Set Sail for a Week of Fun with UK Homecoming 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2011) – Fall brings to campus and the city of Lexington many traditions – racing at Keeneland, hayrides and corn mazes at local orchards, the beginning of basketball season with Big Blue Madness and UK Homecoming week! University of Kentucky Homecoming 2011 is Saturday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 23.

Homecoming is brought to campus by the UK Alumni Association and the Student Homecoming Coalition. Formed in February 2010, the Student Homecoming Coalition has worked diligently to better coordinate many organizations' individual programming into one, unified Homecoming schedule. The coalition is comprised of representatives from the Student Activities Board, the Black Student Union, the Center for Community Outreach and DanceBlue, UK Student Government, the Inter Greek Programming Assembly, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow and TEAM WILDCAT and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The UK Homecoming Coalition received the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Outstanding Diversity Achievement Award at the 2011 NACA National Conference in St. Louis in late February 2011.

The theme for Homecoming 2011 is "Cats Set Sail" and was selected for the first time by a popular vote of students, alumni and community members in early March.

Homecoming week is chocked full of events that appeal to Wildcats of all ages, and many are free.

Below is an abbreviated list of Homecoming 2011 events. For a complete list, visit www.ukhomecoming.com.

Sunday, Oct. 16

DanceBlue 5K

Race begins at 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium, near gate 4. Registration will be open from 1:30 -2:30 p.m.

Come race for the kids in this annual 5K to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. DanceBlue is one of the state’s largest student-run philanthropies and hosts events throughout the year to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. To register, visit www.danceblue.org for the participation form and payment information. Registration fee is $12 for UK students until Oct. 14; $15 for non-UK student participants and for onsite registration.

Monday, Oct. 17

Paint the Town Blue Picnic

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; POT Plaza

Come check out the amazing murals of Paint the Town Blue while enjoying some tailgating favorites! Windows will be painted on POT and White Hall Classroom Building showcasing the infamous UK pride!

Homecoming Pep Rally for All Alumni, Friends and Students

8 - 10 p.m., Haggin Field

Help us kick off Homecoming Week by wearing blue and white and come to this pep rally that will feature appearances by former players, cheerleaders, the UK Wildcat Marching Band and other activities.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

Investiture of President Eli Capilouto

4 p.m., Singletary Center for the Arts      

The University of Kentucky’s 12th president, Dr. Eli I. Capilouto, will be officially installed during an investiture ceremony. The university community is invited to attend this special and historic event in the life of the university.

Kitty Karnival

5 - 7 p.m., South Campus Courtyard (rain location is the Student Center Harris Grand Ballroom)  

Kitty Karnival features small carnival games created by student organizations for children to come and enjoy on campus. Going on its sixth year, this event has become a UK and community tradition that both students and children love to attend!  This event welcomes local schools, UK alumni, faculty, staff and students and their families.

Mo’ Betta Basketball Tournament

7:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

This event is a men’s basketball game as students compete against alumni. Winners receive bragging rights until the following year and the game is a huge tradition for the Black Student Union.

Wednesday, Oct. 19

Mr. and Miss Black UK Pageant

8 p.m., Memorial Hall

Dating back to the late 1980s, the Mr. and Miss Black UK pageant is a competition that includes a talent section and choreographed dance. Student competitors wow the crowd with an array of talents every year.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Car Smash Cook-out

6 p.m., Near Library Bowl

Friday, Oct. 21

“see blue.” Day at Keeneland

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Keeneland Race Course
Kick off University of Kentucky’s Homecoming weekend with “see blue.” Day at Keeneland. Free general admission for UK students, alumni and faculty with ID and activities for all Wildcat fans! Purchase a commemorative UK/Keeneland 75th Anniversary hat and have it signed by a former football Wildcat. Proceeds benefit Dance Blue. The first 200 UK Alumni Association members who show their membership card at the UK Alumni Association table outside the Gift Shop will receive a free gift. Former UK great Artose Pinner will be on hand to sign the commemorative hats and other memorabilia. Wear blue to the track and stick around and catch all the racing action.

Homecoming Parade for All Alumni, Friends and Students

7 p.m., Downtown

Sit along the parade route and watch the band, cheerleaders, floats, Homecoming royalty and community representatives go by.

NPHC Step Show

7:30 p.m., Memorial Coliseum      

A Homecoming tradition to rival all others, the NPHC Step Show features step routines from each of the NPHC chapters' on-campus. The talent and mastery of Step will impress any spectator. Proceeds from the event benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters and AVOL. Student tickets (with a valid ID) are $10, general public tickets are $15 and all tickets are $20 day of event; for tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Jacksonville State vs. UK Football Game

Noon, Commonwealth Stadium
It's Cats vs. Gamecocks as UK takes on Jacksonville State in the 2011 Homecoming game. Tickets are $41 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-928-2287 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

UK’s Homecoming King and Queen Competition and Crowning

Halftime of Game, Commonwealth Stadium

Homecoming Royalty will be announced during the Homecoming football game. The Court goes through two rounds of difficult judging focused on academics and involvement at UK and in the community before a student vote decides the new King and Queen.

The Wildcat Cup is a Homecoming spirit and participation competition for all student organizations.  Student organizations can attain points through participating in numerous events throughout Homecoming Week. Winners in multiple categories will be announced as well as the overall winner for Homecoming 2011.

Micheck

7 p.m.; Cats Den (in the UK Student Center)

This event is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to come out and show their talent! As Micheck is not a competition, participants may sing, dance, read poetry or any other talent. Everyone is welcome and may sign up at the event.