One of the most memorable weekends of the year at Arizona is finally upon us. It’s officially Homecoming week following Sunday’s lighting of “A” Mountain. This week presents a chance for alumni and current students to share the same bond as Wildcats and sit under the classic Old Pueblo sunshine in Arizona Stadium. Here is a Daily Wildcat guide to all of the festivities occurring around campus leading up to Arizona’s showdown with Washington State on Saturday.
Friday is fun day
Honoring the class of 1965 — Gasoline prices were less than a dollar and Lyndon B. Johnson was president. Simply put, the class of ’65 has been through decades that have reformed America to what it stands as today. Alumni will gather east of Old Main on Friday for the Homecoming Barbecue Bash. The barbecue will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Raffle prizes, special guests and a live DJ should result in an entertaining afternoon with a handful of life-long Wildcats.
Bonfire and Pep Rally — Once the afternoon festivities are completed, perhaps a quick evening cat nap would do the trick to reenergize for the Bonfire and Pep Rally. Events will begin with a march from the Bear Down Friday pep rally at Main Gate Square to the Berger Memorial Fountain west of Old Main. The pep rally will feature the Pride of Arizona marching band and UA cheerleaders. Wilbur, Wilma and students will gather around to announce the Homecoming king and queen of 2015. Immediately after the Arizona royalty is revealed, the night ends with a bonfire that will light the night sky. If fire sparks your interest, then the bonfire should be jotted down on your Homecoming schedule.
Get up, it’s gameday
Parade and Tailgate — Grab a coffee or a Mountain Dew because the Homecoming parade will take place at 9 a.m. This may sound like bad news considering many students will still be recovering from the festivities the night before, but a 1 p.m. kickoff calls for an earlier parade time. The sun will be shining, alumni can reminisce in the atmosphere and Rich Rodriguez can show recruits the tradition of an Arizona Homecoming. Another recruiting tactic Rodriguez used this year was the red-chrome helmets worn against UCLA; now the head coach can show off the true campus atmosphere during one of the most exciting weekends on campus. A row of tents and campers will line orderly on the UA Mall at 8 a.m. for the Wildcat for Life Tailgate Party to prepare for the Wildcats’ matchup with Washington State. Rise and shine, Wildcats. It’s going to be a long day.
Arizona vs. Washington State — The moment Arizona fans and alumni have all been waiting for. A 1 p.m. kickoff at Arizona Stadium for this year’s Homecoming football game features a high scoring Cougars squad that is looking to spoil Arizona’s latest chance at clawing its way back into the discussion of defending the Pac-12 South title. The Wildcats are looking to extend their win streak to three after knocking off Oregon State and squeaking by Colorado last week. Arizona upperclassmen will get a chance to see a familiar face on the field in former All-American Ka’Deem Carey, along with Bobby Wade, who will be initiated into the Ring of Honor.
With the UA celebrating its 101st Homecoming and the class of 1965 celebrating its 50th reunion, the Wildcats should enter with confidence in what should lead to a fulfilling day.
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