Campus News

Celebrating 107 years of Homecoming traditions

photo of Claire Dzan and Preston White, UK 2021 Homecoming Queen and King
Claire Dzan and Preston White, UK 2021 Homecoming Queen and King. Mark Cornelison | UK Photo.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2022) — The 107th Homecoming at the University of Kentucky is full of opportunities for students and alumni to continue the tradition of what it means to be a Wildcat. The UK Alumni Association, Student Organizations and Activities, Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Activities Board, the Office for Student Success and many other groups have been working hard to make Homecoming week a special time in the lives of students, alumni and all who participate.

The UK Alumni Association will also welcome the Class of 1972 for a variety of 50th reunion activities. A full list of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities and registration information can be found at   .

From Oct. 10-14, there are events for all members of the UK community leading up to the Homecoming football game against Mississippi State University Saturday, Oct. 15. 

Monday, Oct. 10

  • Swag Cab — various times and locations throughout the week. The Swag Cab will be cruising through campus with special guests each day to provide lucky students with a ride to class and a chance to win prizes. The catch? They must correctly answer trivia questions, "Cash Cab" style. Flag them down for a chance to win!

Tuesday, Oct. 11

  • Student Activities Board Homecoming Royalty Showcase — 7 p.m., Gatton Student Center Harris Ballroom. The Royalty Showcase allows Homecoming court candidates to introduce themselves to the student body and UK community. This is an opportunity for them to share their talents and passions as a student at UK. The showcase will consist of an introduction of the candidates, a talent portion and a Q&A session. After all candidates have had their chance to perform, the scores from the judges will be calculated and awards will be given. At the conclusion of the showcase, voting will open for the student body to vote for their 2022 UK Homecoming king and queen. 

Wednesday, Oct. 12

  • Annual Mo' Betta Basketball Game — 7 p.m., Seaton Center.

Thursday, Oct. 13

  • Homecoming Pics in the Plaza — 1-5:30 p.m., Wildcat Alumni Plaza. Come take a photo with Bowman, the Wildcat statue, on the way to class and pick up some Homecoming swag.
  • CaturDIY — 2:30 p.m., Courtyard of Champions. CaturDIY will prepare and excite students for the Homecoming game by providing attendees with clear bags to decorate and fill with essential game day items such as buttons, sunscreen, sunglasses and more. This event also allows students to meet different organizations on campus who have events during Homecoming week and will inform students of the various ways they can get involved. Wildcat and Scratch will be making an appearance and attendees will also have a photo opportunity, yard games, cookies and more to enjoy. 

Friday, Oct. 14

  • Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon — noon-1 p.m., Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom. Join the Lyman T. Johnson African American Constituency Group and the Office for Institutional Diversity for a wonderful afternoon celebrating the 2021 and 2022 Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence and Torch Bearer award recipients. More information, including registration, available here
  • DanceBlue Silent Auction — 5:30 p.m., The Cornerstone. The DanceBlue Silent Auction is a fundraiser for DanceBlue, a student-run organization that raises money for the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. Purchase your tickets at https://ukytickets.universitytickets.com/.
  • National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show – 7:30 p.m., Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom. Join the NPHC fraternities and sororities for this wonderful annual tradition of the Step Show. Purchase tickets at https://ukytickets.universitytickets.com/.
  • Wear Blue Friday — all day. Show your school spirit by wearing blue and sharing your pride on social media using #UKHomecoming.

Saturday, Oct. 15

  • Homecoming Brunch — 9:30-11 a.m., King Alumni House. Begin a full day of Homecoming events by joining the UK Alumni Association for a classroom-style lecture with UK historian Terry Birdwhistell. Don’t worry — there won’t be a quiz at the end! Enjoy breakfast as you are taken back in time to your college days with fellow UK alumni and friends. To register, visit www.ukalumni.net/2022hc.
  • Campus Bus Tour — 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Departs from King Alumni House. Sit back, relax and view the transformation of campus. Stops will be made at the William T. Young Library and the Wildcat Alumni Plaza. To register, visit www.ukalumni.net/2022hc.
  • Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party and Pep Rally — 4:30 p.m., Tobacco Research and Development Center Lawn. Get ready to cheer on the cats by enjoying tailgate food, games, entertainment and more! Entry is $20.
  • UK football game against Mississippi State University – 7:30 p.m. Cheer on the Wildcats in the annual Homecoming game as they take on the Bulldogs at Kroger Field. Stick around during halftime as the 2022 University of Kentucky Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.

From Thursday through Sunday evening, buildings across campus will also be lit blue to celebrate Homecoming. 

Homecoming has been a special tradition on UK’s campus since 1915. As students come and go, it’s always important to pay tribute to those who came before them, and to celebrate the longevity and success of the university. For more information on UK Homecoming and a full schedule of events, visit www.ukalumni.net/s/homecoming.

At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).