Student Life welcomes students to Homecoming events this week

Student Life will turn campus into Emerald City for this year’s lineup of traditional homecoming festivities. Students can participate in four Wizard of Oz-themed events that will take place across campus from Oct. 6-9.

Coordinator of student activities, Haley Russ, said Homecoming at UCCS is about students feeling welcome and coming together to enjoy some staple events. Students are welcome and encouraged to bring guests to join the fun.

The events begin on Thursday, Oct. 6, with a large bonfire and smaller firepits for added warmth in Lot 580. Students can stop by for s’mores and warm drinks provided by the Student Government Association from 9-11 p.m. The event is subject to change with weather or fire restrictions. Russ will notify students of changes using the Student Life text thread.

On Oct. 7, a drive-in movie is showing in Lot 103 from 8-11 p.m. Students can watch the movie “Halloweentown” from the comfort of their cars or outdoor seats provided by Student Life. Free popcorn and soda will be served to enjoy while students get into the spooky season spirit.

Casino Night is in Berger Hall from 8-11 p.m. on Oct. 8. Students should wear semi-formal attire for this event, where they can play casino games for prizes and enjoy appetizers.

There are no age restrictions for this event because the games aren’t played with real money and Student Life will serve nonalcoholic mocktails. “Folks can essentially gamble with ‘funny money’ as they call it. We’ll have all different kinds of games like Blackjack, Craps and Poker,” Russ said.

This is the only event that costs a fee to attend. Tickets are $3 individually and $5 for a pair. Students can purchase tickets online or buy their tickets at the door.

A tailgate in Lot 576 from 10 a.m. to noon is on Oct. 9. Students can fuel up with Dickey’s Pit Barbeque before the men’s and women’s soccer teams play a double-header between noon and 5 p.m. at Mountain Lion Stadium. Students must show their student ID for free entry and the first 100 attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

Russ is hoping the Homecoming events will have a big turnout. She said there has been an increase in students who want to engage in campus activities. “The weather seems to be a lot nicer than last year, so hopefully more folks want to come out and enjoy the festivities,” she said.

Students can get updates on Homecoming events by texting “students” to 71444. For more information, visit Mountain Lion Connect.

Student Life hosts Homecoming for UCCS. Photo by Taylor Villalpando.