Your One Stop Guide To Homecoming

It's officially that time of year again. The time where all Bulls - current students and alumni alike - really unite behind something called "Once Upon A Homecoming." That's right, it's Homecoming Week and our theme is based on fairy tales. Oh joy.

Now just because we haven't won a Homecoming game since 2009 and our chances are not looking good this year against #19 ECU doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate being Bulls and getting caught up in magic of homecoming. There's plenty of other things going on than just a football game. So just forget about all that crap for a week and just celebrate being a part of such a special university. Here is our breakdown of all the events, day by day. We will try to make it out to as many as we can, so if you see us don't be shy and say hello. Also remember that all events are completely free and open to the general public.

Tuesday

Today the main event is the comedy show at the Sun Dome at 6:30 p.m. The headliner is Jo Koy from Chelsea Lately. Here's a sample of what you can expect:

Wednesday

First up on the agenda is the Back to School Honors College Alumni and Student Event in JPH 1317 (Juniper-Poplar Hall) at 5:30 pm. The headliner event for the night is the Homecoming "Mad Hatters" Ball in the Marshal Center Ballroom from 8:30 pm - midnight. Come see the Homecoming King and Queen announced and enjoy a fun night of dancing. If that's not really your scene, the USF volleyball team is taking on UCF at 7 p.m. in The Corral inside of the Sun Dome. If you're not really into volleyball either, the #22 USF men's soccer team is taking on Tulsa and looking to extend their winning streak to four straight games. That game is at 7 p.m. at the Corbett Soccer Stadium.

Thursday

The main event Thursday is the beginning of the carnival and the student showcase. It's open from 4 p.m.-midnight at the Sun Dome parking lot and all the rides are free. The only thing that you have to pay for is food. There will also be two team competitions there; mechanical bull riding at 6 p.m. and tug of war at 7 p.m. At 7 p.m. there will also be the Homecoming Extravaganza Step Show in the Marshal Center Oval Theater. Both events are really fun experiences if you've never been.

Friday

The carnival will again be in full swing on Friday starting a 4 p.m. The school of music is also having an alumni reception at 4:30 at the south side of the music building and the USF college of engineering is hosting the Alumni 50th Anniversary Reception at the Hall of Flags at 5:30 pm. The Running with the Bulls Night Parade beings at 7 pm at Holly Drive & Maple Drive and concludes at the Sun Dome. Then the main event of the week, the After Party concert featuring T.I., begins at 8 pm. If  you're not really into watching convicted felons perform, the USF women's soccer team will be taking on UCF also at 8 pm at the Corbett Soccer Stadium. I know what most of you are probably thinking, "Gosh, I really want to watch the women destroy UCF, but I'd also like to see T.I." Well, you will almost certainly still be able to hear the music from the soccer stadium plus the concert usually doesn't really begin until around the 9:30-10:00 region. So if you're on the fence, support the women! They deserve it.

Saturday

Saturday is the big day. We will see if the Bulls are in for their first "signature win of the Taggart era" or just another typical Homecoming game. Regardless of whether we have a chance or not, it is our duty as Bulls to pack the crap out of that stadium. An empty stadium for homecoming against a top 20 opponent would be shameful, so let's all get out there and support our guys. Kickoff is set for 7 pm so see you all there!