Get Excited! It's Homecoming Week!
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2009) - Show your Kentucky Wildcat spirit by joining the Student Activities Board (SAB) for the 2009 “Viva Lex Vegas” Homecoming, one of the University of Kentucky’s oldest traditions being held this week with events throughout campus and the Lexington area.
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 the Lexington population.”
This year SAB is excited to announce the return of Wildcat Roar, the official 2009 Homecoming pep rally which will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 in Memorial Coliseum. The pep rally is a historical UK event dating back to 1915 when the Homecoming tradition began. During that time, the pep rally took place on Stoll Field where students would gather to cheer the team to victory in their upcoming game.
Wildcat Roar will continue the longstanding practice of gathering students, alumni, faculty, staff and the UK community to prepare for the game against this year’s SEC rival Mississippi State. 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.
The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Tickets are available at the Student Center Ticket Office and will be available at the UK Athletics Ticket Office in the Joe Craft Center the evening of the event.
“We’re taking a tradition from the past and molding it to better appeal to our generation. SAB is proud to restore the opportunity for students to become a part of UK tradition through events like Wildcat Roar, which they can attend free of charge,” said Moffett.
Students can conclude their tradition-filled week with the University’s most popular events taking place on game day, Saturday, Oct. 31. Prior to the game, students can enjoy the oldest homecoming pastime, the Homecoming parade. Gather to watch as floats, crafted by student organizations on campus, travel the route from Commonwealth Stadium to Memorial Coliseum. The final event of Homecoming is the halftime Royalty Presentation, when students will see two of their own crowned King and Queen by University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd, Jr. and First Lady Patsy Todd.
Become a part of Wildcat history by joining in the exciting traditions of Homecoming week! For more information on this year’s events, visit the “Viva Lex Vegas” Homecoming Web site at www.uky.edu/SAB/homecoming.php or www.ukhomecoming.com.