Homecoming
Homecoming is a tradition that dates to 1914 and has been suspended only during World War I in 1918 and World War II from 1942 to 1945. Combining the tradition of returning to campus after graduation with several beloved U of A traditions, Homecoming continues to connect Wildcats across generations through shared experiences, community and school spirit.
A Name, A Tradition
Just weeks before the first Homecoming game in 1914, the Los Angeles Times wrote that the Arizona football team "showed the fight of wildcats" in a game against the Occidental College Tigers.
The name stuck. On Thanksgiving Day, the newly named Wildcats defeated Pomona College 7-6 in front of a crowd of 1,500. And from then on, U of A's Homecoming tradition was born.
Lighting of 'A' Mountain
The Lighting of 'A' Mountain kicks off the week of festivities and events that bring tens of thousands of alumni back to Tucson. The 13 Bobcat Senior Honorary members traditionally light the 'A' symbolizing to Tucson that Homecoming has begun.
Club Olympics
Student organizations take to the University Mall for three consecutive days to compete in a variety of games and contests hosted by the Bobcats Senior Honorary. This student-centered Homecoming tradition brings students across the university together in spirited competition.
Pep Rally and Bonfire
Each Friday during Homecoming week, the university hosts a pep rally and bonfire near the fountain of Old Main. This yearly tradition brings together generations around the fire to connect and cheer on the 'cats before game day.
Tents on the Mall
Tents on the Mall has been a wildly popular Homecoming event since its inception in 1985. Alumni groups, organizations, sororities, fraternities and colleges fill the Mall with hundreds of tents and offer food, drinks, entertainment and a chance to socialize before the football game.
Homecoming Royalty
Ruth Tackett was crowned Arizona's first Homecoming queen in 1947. The queen did not have a king until 1983. Since 1988, the king and queen have been crowned at a pep rally and bonfire the Friday before the Homecoming game.