Weber State’s homecoming celebrations connect students, community

OGDEN, Utah —Students and community members are ready to show off their school spirit at Weber State University’s homecoming celebrations today through Oct. 14. Classic events include a pep rally, Light the W and a football game.

“I’ve always loved homecoming week,” said Ashley Potokar, student body president. “It’s a great time to really show your Wildcat pride and fall in love with the school.”

Homecoming is also the start of Make Ogden Purple, an initiative that encourages the community to show their support for Weber State. Three students pose for a selfie with Weber State's mascot

Make Ogden Purple serves as a visual reminder for the community of collaboration between Ogden City and Weber State. During homecoming week, the city is decorated with WSU banners, flyers and art to “purple up” Ogden. Community members and businesses can show their support with decorations, wearing WSU gear and participating in events such as the Purple Paw Parade.

“Homecoming is a great way to join the community,” Potokar said. “The most important thing is to come, have a good time and become a part of the Wildcat family.”

The football game against UC Davis on Oct.14 will begin at 6 p.m. with Homecoming Fan Fest before the game at 4:30 p.m. at Stewart Stadium.

The Wildcat community can showcase their support for the university on Instagram by tagging @MakeOgdenPurple or using #MakeOgdenPurple on Twitter and Facebook.

Homecoming week includes the following events: 

Oct. 6–15

  • Campus Recreation hosts the virtual Homecoming Recycle Run, free for WSU students, $5 for WSU employees and alumni, $10 for public. Join this virtual 5K to celebrate homecoming week and encourage sustainable practices on campus. 

Oct. 6

  • Weber State University Student Association hosts a Roller Skating Party from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Classic Fun Center in Layton. 

Oct. 7 

  • Alumni Association hosts the third annual Purple Paw Parade, 9 a.m. to noon in downtown Ogden, free. Show your WSU pride and support the Make Ogden Purple initiative. 

Oct. 9 

  • Homecoming Pep Rally, noon at Stewart Bell Tower Plaza, free.

  • Light the W, 6–8 p.m. at Stewart Bell Tower Plaza, free. The “W” on the mountainside above campus will be lit at 8 p.m. 

Oct. 10

  • Casino Night, 6–9 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms, free. Enjoy food, games and prizes. 

Oct. 11 

  • The Center for Community Engaged Learning hosts Service Day of Remembrance, free. Wildcats are invited to serve the community in honor of someone who has passed away or for those who embody service in the community. Multiple volunteer opportunities are scheduled throughout the day.

  • The Women’s Center and Athletics host Celebrating Women in Sports, 6–7:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms, free. Attendees will hear from a panel of female athletes and coaches at WSU. 

  • Campus Recreation hosts a purple pool party, 6:30–8:30 p.m., free. Enjoy a water basketball contest, prize giveaways and other activities. 

Oct. 12 

  • Wildcat Lanes and Games hosts Homecoming Hustle: The Billiards Battle, 4:30 p.m., in the Shepherd Union, free. Grand prize is a $50 billiards cue, second place is a $25 bookstore giftcard.

  • Wildcat Trivia Night, 5–7 p.m., in Shepherd Union Ballroom A, free. Enjoy free food and play trivia to win prizes. Sign up to compete alone or with a team of 3–5 people. 

Oct. 13 

3 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventure & Welcome Center, free. Shop local vendors and browse a variety of discounted outdoor gear. 

  • Alumni Association hosts WSU Salutes reception and awards ceremony, 6–9 p.m., free. Attendees are invited to celebrate and recognize WSU’s outstanding alumni and friends. A reception with light refreshments begins at 6 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Atrium. The awards program begins at 7 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Center Allred Theater. 

  • Homecoming Hoedown Dance, 6:30–11:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms, free. Line dance instruction is available from 6:30–8 p.m., and the dance begins at 8 p.m. 

  • True Wildcat tradition celebration, midnight under the Stewart Bell Tower, free. Every year after the homecoming dance, couples are invited to partake in the tradition of kissing under the Bell Tower to earn the title of “True Wildcat.”  

Oct. 14 

  • Homecoming Fan Fest, 4:30–6 p.m., Stewart Stadium, free. Enjoy an annual tailgate party before the game.

  • Weber State University football vs. UC Davis, 6 p.m., Stewart Stadium, free for WSU students, general admission starting at $11. Purchase tickets on the Weber State Ticket Office website. 

Author:

Erika Gonzalez Lara, Marketing & Communications 
801-626-7948, erikagonzalezlara@weber.edu 

Contact:

Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu