Homecoming

All Lander students, faculty and staff members including student clubs, organizations and any "group" or "team" which is formed solely for the purpose of competing in a Homecoming activity.

Homecoming Week 2024
February 5-10, 2024
"Celebrating the Spirit of the New Millennium"

Get ready to travel back in time to the early 2000s as Student Life presents our Spring 2024 Homecoming theme, "Celebrating the Spirit of the New Millennium." Be transported to an era of pop culture, iconic fashion trends, and unforgettable music. From Y2K excitement to the rise of boy bands and girl power, this Homecoming promises a nostalgic journey like no other.

Join us for a week-long extravaganza filled with retro-themed activities and epic dance-offs. Whether you were a fan of frosted tips, cargo pants, or velour tracksuits, this Homecoming will have you rocking the early 2000s in style. Don't miss out on the chance to relive the glory days and make memories that will last a lifetime. Grab your flip phones and low-rise jeans because Bearcat Country is taking it back to the early 2000s in the most epic way possible!

Alumni can get connected to classmates by visiting the Office of Alumni Engagement for a list of activities.

Events

Monday, February 5

Service Project Begins
All Week

Teams participating in Homecoming will have the opportunity to gain additional points by donating jackets, blankets, etc. to this years’ service project for Connie Maxwell. The service project will run from Monday, February 5 at 5:00 pm through Thursday, February 8 ending at 5:00 pm.

Banner Competition
Grier Student Center Commons – 5:00 p.m.

Teams will show off their creativity by making a banner that shows Lander spirit! Banners will be displayed in the Commons all week!

Strongest Bearcat
Abney Cultural Center Auditorium - 6:00 p.m.

Come out and support your fellow Bearcats during the “Strongest Bearcat” Powerlifting Competition. The meet will allow each participant three attempts at the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift combined. To participate in the competition, sign up on the #LURec app. All experience levels are welcome to participate! Join us as we determine the strongest male and female Bearcat. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 6

"Legally Blonde" Movie Showing
Abney Cultural Center Auditorium – 10:00 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. | 8:00 p.m.

Your voice was heard, and the winning Early 2000’s movie from the movie bracket on @lu_studentlife was "Legally Blonde". It will be showing every 2.5 hours starting at 10:00 a.m.

Volleyball Tournament
PEES Gym - 6:00 p.m.

Get ready to spike, set, and serve at our thrilling Homecoming Volleyball Tournament! Join us for an action-packed evening of friendly competition as participating teams compete in a bracket system to determine the blue and gold division volleyball winner.

Athletics - Softball
Doug Spears Field – 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Athletics - Men's Lacross vs. Coker
Van Taylor Stadium – 4:00 p.m.

Athletics - Wrestling vs. Montevallo
Finis Horne Arena – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 7

Trivia
PEES224 – 4:00 p.m.

Challenge your wits and embrace the thrill of knowledge at our Early 2000s Trivia event! Gather your team for an afternoon of brain-teasing questions, friendly competition, and the chance to claim the title of trivia champion. Event is open to everyone. Teams competing in Homecoming must be marked for participation.

Spirit Night
Finis Horne Arena
Women's Basketball vs. USC Beaufort – 5:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs. USC Beaufort – 7:30 p.m.

Dribble, shoot, and slam-dunk your way into an electrifying evening of basketball action at our Spirit Night Basketball Event as our Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams take on University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Thursday, February 8

LU Y2K Talent Showcase
Finis Horne Arena – 9:00 p.m.

Prepare to be amazed as our Showcase event unveils a mesmerizing array of local talent from our participating homecoming teams, in a night that promises to leave you in awe of the extraordinary skills within our community.
*Required Dress Rehearsal will be Sunday, Feb. 4 in the PEES Gym.

Friday, February 9

Finish the Lyric
Bearcat Lounge – 2:00 p.m.

Unleash your inner lyricist at our "Finish the Lyric" event, where music and competition collide! Test your knowledge of popular songs as you race against the clock to complete the lyrics to your favorite Early 2000s tunes. It's a musical showdown like no other, where quick thinking and lyrical prowess take center stage for a night of entertainment and fun.

Bearcat Burn Party
Centennial Hall Lawn & Fire Pit – 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a bearcat burn party that's all about good times and great company! Get ready to enjoy live music, warm up by the bonfire, participate in early 2000s inspired DIYs, and a whole lot of fun as we come together to celebrate our community and make lasting memories.

Athletics - Baseball
Dolny Stadium – 6:00 p.m.

Athletics - Wrestling vs. King
Finis Horne Arena – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 10

Tailgating
Front Lawn - 10:00 a.m.

Get ready to rev up the school spirit at our Homecoming Tailgate Event! Join us for an unforgettable tailgate filled with lively music, and the company of fellow alumni, students, and fans. Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or just here for the good vibes, our tailgate is the place to be. Decked out in your school colors and surrounded by the electrifying atmosphere, you'll experience the true essence of Homecoming as we come together to cheer on our men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Tailgating rules can be found in the Homecoming Packet.

Homecoming Games
Finis Horne Arena
Women's Basketball vs. Clayton State – 1:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs. Clayton State – 3:30 p.m.

Come out to support our women’s and men’s basketball game as they go against Clayton State and find out who will be crowned the next Homecoming King & Queen.

The King will be announced at halftime of the Women’s Basketball game and the Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Men’s Basketball game.

Stick around after the game to find out who gets to take home the title as our Homecoming Winner for our Blue and Gold Divisions!

Athletics - Men's Lacrosse
Van Taylor Stadium – 1:00 p.m.

Athletics - Baseball
Dolny Stadium – 2:00 p.m.

Athletics - Softball
Doug Spears Field – TBD

Who can participate in Homecoming competitions?
ALL Lander students, faculty and staff members including student clubs, organizations and any "group" or "team" which is formed solely for the purpose of competing in a Homecoming activity. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Life at 388-8244 or via email at studentlife@lander.edu.

Homecoming rules for each event, as well as general rules, are in the information packet. All participants are responsible for reading and abiding by all rules. The Department of Student Life reserves the right to make any changes to the rules or this document at any time before, during, or after Homecoming week. If you should have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Life at 864-388-8244 or via email at homecoming@lander.edu.

The Homecoming event forms are now digital. We have provided the links below within the document. Please make sure your forms are complete with all materials (including but not limited to drawings, descriptions, and scripts) necessary when submitted.

Important Links