By Annalisa Purser, communications specialist, University Marketing and Communications

The University of Utah’s annual homecoming celebration begins with the student dance on Sept. 30 and culminates on Oct. 8 with the football game against Pac-12 peer the University of Arizona. Inspired by this year’s “#UUThrowback” theme, Homecoming Week provides ways for students, alumni and other U fans to celebrate the U’s rich history and traditions of the past and present. Visit alumni.utah.edu/homecoming for more information and event registration.

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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Friday, Sept. 30
Homecoming Dance: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Admission: Free with UCard, $10 per non-U student
This year’s dance at The Depot (13 N. 400 West, at The Gateway) features free pizza from The Pie and live music by the band Fictionist from 10 to 11:30 p.m. The first 150 attendees will get a U BlenderBottle, and there will be hourly drawings for other prizes. Admission is at the door. For more information, visit asuu.utah.edu.[/bs_col]
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Tuesday, Oct. 4
House decorating: 4 p.m.
In keeping with tradition, students will participate in a house decorating competition on Greek Row and other campus-area locations. Decorated locations will be judged for originality and interpretation of this year’s decorating theme.[/bs_col]
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Wednesday, Oct. 5
Emeritus Alumni Reunion: 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $35 per person
U graduates from 40 or more years ago (or age 65 or above) will hold their reunion at the U’s beautiful new Thomas S. Monson Center on South Temple. After reminiscing and renewing acquaintances, attendees can enjoy a tour of the newly remodeled mansion followed by dinner and a presentation by guest speaker Jason Perry, director of the U’s Hinckley Institute of Politics and vice president for Government Relations. Online registration is available to the first 75 registrants at alumni.utah.edu/homecoming.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col]
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Thursday, Oct. 6
Songfest: 6 p.m.; Crimson Rally: 7:30 p.m.
The energy on campus really starts to heat up in anticipation of the homecoming football game against Arizona, beginning with the annual Greek Songfest presentation of song-and-dance routines, judged for creativity and presentation in the Union Ballroom at 6 p.m. The annual Crimson Rally will get under way immediately after Songfest concludes, on the Union Lawn at 7:30 p.m. The pep rally features remarks by Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham and some of his players, the marching band, cheerleaders and the U’s mascot, Swoop, who turned 20 this year. Both events are free and open to the public.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col]
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Friday, Oct. 7
Homecoming Scramble Golf Tournament: 9 a.m.
After a one-year hiatus, alumni and U fans will once again hit the Bonneville Golf Course for the 18-hole Homecoming Scramble Golf Tournament, which helps fund University of Utah student scholarships and Huntsman Cancer Institute. Visit alumni.utah.edu/homecoming to register your foursome.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col]
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Friday-Sunday, Oct. 7-9
Parent and Family Weekend
Parents and families of U students are invited to spend time on campus and take part in homecoming weekend festivities. Register online at orientation.utah.edu/parents. [/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col]
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Saturday, Oct. 8
Homecoming Day

5K: 8:30 a.m.
Day-of registration: 7:30-8:15 a.m.
Registration fees: U faculty/U staff/Alumni Association members, $25 in advance per runner/walker/stroller; U students, $23 advance; other adults, $30 in advance; $35 day-of, per participant.

Kids 1K: 9:15 a.m.
Day-of registration: 7:30-9 a.m.
Registration fee: $15 per child in advance, or $20 day-of run
Kids 1K fun run for children ages 12 and younger. [/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col]
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On Homecoming Day, participants of all ages and abilities are invited to the U’s former law school building, 332 S. 1400 East, for the ever-popular 5K and Kids 1K on the U campus. The 5K and Kids 1K are organized by the Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Board to raise scholarship funds for students. Two students will be selected to receive $500 scholarships, and the two student groups with the largest number of race entries will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Other prizes are awarded to participants in various categories, including the fastest male and female runner, and runners wearing the best red-themed costume. Online registration is available through Oct. 5 at alumni.utah.edu/5krace.

Ute Walk: 5 p.m.
When the players arrive, join the fun Ute Walk procession north down Guardsman Way to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Utah vs. Arizona Pre-game Tailgate: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 Alumni Association members and a guest; $25 per nonmember adult; children under age 2, free.
Utah fans can get pumped up for the game and enjoy food, music, fun and prizes at the tailgate party at 500 South and Guardsman Way (east of the tennis center). Online registration available through Oct. 5 at alumni.utah.edu/homecoming.[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col]
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Utah vs. Arizona Homecoming Football Game: 8 p.m. kickoff
At Rice-Eccles Stadium. Go Utes![/bs_well]