Homecoming Celebrations Begin Sunday, Todd Helton to Serve as Grand Marshal

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will celebrate Homecoming Nov. 3-9, bringing the Volunteer community together to celebrate the history, traditions and spirit of UT.

This year's theme is Neyland Night Lights, capturing the energy of being under the Neyland Stadium lights. More than 30 events are planned for the campus community, alumni and the public leading up to the Vols' night game against Mississippi State University on Saturday, Nov. 9.

VFL Todd Helton ('95) will serve as this year's Homecoming parade grand marshal. A Class of 2024 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Helton was a standout performer at the plate and on the mound for the Vols, setting numerous program records during his time on Rocky Top. He was drafted in the first round by the Colorado Rockies, where he spent his illustrious 17-year career.

"Homecoming is the best time on campus in the fall for a variety of reasons," said Brad Ward, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement and this year's campus coordinator for Homecoming festivities. "Our alumni come home to meet up with friends, family and classmates they haven't seen in years to chat about the good old days, while our students, faculty and staff get to take part in traditions old and new. Homecoming is the time for celebration, fellowship and fun, and we're excited for everything this year has to offer!"

See the full schedule of events.

Featured events

• Paint the Union, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m., Student Union. Participating groups will be assigned a glass window section of the Student Union and judged on creativity and design in adherence to the Homecoming theme.
• Banner Drop, Monday, Nov. 4, noon, Neyland Stadium. Participating student organizations and campus departments will design large banners to hang from Neyland Stadium to promote Homecoming.
• Chancellor's Homecoming Kickoff, Monday, Nov. 4, 3:45 p.m., Humanities and Social Sciences Plaza. Chancellor Donde Plowman will kick off this year's Homecoming festivities with the UT tradition of dyeing the "Europa and the Bull" fountain orange. Students can enjoy free food served by the chancellor's cabinet and pick up Homecoming T-shirts.
• Chalk Ped Walkway, Monday, Nov. 4, 4 p.m., Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Walkway. Participating student organizations and campus departments will be assigned a section of the Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Walkway to decorate with sidewalk chalk in adherence to the Homecoming theme.
• Tower of Cans, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m., various locations on campus. Participating student organizations are asked to collect cans and compete to build the tallest tower out of their donations.
• Rocky Top Rally, Friday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m., Torchbearer Plaza. Attendees will enjoy a celebration filled with novelties, free food and activities before the Homecoming parade.
• 22nd Annual Southeastern Stomp Fest, Friday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Student Union Auditorium. A signature Homecoming event, Stomp Fest is an opportunity for the student body, alumni and the Knoxville community to enjoy high-energy stepping performances by National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities.
• Alumni Homecoming Tailgate, Saturday, Nov. 9, beginning three hours before kickoff, Student Union 21st Mortgage Plaza. Attendees will enjoy food and beverages, live entertainment and special games for little Vols. This year's event is sold out.

See the full schedule of alumni events.

Parade and Little Vols

The annual Homecoming parade will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8. The parade starts on Volunteer Boulevard across from Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium. The procession will head north toward Circle Park, where the judging will take place, and end down Peyton Manning Pass. Participants in the Little Vol Walk (kids 10 and under) will also join the parade. Registration is open now. View the parade map.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, [email protected])

Erica Estep (865-974-2225, [email protected])