This year’s Homecoming Week at the University of Arizona kicked off with a bang yesterday night with a watch party for the annual lighting of “A” Mountain. The event was held at 5 p.m. at a new location from previous years, the new MSA Annex.
The event, put on by the UA Alumni Association, had many fun activities for students, alumni and members of the community to participate in. There were food trucks, a DJ, a bar and even a raffle.
The move was made to the MSA Annex from the Main Gate Garage because there have been so many attendees that the event had outgrown its previous location, according to Marc Acuña, vice president of student and alumni engagement, and the MSA Annex’s location right under the mountain was more than ideal for watching the lighting.
“The MSA staff was so welcoming and accommodating and we look forward to growing into this space even more next year!” Acuña said in an email.
A wide variety of members from the UA community came out to enjoy the lighting together.
Among these attendees were the class honoraries, including the SMORES and SPURS sophomore honoraries, representatives from the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, club presidents, the UA cheerleaders, alumni of all ages, Wilma Wildcat, the homecoming nominees, students and community members. Attending along with them were the Bobcats Senior Honorary, who organized the lighting.
After about 30 minutes of listening to music from the DJ and watching the great view of the sunset, Acuña took the stage to say a few words about the event and to present a video. He then introduced Sydney Hess, the ASUA student body president, who spoke about the upcoming events of the week.
Finally, the Homecoming nominees were introduced. There are five nominees each for king and queen. Voting will open Oct. 30 and close Oct. 31.
The lighting of the “A” took place at about 5:45 p.m. using 30-minute flairs. Many watched from chairs set up with a perfect view of the mountain.
This special tradition was only the start to a full week of Homecoming activities that will continue to showcase the best of the university and celebrate the return of its alumni.
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