Six ways to celebrate Homecoming 2016
Posted on: October 27, 2016; Updated on: October 27, 2016
By Dana D'Haeseleer, danad@sc.edu, 803-777-3691
It’s homecoming week at Carolina, a chance for students, faculty, staff and alumni to celebrate with a variety of events from a block party and parade to a singing competition and tailgate party. Complementing signature events will be an array of social events hosted by colleges.
Carolina homecoming is for everyone, including the more than 3,000 faculty and staff who are Gamecock alumni.
Here are our six picks for homecoming:
Sing
If you love singing and never miss a concert check out a new homecoming event this year — Cockchella. From 5 to 7 p.m., Nov. 2, Davis Field will turn into an outdoor music festival showcasing some of Carolina’s most talented singers and musicians.
Learn
Expand your knowledge with a new seminar series at the My Carolina Alumni Center on Nov. 4. At 9:30 a.m., join history professor Kent Germany for his discussion, “What would LBJ say to Trump, Clinton?” At 1:30 p.m., naturalist Rudy Mancke will examine plants and animals unique to South Carolina, world ecosystems and beautiful sites.
View
Grab a seat along the route of the Homecoming Parade, a Carolina tradition that begins at the Greene Street Intramural Fields at 3 p.m., Nov. 4. There will be floats, a motorcade of honored guests and the Carolina Band all reflecting the student homecoming theme, “Falling for Carolina.”
Lead
Get insight into leadership at Carolina’s Best Forum at 4 p.m., Nov. 4. The event at the Alumni Center features this year’s four Gamecock alumni award winners who will offer advice about becoming leaders and discuss their time as Carolina students.
Dance
Put on your dancing shoes and head to the new Foundation Square at Lincoln and Greene streets for the Carolina Block Party, starting at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 4. Simply Irresistible, an Atlanta-based party band, will play top 40 hits from the ‘60s through today to capture the alumni homecoming theme of “Kickin’ It Back Old School.” The band is led by Grammy nominee Ronnie Garrett, Tyler Perry’s musical director. Columbia area food trucks Pawleys Front Porch, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles and Mary’s Arepas will serve food, and beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase. The party wraps up at 9:45 p.m. with a fireworks display.
Tailgate
Cap off homecoming week with Carolina’s premier tailgating event before the Gamecocks take on the Missouri Tigers on Nov. 5. The Carolina Football Homecoming Tailgate, taking place in Gamecock Park beginning at noon, will have food, beverages and games, while Cocky, the cheerleaders and the Carolina band build up excitement before kickoff. Tickets are $50 for non-My Carolina members and $20 and $25 respectively for life and annual members of the My Carolina Alumni Association. Admission is free for children younger than 10.
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