The Blueprint: Building on Tradition

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2012) – Homecoming is a special time of year on a college campus, and UK is no exception. Alumni, fans and friends of the University flock to Lexington to reminisce about "the good old days," reconnect with their university and cheer their Wildcats onto a homecoming gridiron victory.

The theme for UK Homecoming 2012 is “The Blueprint: Building on Tradition,” and was selected by the UK Student Homecoming Coalition. The theme celebrates and honors UK’s past, looks towards its bright future and will be seen throughout campus and the Lexington community as we celebrate this special time of year.

The UK Alumni Association and the Student Homecoming Coalition host Homecoming. 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, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow and TEAM WILDCAT and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The UK Homecoming Coalition received the National Association for Campus Activities Outstanding Diversity Achievement Award at the 2011 NACA National Conference in St. Louis in late February 2011.

The Blueprint: Building on Tradition has tons of events for Wildcats of all ages, and many of the events are free!

For a complete list of Homecoming 2012 events, visit www.ukhomecoming.com.

Float Build

Monday through Thursday, Oct. 15 – 18, 8 p.m. – midnight each night

Blue Lot Extended of Commonwealth Stadium

All student organizations that are participating in the 2012 Homecoming are building their floats together in the Blue Lot Extended of Commonwealth Stadium.

Kitty Karnival

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 5 – 8 p.m.

South Campus Courtyard (rain location Student Center Grand Ballroom)

Bring the little Wildcats out for an early Homecoming celebration at the Kitty Karnival. There will be games, prizes, a petting zoo, face painting and lots of candy!

Mo' Betta Basketball Game

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.

Seaton Center

It is time for the 22nd annual Mo' Betta Basketball Game, which pits UK alumni, faculty and staff against the Black Student Union. The Black Student Union has an electrifying halftime dance routine that you won't want to miss!

Mr. and Ms. Black UK Pageant

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

Memorial Hall

This event has been on campus since the late 1980s as this competitive pageant includes a talent section and choreographed dance. The winners are used as the faces of the African-American community on campus.

“see blue”. Day at Keeneland

Friday, Oct. 19, Begins at 11 a.m.

Keeneland Race Course

Kick off University of Kentucky's Homecoming weekend with “see blue.” Day at Keeneland. Join us for festivities throughout the day at Keeneland's North Terrace! Don't miss vocal performances by UK students, the Wildcat mascot and cheerleaders, former UK football star and current Denver Bronco, Jacob Tamme and more UK fun. The first 200 UK Alumni Association members who show their membership card at the UK Alumni Association table in the north terrace will receive a free gift. Wear blue to the track, stick around and catch all the racing action.

Homecoming Parade

Friday, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Lexington

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

NPHC Annual Homecoming Step Show

Friday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.; Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Lexington Convention Center-East Wing

Tickets are available at the Student Center Ticket Office and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15 in advance. All tickets will be $20 day of show.

Homecoming Royalty Crowning and Wildcat Cup Winner Reveal

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 academic 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 2012.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, (859) 257-1909