Niner Nation spirit will be displayed full force during Homecoming Week 2013, a celebration of activities and events that culminates with the men’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 2, as the Charlotte 49ers take on the University of Massachusetts. The game, at 2 p.m. in Halton Arena, marks the final basketball-oriented Homecoming celebration as the event will shift to the fall as part of football.
A number of events are planned specifically with faculty and staff involvement in mind, including the 49er B-Ball Challenge (faculty/staff versus students); Staff Council’s Office Decorating Contest, Scavenger Hunt and Chili Cook-Off; and the Day of Service.
Additional Feb. 2 highlights include the 49er Gold Rush 5K, Family Day, the alumni luncheon and the pre-game tailgate. Campus traffic patterns will be affected throughout the day.
“This is a special time for Niner Nation to reunite as we say farewell to our Homecoming basketball game tradition,” said Thanh Le, assistant director of student activities for special programs and chair of the Homecoming Committee. “Homecoming moves to the fall later this year, but we want to celebrate this moment in time and show our hoops spirit, especially with our team’s winning record this season – it’s really something to cheer about!”
Event Schedule for Saturday, Feb. 2
- 9 a.m. 49er Gold Rush 5K Run/Walk, Belk Track
- 9 a.m. Family Day Chancellor’s Breakfast, Student Union
- 10 a.m. Tailgate, Lots 18 & 19 (beside the Student Union)
- 2 p.m. Charlotte 49ers vs. UMass Minutemen, Halton Arena
Prior to Homecoming, there are several activities involving students, faculty, staff, alumni, family and the community:
- 49er B-Ball Challenge: Will faculty and staff dominate student players to defend the title for a fifth straight year, or will students stake their claim to bragging rights? Find out at the much-anticipated 49er B-Ball Challenge, scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, in Halton Arena. Come out to support Team Green or Team White. To sign up, contact Vidal Dickerson, director of the Multicultural Resource Center, at 704-687-7121 or wdickers@uncc.edu.
- Staff Council Decorating Contest, Scavenger Hunt, and fifth annual Niner Chili Cook-Off: Staff Council will host an Office Decorating Contest during Homecoming Week as well as a Scavenger Hunt Jan. 28-30. Faculty and staff also are invited to taste and judge their colleagues’ cooking skills on Thursday, Jan. 31, in the annual Staff Council Chili Cook-Off at 11:30 a.m. in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room. Register to compete in the Chili Cook-off by Friday, Jan. 25. For more information, visit the Staff Council website.
- Day of Service: The Office of Volunteer Outreach will lead service activities at Governor’s Village local schools on Friday, Feb. 1. Participants will talk with K-12 students about their college experiences. Other activities include reading and beautification projects. Sign up by Friday, Jan. 25, at the Student Union or Cone Information Centers. For more information, contact Sean Langley, assistant director for volunteer outreach, at 704-687-0361 or visit the Dean of Students Office website.
- 49er Gold Rush 5K Run/Walk: This year’s annual 5K coincides with Homecoming Day, bringing campus and community together for fitness and fun. The race begins at 9 a.m., Feb. 2, at Irwin Belk Track. Net proceeds benefit UNC Charlotte student development scholarships and direct donations will be taken for American Red Cross. Register and find out more at the Recreational Services website.
- Alumni Association: Return to UNC Charlotte to enjoy food, games and fellowship with the Alumni Association’s Homecoming Day Scavenger Hunt at 10 a.m. followed by a luncheon at noon in the Student Union Multipurpose Room. The Black Alumni Chapter will host block game seating as well as a Homecoming Day Party from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room. Registration deadlines apply, and some fees required for events. Contact Ashley Faulkner at 704-687-7786 or visit the Alumni Association for registration and more information.
- Family Day and Chancellor’s Breakfast: This annual tradition continues for parents and family members beginning with check-in at 8:30 a.m., Feb. 2, in the Student Union. The program includes the Chancellor’s Breakfast at 9 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room with a breakfast for guests with college deans, University administrators and faculty, followed by tailgating and the basketball game. Register by Friday, Jan. 25, at parents.uncc.edu or contact Kesha Williams, assistant director for parent and family services, at 704-687-0353 for more information.
- Pre-game Tailgate: This year’s tailgate is expected to be bigger and better than ever featuring a pep rally, live performances by UNC Charlotte students and the community, a decorating contest, games, and much more. Bring your friends, family and food to Lots 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 2, next to the Student Union. Register in advance by Friday, Jan. 25, to reserve a spot. Fees range from $25 to $150 depending on whether you rent a tent (tent and set-up provided), bring your own tent or go tent-less. Applications and more information available on the Homecoming website.
- Royal Court: Seven student candidates will vie for the honorable titles of Homecoming King and Queen, by raising spirit through attendance at Homecoming activities, the Day of Service, fundraising activities, and campus table promotions. Winners are determined by participation levels and student vote and will be announced at the half-time ceremony during the Feb. 2 basketball game. Learn more about candidates at the Homecoming website.
- Homecoming Cup Spirit Competition: Student organizations, residence halls and UNC Charlotte organized groups and learning communities prepare for fun and friendly competition each year in hopes of winning the coveted Homecoming Cup trophy. Competition events include a banner contest in the Student Union, window-painting contest in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, tailgate decorating contest, Penny Wars fundraiser, the ever-popular Water Gun Game, a cornhole tournament, the 49ers B-Ball Challenge, Day of Service, Union Take Over (Feb. 1), hot dog eating contest and more. For details, visit the Homecoming website or contact James Contratto, assistant director for weekend programming, at 704-687-7130 or jcontrat@uncc.edu.
- Charlotte 49er’s Men’s Basketball Game: Don’t miss the highlight of Homecoming week action as the Charlotte 49ers take on the UMass Minutemen at 2 p.m., Feb. 2, in Halton Arena. Visit UNC Charlotte Athletics for ticket information.
Visit the Homecoming website for additional events information and special updates.
UNC Charlotte’s 2013 Homecoming celebration is made possible with support from Halton Park Apartment Community, campus departments and student organizations.
Plans are under way for the fall 2013 Homecoming Celebration. To get involved or contribute ideas, contact Judith Rowles, Assistant Director for Student Organizations, at 704-687-7132 or jrowles1@uncc.edu.