The University of North Texas will celebrate its homecoming this year with a week’s worth of Mean Green spirit activities for students, the community and alumni from around the world. With more than 38,000 students and 407,000 alumni, UNT is the largest and most comprehensive university in North Texas.
“The homecoming crew has been working really hard to make sure this year’s events are more inclusive, accessible, impactful and fun,” said Cheltzie Miller-Bailey, the coordinator for campus-wide events. “I am really proud of their work and I think UNT community members who are attending the events will be proud as well.”
Miller-Bailey added that this year UNT is partnering with the Student Government Association and the Denton Animal Shelter.
Homecoming highlights include:
Oct. 22 (Monday)
· Homecoming Picnic:11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the University Union North Green, 1155 Union Circle (Union 314 if rain). Free barbecue will be served to individuals with a current UNT ID. The pep rally at noon will feature the pep band, North Texas Dancers, North Texas Cheerleaders and Scrappy. Spirit board judging will open. The pep rally is free and open to the public.
· Rise Against Hunger:3:30 – 6 p.m. at the University Union Emerald Ballroom 314, 1155 Union Circle. This is a food packaging event to support the hungry in underserved countries and areas around the world. This is the third year this event has taken place at homecoming. Monetary donations are accepted.
· Tampon Donation Drive:4 – 6 p.m. at the University Union Emerald Ballroom 314, 1155 Union Circle. SGA is spearheading the initiative to provide free hygiene products in restrooms across campus. The project is meant to increase equal opportunity and inclusivity for members of the UNT community. All products collected from the drive will be donated directly to SGA in support of this initiative. Donations accepted: new unopened box of tampons with plastic applicators of either regular or super absorbency
Oct. 25 (Thursday)
· Denton Animal Shelter Toy Making: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the University Union South Lawn, 1155 Union Circle (University Union if rain). The Denton Animal Shelter acts as a local health and animal control facility. It cares for abandoned pets and ensures that they are taken care of or nursed back to health prior to being adopted. To make their stay as comfortable as possible, the shelter collects donations of toys and blankets for the animals to provide fun and warmth. This event is free and open to the public.
· “Go Green” Homecoming Celebration: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Champs Cafeteria in Victory Hall. The UNT community is invited to Champs to chow down on green foods such as pesto pasta and green ice cream. Food is free with a meal plan or $7.95 plus tax at the door. This event is open to the public.
· Distinguished Speaker Series: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the UNT Gateway Center, room 35. The College of Business will feature well-known Houstonite and businessman, Jim McIngvale, better known as “Mattress Mack.” This event is free and open to the public. Register here.
· Zombie Dinner:4:30 – 8 p.m. in Bruce Cafeteria. Visit Bruce Cafeteria for a night of zombie-inspired food, scary décor & sounds, fog machines and strobe lights. Food is free with a meal plan or $7.95 plus tax at the door. This event is open to the public.
Oct. 26 (Friday)
· Mean Green Soccer takes on Rice: 7 p.m. at the North Texas Soccer Complex. Show your Mean Green Pride, and gear up to support our women’s soccer team as they take on Rice University. Students get in free with a UNT ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at MeanGreenSports.com.
· Spirit March: 7 p.m. The march is led by the UNT Talons and will begin at Fraternity Row on Maple Street. It will proceed to the bonfire site at Eagle Point on the northwest side of UNT's Apogee Stadium. This event is free and open to the public
· Bonfire:8 – 10 p.m. at Apogee Stadium, 1251 S. Bonnie Brae St. The Homecoming Bonfire has been a tradition for more than 50 years and is built entirely by the UNT Talons. This event is free and open to the public.
· Bonfire from the Pavilion:6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Alumni are invited to watch the bonfire from the Alumni Pavilion. Reserved seats and dinner in the Alumni Pavilion are free for Alumni Association members and $10 for non-members. Reservations must be made online by Oct. 25 at www.untalumni.com/bonfire
Oct. 27 (Saturday)
· Parade:The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Highland Street and Avenue C and will travel west to Welch Street before heading north on Hickory Street. This event is free and open to the public.
· Tailgating in the Mean Green Village:early morning – 2:30 p.m. at Apogee Stadium, 1251 S. Bonnie Brae St. Tailgating around campus starts early and ends 30 minutes before kickoff. Organizations, departments and colleges will host tents to add to the homecoming spirit along with live music, the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone and the Mean Green March featuring the cheerleaders, dancers, marching band, head coach Seth Littrell and Mean Green football team. This event is free and open to the public.
· Alumni GameDay Grille:1 p.m. at the Alumni Pavilion, 2323 N. Interstate 35 E. The UNT Alumni Association will offer free admission to all during homecoming. There will be food, drinks, live music, lawn games, face painting and lots of Mean Green spirit. Call 940-565-2834 or email alumni@unt.edufor information.
· Homecoming Football Game:3 p.m. at Apogee Stadium, 1251 S. Bonnie Brae St. The Mean Green will face the Rice University (Rice Owls)football team. Tickets are free for students and start at $20 for other fans. For more information about game tickets and packages for tailgating before the game, visit MeanGreenSports.com. Speak with a ticket sales consultant about individual, family or group seating options at 940-565-2527.