbor Walk as part of HAB’s Screen on the Green.
On Friday, Rocky’s Rockin’ Roller Rink will transform the Gold Parking Lot into a skating party, inviting students to “skate the night away and make some memories.”
Also Friday, the USF men’s soccer team will celebrate alumni and senior night by facing Temple University at Tampa’s Corbett Stadium. This will be the team’s last regular match of the season.
As part of the 25 years of football celebration, students can close out the week’s events by cheering on USF as the team takes on University of Houston on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.
Different events will be held for USF alumni who still like to get involved with the community, including a luncheon, Homecoming party, parade and more.
As this year marks St. Petersburg’s largest incoming freshman class, Richards said that Homecoming Week is “a great way to show all the new students how beautifully unique out campus is and to all the returning students it’s a nice welcome back.”
“Our goal during the whole process was to create events that we would love to go to and I believe we accomplished that. I can’t wait for the staff and students to finally experience our events starting Nov. 1,” Richards said.
For more information on event times, dates and locations visit usf.edu/student-affairs/homecoming/
To stay updated with USF’s Homecoming Week, follow HAB’s Instagram account @usfhab, the Homecoming Instagram account @usfhabtraditions, or by texting ‘HAB’ to 76626.
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