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.”
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.