Homecoming festivities to celebrate Niner Nation spirit

UNC Charlotte’s Homecoming Committee has planned a number of activities for the week leading up to this year’s Charlotte 49ers football game at noon, Saturday, Oct. 24, against the Southern Mississippi Eagles in Richardson Stadium.

Homecoming highlights include the Homecoming Lights Parade, an appearance by comedian Kenan Thompson and a Day of Service to benefit the UNC Charlotte Food Pantry.

Also, on game day, the Alumni Association will host the Alumni Tailgate Village and Oktoberfest in the Hauser Alumni Pavilion. There will be open buffet and bar, live DJ, the 49er Team Walk, a bounce house, games and vendor displays. Register to attend online at the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association website.

The UNC Charlotte Homecoming Build, held in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, is under way through Friday, Oct. 23, at 9430 University City Blvd. Volunteers and donations are accepted.

Events co-sponsored by the Homecoming Committee and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for students, faculty and staff throughout the week of Oct. 19-24 include:

Monday, Oct. 19

  • Paint the Town Green – Select businesses surrounding UNC Charlotte will paint their windows and decorate their buildings with Charlotte 49ers gear
  • 49er Kick Off, 6 p.m., CHHS/COED Plaza – At this inaugural “49er Kick Off” pep rally, there will be games, food and performances from the “Pride of Niner Nation” marching band, Cheer Nation and the Gold Dusters. Also, meet members of the Homecoming Court
  • Homecoming Comedy Show featuring Kenan Thompson, 8 p.m., Student Union, Room 340 – Thompson is a member of “Saturday Night Live” and a former member of the classic show, “All That.”

Tuesday, Oct. 20

  • Niner Nation Cribs – Members of the campus community are encouraged to decorate their rooms, residence halls, apartments and office spaces demonstrating their 49er spirit; take pictures and upload them to Instagram tagging the Homecoming Instagram page. Voting will take place on Oct. 21-22
  • Niner Idol, 7 p.m., Barnhardt Student Activity Center Salons – A singing competition

Wednesday, Oct. 21

  • Wear Green Wednesday – Show Niner Spirit by sporting Charlotte 49ers gear
  • Day of Service, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., CHHS/COE Plaza – An effort to collect 4,900 pounds of food for the UNC Charlotte Food Pantry

Friday, Oct. 23

  • Homecoming Lights Parade starting at 6:30 p.m. – Taking place throughout campus, there will be viewing stations with bleachers, vendors, judges and announcers at locations around the University.
  • Union Takeover, 7 p.m., Student Union ­– What better way to spend the Friday before Homecoming than at this annual event featuring the NPHC Stroll Competition

Saturday, Oct. 24

  • Homecoming Tailgate, 9 a.m., Student Tailgate Village – Get pumped for the Homecoming football game at this first tailgate open to all UNC Charlotte students. There will be food, music, games and giveaways
  • Homecoming Game and Court Crowning, Richardson Stadium – Come support the Charlotte 49ers as they take on the Southern Mississippi Eagles; during halftime, the Royal Homecoming Court will be crowned