By
Viva, Viva Lex Vegas!
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2009) – Wildcats from near and far, past and present are all flocking to Lexington (AKA Lex Vegas) this week for UK's fall tradition, Homecoming! Las Vegas is coming to Lexington as this year's theme, "Viva Lex Vegas," takes over campus and the city through a series of activities and events brought to you by UK's Student Activities Board (SAB).
Every year, Homecoming brings a rush of school spirit and excitement to our community. Student organizations compete in many Homecoming events to show their pride while displays go up all over campus and the surrounding neighborhoods to demonstrate UK’s Big Blue spirit. And, of course, there is always a buzz surrounding the football game and the royalty crowning!
Bryce Moffett, head of the SAB traditions committee, sees UK’s Homecoming as “something that connects the entire University, alumni, athletics program and students with the Lexington community. It’s UK’s chance to strengthen ties with its surroundings through events like Paint the Town Blue, Kitty Karnival and the Homecoming Parade that provide an enjoyable experience for all of Big Blue Nation."
SAB, along with several departments and groups across campus, is proud to present you with a full lineup of events for the entire week leading up to UK's gridiron battle with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Be sure to come out and show your Wildcat pride!
Beginning at noon on Monday, Oct. 26
Vote for your 2009 Homecoming King and Queen!
Visit www.uksab.org and follow the link to vote for who should be crowned King and Queen! Voting ends at noon on Friday, Oct. 30. Crowning of your 2009 Homecoming Royalty takes place at halftime of the UK versus MSU football game.
Monday, Oct. 26
Homecoming Gallery Exhibit
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, Rasdall Gallery
Canstructure
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum
Grab some cans and get ready to build! This popular portion of the Homecoming competition will be held in Memorial Coliseum. The team that has the best structure made entirely of cans will be awarded points. So put on your hard hats and get ready to “canstruct!”
Homecoming Kickoff Rally
Sponsored by the Black Student Union (BSU)
6 p.m. at Johnson Center Blue Courts (Alumni Gym, rain location)
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Kitty Karnival
5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Student Center Grand Ballroom
Wildcat fans come in all shapes and sizes, so Kitty Karnival will provide some Homecoming entertainment to some of our smaller Wildcat fans. Children of faculty, staff and the rest of the Lexington community will come play games at booths set up by different student organizations.
Mo' Betta Basketball Game
Sponsored by BSU
7 p.m. at the Seaton Center
Take part in the 19th annual Mo’ Betta Basketball Game, which pits UK alumni against students. UK students will be defending their win from last year.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Big Blue Impromptu
Featuring emcee Theo Von, former MTV "Road Rules" cast member
7 p.m., Student Center Grand Ballroom
Like in years past, Big Blue Impromptu is a performance-based comedy competition where teams from different organizations will compete by acting out a scenario based on reality television. The teams will be assigned the scenario the evening before the event and will improvise the scene the night of the event. Two more rounds for the winners will follow with various topics assigned.
Mr. and Miss Black UK Pageant
Sponsored by BSU and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, $3 with canned food donation, $5 without canned food donation
Watch as the 2009 Mr. and Miss Black UK are crowned. Winners receive book scholarships.
Thursday, Oct. 29
FearFest Movie Night
10 p.m. at Worsham Theater
Haunted House Fright Night
Sponsored by BSU
8 p.m. at Terror off Tates Creek
Friday, Oct. 30
See Blue Day at Keeneland
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Keeneland, North Terrace
Arrive at Keeneland early for a festive UK pep rally. UK students, staff, faculty and UK Alumni Association members receive free general admission to Keeneland (with I.D.) and will have access to reserved grandstand seating. In addition, a UK "see blue." Central tent will be available. UK Men's Basketball Coach John Calipari will be signing his book, "Bounce Back," in the paddock area from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wildcat Roar Pep Rally
Featuring comedian and "Saturday Night Live" alum Tim Meadows
8 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum, free tickets available at Student Center Ticket Office
The evening will kick-off with appearances by UK athletes, cheerleaders and the band, with special appearances by Coach Brooks and Coach Calipari to get everyone fired up for UK's big victory over the Bulldogs! Comedian Tim Meadows, star of "Mean Girls" and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member, will then perform what is sure to be a hilarious improv show.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Homecoming Parade
9 a.m. from Memorial Coliseum to Cooper Drive
With football season back in the Bluegrass, national, local, and campus celebrities have been invited to participate in this year’s Homecoming Parade! All campus organizations are encouraged to be represented in the parade by creating their own floats!
Step Show
Sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council
5 p.m. at Memorial Hall, $10 in advance, $20 at the door
Witness an exciting show as the UK National Panhellenic Council hosts its annual Homecoming Step Show. Contact Kimber Hatton at 270-304-6996 if you are interested in attending.
University of Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
7 p.m., Commonwealth Stadium
It's 'Cats versus 'Dogs in this gridiron battle. UK's Student Athletic Council had declared this game, "Blackout the Bulldogs!", so be sure to come to the game and wear your black! Royalty and Wildcat Cup winners will be announced at halftime.
For more information on the Homecoming 2009 and a complete list of events, visit www.uksab.org or www.ukhomecoming.com.
