The University of South Florida will celebrate Homecoming Oct. 8-14 with a week full of activities that energize all three USF campuses to come alive in a show of support and university pride. The Tampa Bay community is invited to join students, alumni, faculty and staff at dozens of events, including a concert, carnival, talent show, parade and the USF football game against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Raymond James Stadium.
Homecoming is one of USF's oldest traditions, dating back to 1964, one year after the first graduating class. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the impact USF alumni make on the Tampa Bay region and beyond. There are more than 374,000 living USF alumni; approximately 270,000 of them live in Florida and more than 3,300 work at their alma mater.
Key Homecoming events scheduled include:
Monday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. – Homecoming Kickoff & Lip Sync battle (Tampa campus)
Held in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom, hang with Rocky, hear the Herd of Thunder band, enjoy free food, grab promotional items, meet the Homecoming Royal Court and be engaged with USF Homecoming 2023. This event is free for USF students and the community.
Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. – NPHC Extravaganza Step Show (Tampa campus)
The National Pan-Hellenic Council was chartered in 1996 and has carried out the tradition of stepping in what we now know as the Extravaganza Step Show. Held in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom, this free event offers students and the community a chance to learn about the history of stepping and see the creative skills. This is the first time since 2015 the show will take place.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. – Cardboard Boat Race (St. Petersburg campus)
Teams of students and staff are set to build boats out of cardboard, duct tape and trash bags and race them in Bayboro Harbor. This year, the race will be broken into several heats, with more than 20 boats participating. Turn out at the Harborlawn to watch the competition.
Thursday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. – Homecoming Concert (Tampa campus)
This event, held at the Yuengling Center, features Lunay and Baby Tate. Tickets are $25 for the public; $10 for students; $15 for a student guest; and $20 for USF faculty, staff and alumni and can be purchased online from the link on the Homecoming website.
Friday, Oct. 13, at 5 p.m. – Homecoming Carni-Bull (Tampa campus)
Held in USF Parking Lot #35 (along USF Genshaft Drive, next to USF tennis courts), students and the community can enjoy rides, food, and performances by talented USF students. There will be a variety of family friendly and adult rides, at no cost, for all ages to enjoy. Food will be available for purchase.
Friday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. – Homecoming Running of the Bulls Parade (Tampa campus)
Take part in a USF tradition and support your favorite student organizations, local businesses and USF departments. With watch parties and lots of fun along the route, it's the perfect environment for families and students alike. Watch along Holly Drive, Genshaft Drive and Alumni Drive. This year's Grand Marshall, Joseph Dituri, is an associate professor at USF. He recently set a world record for living 100 days in an underwater habitat as part of a research project.
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3:30 p.m. – USF Football vs. FAU -- Head over to Raymond James Stadium to support the USF Bulls as they take on the Florida Atlantic University Owls. Tickets are available for purchase online.
A complete list of events on all campuses can be found on USF’s Homecoming website.