By Jessica Peterson, director of marketing, Alumni Association

The University of Utah’s annual Homecoming celebration promises something for everyone, beginning with the student dance on Oct. 2 and culminating on Oct. 10 with the football game against Pac-12 peer University of California, Berkeley. 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.

Friday, Oct. 2
Homecoming Student Dance: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tickets: $10 per student or $15 for two students
Wearing their favorite retro looks, students will get groovy at the “Red-Tro Funk” dance at The Depot at the Gateway downtown, 400 West South Temple. Tickets may be purchased at the Associated Students of the University of Utah office, Room 234 of the Student Union, or online: asuu.utah.edu.

Tuesday, Oct. 6
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 Homecoming #UUThrowback theme.

Wednesday, Oct. 7
Emeritus Alumni Reunion: 5 p.m.
$35 per person
U graduates from 40 or more years ago (or age 65 or above) will hold their reunion on the U campus. Guests will reminisce and renew acquaintances at the Alumni House, 155 S. Central Campus Drive and Utah basketball coach Tommy Connor will be the guest speaker at dinner. The evening concludes with a tour of the new Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Basketball Training Center. Online registration is available through Sept. 30 at alumni.utah.edu/homecoming/.

Thursday, Oct. 8
Songfest (6 p.m.) and Crimson Rally (8 p.m.)
The energy on campus really starts to heat up in anticipation of the homecoming football game against Cal, 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 8 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. Both events are free and open to the public.

Friday, Oct. 9
Women’s Soccer Tournament vs. Washington State: 4 p.m.
The field heats up for this annual Alumni Night match against the Cougars. Songfest winners will be recognized pre-game along with a competition between the fraternities and sororities at halftime. For tickets and more information visit: utahutes.com.

Women’s Volleyball Tournament vs. University of Southern California, Los Angeles: 6 p.m.
The Utes celebrate their 40-year reunion against UCLA as they take on the Bruins in a conference matchup. Several Utah Volleyball alumni will be honored throughout the night. For tickets and more information visit: utahutes.com.

Parent and Family Weekend: Oct. 9-11
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/PFW.php.

Saturday, Oct. 10 – 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.

On Homecoming Day, participants of all ages and abilities are invited to the Alumni House, 155 S. Central Campus Drive, 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. 6 at alumni.utah.edu/5krace/.

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

Utah vs. Cal Pre-game Tailgate: 6 p.m.
$20 Alumni Association members and children ages 3-17; $25 per nonmember adult; children age 2 and under 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/.

Utah vs. Cal Homecoming Football Game: 8 p.m.
At Rice-Eccles Stadium. Go Utes!