Returning Home: OU Welcomes Back Annual Homecoming Festivities
Each year, members of the OU community eagerly anticipate a week of festivities that capture the very best of the OU spirit: Homecoming.
With the cancellation of last year’s Homecoming celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university is excited to invite the entire OU family to participate in this time-honored tradition.
Summer Miller, an OU senior who serves as this year’s Homecoming vice chair of operations, said she’s looking forward to the comeback of Homecoming events after a year-long wait.
“Homecoming is an opportunity for alumni to remember the experiences that created a home for them at OU and for current students to be a part of something special,” Miller said.
This year’s Homecoming theme – “Tuning Back In: Season 20, Episode 21” – reflects the challenges the pandemic created and the eagerness of the entire OU community to “tune back in” to a new normal.
Thousands of students, faculty and staff, along with more than 40 student organizations, will participate in the week-long Homecoming activities, which include a sidewalk chalk competition, trivia night, fall festival, philanthropy events, the OU Ring Ceremony and more.
“This year, half of OU’s students have not had a chance to experience an OU Homecoming in person,” said senior Alyson O’Shea, OU Homecoming executive chair. “I’m excited to see a newfound excitement for the celebration of Homecoming and for people to find a deeper connection to the university and to each other.”
Three Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Rah! Rally
7:30 p.m. – Friday, Oct. 15
Lloyd Noble Center
Make your way to Lloyd Noble Center to check out some great performances by different OU organizations. Each student group will perform a two-minute dance full of exciting choreography in alignment with their theme. The Rah! Rally will also feature appearances from OU Spirit, the Pride of Oklahoma, OU Athletics teams, and other student and staff competitions.
Homecoming Parade
2 Hours Prior to Kick-off (Time TBA) – Saturday, Oct. 16
Asp and Boyd Streets
One of Homecoming’s oldest traditions, the Homecoming Parade features dozens of student groups and other members of the OU community in their annual procession down Boyd Street. Don’t miss the chance to see exciting floats, Homecoming royalty court and many others in this massive celebration of OU spirit.
Homecoming Football Game
Time TBA – Saturday, Oct. 16
Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
Come cheer on the Sooners as they take on the TCU Horned Frogs in what is sure to be an exciting game. You’ll also want to stick around for halftime for the coronation of the royalty winners and the announcement of the student Homecoming competitions.
How To Get Involved
A full listing of Homecoming events and activities is available here. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend the various events taking place across campus.
Individuals can form a team to participate in Trivia Night, cheer on competitors in Sark After Dark, listen to the Fall Festival concert, donate to philanthropy events, including the Gender and Equality Center’s new Live in Technicolor event, and watch the Rah! Rally, Homecoming parade and football game. Students participating in Sark After Dark will need to complete the 2021 Homecoming Participation and Liability Waiver on Engage.
The University of Oklahoma expects masking indoors, particularly in high-density settings, such as special events. The university recommends COVID-19 vaccination for anyone participating in events on OU property. More information on OU’s COVID-19 protocols is available at ou.edu/together.
Article Published: Wednesday, October 6, 2021