Homecoming 2023 is already off to a wild start

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2023) — The University of Kentucky Alumni Association, in partnership with the UK Office of Student Organizations and Activities and the Office of Student Success, announces UK Homecoming will be celebrated the week of Oct. 8-15 with a variety of activities for Wildcats of all ages. Highlights of the week include the Golden Wildcat Society Reunion, a Block Party and the Tailgate Tent Party.  

Alumni and friends who are unable to visit campus for Homecoming festivities can participate in Homecoming at Home activities via social media throughout the week. UK Alumni Association utilizes Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).  

The UK Alumni Association welcomes the Class of 1973 for an array of 50th reunion activities. A full list of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities and registration information can be found on its website at www.ukalumni.net/golden.  

“With over 70 events throughout the week, there are many opportunities for students, staff and faculty, alumni, and the community to get involved," said Libby Langlois, associate director for major campus planning. "Many partners across the university have come together to make this week engaging and fun for everyone. It is going to be a wonderful week celebrating our current and former students along with some of our favorite UK traditions!”

A comprehensive schedule of all Homecoming activities and registration information can be found at the website www.ukhomecoming.com. A partial list of the week’s activities is listed below: 

Monday, Oct. 9

• Memory Monday
  All day | social media 
  Post your favorite Homecoming memory with #UKHomecoming and tag the UK Alumni Association for a chance to be featured.  

Tuesday, Oct. 10

• Tradition Tuesday
  All day | social media 
  What is your favorite UK tradition? Share yours using #UKHomecoming on social media. 
• Homecoming Virtual Game Night
  8 p.m. EDT | online 
  Spend a few minutes relaxing and socializing with fellow alumni without leaving the comfort of your home. Register here. 

Wednesday, Oct. 11

• Wildcat Wednesday
  All day | social media 
  Post your favorite picture with Wildcat and tag our social media accounts. Remember to include #UKHomecoming in your post. 
• Block Party 
  4-8 p.m. EDT 
  Alumni Commons | Rose St. between Columbia Ave. and Huguelet Dr.  
  Join us for a block party to get excited for Homecoming 2023! Enjoy food, music, games and more. The entire UK and Lexington community is welcome at this family-friendly event. 

Thursday, Oct. 12

• Touchdown Thursday 
  All day | social media 
  We’d love to know what you predict the score to be in Saturday’s matchup of Wildcats vs. Tigers. Post your guess on UK Alumni Association social media posts and get ready for the Homecoming football game. 
• Golden Wildcat Society Induction Dinner and Pinning Ceremony 
  6-9 p.m. EDT 
  Gatton Student Center | Harris Ballroom | 160 Avenue of Champions  
  Enjoy dinner and a recognition ceremony as members of the Class of 1973 receive their Golden Wildcat pins and are inducted into the Golden Wildcat Society. Register here.  
  *Note: Attire is business. 

Friday, Oct. 13

• Fan Day Friday 
  All day | social media 
  Show your UK spirit by wearing blue and white! Share your pride on social media by tagging UK Alumni Association and using #UKHomecoming.  
• Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon 
  11 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT
  Gatton Student Center | Grand Ballroom | 160 Avenue of Champions 
  The UK Alumni Association’s Lyman T. Johnson Constituency Group, with the support of the Office of Institutional Diversity and the Office of the Provost, will continue tradition by hosting an awards luncheon to honor an African American student and alumni recipient from each nominating college. Register here. 
• Young Alumni Keeneland Tailgate
  11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
  Keeneland Race Course
  This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with your classmates, bet on the ponies, and enjoy the beautiful landscape at Keeneland. Come tailgate on “The Hill” next to the Entertainment Center. There will be a dedicated spot with tents, tables and chairs. General admission tickets will be available for purchase for those who want to go into Keeneland to see the races. 
• Golden Wildcat Reception
  5-7 p.m. EDT
  The Campbell House Lexington | 1375 S. Broadway
  Enjoy an early evening reception as a fun way to connect with the Class of 1973 50-year reunion. Light appetizers will be served. Register here. 
• NPHC’s Step Show
  7:30-11 p.m. 
  Gatton Student Center Ballrooms 
  Join the UK National Pan-Hellenic Council for one of the most exciting interactive events of the Homecoming season. Watch as NPHC fraternities and sororities battle it out on stage in a series of dance steps set to vibrant music selections.  

Saturday, Oct. 14

• Caturday 
  All day | social media 
  How are you celebrating Homecoming? Whether on campus or at home, we’d love for you to share your Homecoming spirit with us on social media. Tag UK Alumni Association and include #UKHomecoming.  
• Campus Bus Tour 
  9-11 a.m. EDT
  Tour departs from and returns to the King Alumni House | 400 Rose St.
  Sit back and relax as you view the transformation of campus. The tour will include visits to William T. Young Library, Gatton Student Center, Wildcat Alumni Plaza as well as many of the newly renovated colleges and buildings across campus. Register here. 
• Tailgate Tent Party
  Three hours prior to kick-off 
  Cooper Drive Basketball Courts 
  Come to the UK Tailgate Tent Party before the Wildcats take on the Missouri Tigers. For $25, enjoy tailgate food along with exciting games, entertainment, giveaways and performances by the UK Cheerleaders and Pep Band. Children 12 and younger are free. Register here. 
• Missouri Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats
  Time TBA  
  Kroger Field | 1540 University Dr. 
  Cheer on the Wildcats as they battle the Tigers at Kroger Field. A limited number of tickets are available for $80 each. Find more information here.  

“Homecoming is an annual opportunity to celebrate the past along with the many milestones the institution has experienced," said Jill Smith, associate vice president for alumni engagement and executive director of the UK Alumni Association. "It’s so much fun to hear alumni reminisce about their college days and marvel at the changes on campus since their time here. The UK Alumni Association always looks forward to welcoming home Wildcats from all eras during this special weekend. I’m excited to see traditions like Paint the Town Blue and the banner competition return this year and know our alumni will enjoy the campus displays of school spirit. Royalty and the football game are the two longest standing Homecoming traditions and bring a great element of excitement to the weekend. The Homecoming block party at the recently dedicated Alumni Commons should also be a fun new tradition for our students and alumni.”