OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will hold its annual Homecoming celebrations beginning Oct. 5 and ending Oct. 12 with one of the university’s oldest traditions: the homecoming football game.

“Homecoming is a special time at Weber State because it is our chance to celebrate being a Wildcat,” said Tara Peris, Student Involvement and Leadership director. “We have seen traditions continue and grow through the continued involvement of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community at events such as the Homecoming dance, tailgate and other activities. It’s a time that we —as a community of Wildcats, past, present, and future — come together to celebrate everything that makes Weber State great.”

Everyone is invited to join university President Brad Mortensen on the annual Mount Ogden hike, Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m. at the Snowbasin trailhead. The tradition of hiking the summit, placing a flag and singing the school song at the top of the trail began with a collection of students, faculty and trustees in 1922.

The Homecoming Pep Rally, featuring athletes, coaches, Waldo and the nationally award-winning Spirit Squad, will be held Oct. 7 at 12:45 p.m. at the Stewart Bell Tower Plaza.

The theme for the Homecoming Dance, which will be held Oct. 11 at 8:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms, is “Lights, Camera, Action!” After the dance, students can become a “True Wildcat” by sharing a kiss at midnight under the Stewart Bell Tower.

The football team will face-off against its in-state rival Southern Utah University Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Stewart Stadium. The pregame Homecoming Fan Fest tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. in the north parking lot of Stewart Stadium. This year’s season is significant because the football program is celebrating 100 years of football.

 “Homecoming is important because it instills a sense of belonging on campus,” said Brett Alexander, student body president. “This week’s events are for students to forget about obligations, have fun and make memories. Students should go because they're paying for the college experience, not just their degree although they should strive to graduate along with having fun.”

Homecoming Event Schedule


Saturday, Oct. 5

Mount Ogden Hike. Guided hike departing Earl’s Lodge at 8:30 a.m., Snowbasin. The hike offers three starting points for various intensity levels. For more information, visit weber.edu/outdoor/annualwsumtogdenhike.html.


Monday, Oct. 7

Homecoming Week Pep Rally, 12:45 p.m., Stewart Bell Tower Plaza.

“Light The W,” 6:30-8:30 p.m., Stewart Bell Tower Plaza. Enjoy food, games and paper lanterns while lighting the W on the mountain to spark Homecoming Week.


Tuesday, Oct. 8

Clubs & Organizations Casino Night, 6-9 p.m., Shepherd Union Ballroom A. Admission is one canned food item for the WeberCares Pantry.


Wednesday, Oct. 9

WSU Service Day of Remembrance, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Volunteers will plant milkweed to help restore the monarch butterfly population. For more information and volunteer registration, visit weber.edu/ccel/service-remembrance.html

Dive-in movie, “Aquaman” 7 p.m., Swenson pool, free with valid Wildcard or $7 without.


Friday, Oct 11

51st Annual WSU Salutes, 7 p.m., Val A. Browning Center, outstanding WSU alumni honored for their personal and professional accomplishments.

WSU Homecoming dance, “Lights, Camera, Action!” 8:30-11:30 p.m., Shepherd Union Ballrooms. $10/couple, $5 single.


Saturday, Oct. 12

WSU Homecoming Fan Fest tailgate, 4 p.m., Stewart Stadium, north parking lot.

WSU Homecoming football game, Weber State vs. Southern Utah, 6 p.m., Stewart Stadium.

For a complete schedule of events, visit weber.edu/homecoming.

To view this story online, visit this link.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.


Contact: Tara Peris, Student Involvement and Leadership director 801-626-7334 • taraperis@weber.edu

Author: Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications 801-626-7948 •  shayleestevens@weber.edu