by Jawana Kamal (Intern, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Homecoming Week 2024 begins Sunday, Oct. 27, and ends Saturday, Nov. 2. It’s a week-long celebration showcasing the spirit of UAB, featuring beloved annual traditions as well as new events. From sports to competitions to performances, Homecoming Week has something for all Blazers to enjoy!

This year’s theme is “The Blazer Tour,” an homage to music lovers all across campus and the community. Naisha Kohli, executive director of the UAB Spirit Council, describes “The Blazer Tour” as being “inspired by the number of concerts that occurred this year. The theme represents a dynamic role while reminding us of the significance of our own individual journeys and the energy that makes our campus come alive.”

“Homecoming Week is a special moment for us as a community where we can celebrate being a Blazer. We get to continue to show our resilience and leadership to many during this time,” she said. “There’s much to look forward to, whether that is from Alumni or the students’ events, but the best will be the Tailgate and the game!”

The following events are open to Blazers (students, faculty, staff, alumni) and the greater Birmingham community:

• The annual Green and Gold Games will be held at the URec on Oct. 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Flex your athletic skills in a series of exciting competitive sports!
• Join the Blazer Spirit Council and International Mentors on the Green at the Homecoming Carnival on Oct. 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for an evening of fun carnival games, food, and music.
• The UAB vs Lakeshore Foundation 10th Annual Wheelchair Flag Football Game will take place on Oct. 28 at the University Recreation Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The first 200 guests will receive free food and t-shirts.
• Get your build on at Blazer Build It on Oct. 29 on the Green from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Everyone’s favorite Blaze the Night Block Party is happening on Oct. 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hang out with friends, play games, enjoy music by a live DJ, and enjoy great food at the Hill Student Center Ballrooms A-D!
• UAB’s most unique tradition is the annual Gurney Derby on Oct. 30 at 12:00 p.m. Dress up in your best costume and race a gurney down 10th Ave S!
• Blazer Showdown will be held on the Green on Oct. 30 from 7:00 p.m.. Watch as teams put their own spin on this year’s theme in a dance and skit competition!
• Donate non-perishable school supplies, toiletries, or gently used T-shirts for the Dragon Drive on Oct. 31 in the SIL Office which will benefit the HSC Blazer Kitchen and a local shelter.
• Find out the winners of the annual Homecoming Residence Hall Lobby Decorating Competition and the HSC Office Competition on Oct 31!
• Celebrate the spirit of UAB Homecoming with the Homecoming Parade on Nov. 1! The parade will begin on 14th Street S at 12:00 p.m. and ends on University Blvd.

Don’t forget to check out what UAB sports has to offer during Homecoming Week 2024!

• UAB Women’s Volleyball at Wichita State on Oct. 27
• UAB Men’s Soccer at Charlotte on Oct. 27
• UAB Women’s Soccer at Temple on Oct. 27
• UAB Men’s Golf at FAU Golf Invitational on Oct. 28 and Oct 29
• UAB Women’s Golf at University of Southern Mississippi on Oct. 28 and Oct 29
• UAB Women’s Basketball vs Shorter on Oct. 30
• UAB Women’s Soccer vs North Texas on Oct. 31
• UAB Women’s Beach Volleyball at AVCA Pairs Qualification Tournament on Nov. 1
• UAB Men’s Soccer vs South Florida on Nov. 1
• UAB Women’s Volleyball vs North Texas on Nov. 1

And to bring the week to a close, the UAB Homecoming game! UAB Football will face Tulsa at Protective Stadium on Nov. 2. Check out the Blazer Spirit Student Tailgate for food, giveaways, and live music before kickoff at 1:30 p.m

Keep up with this year’s Homecoming on the https://www.uab.edu/homecoming/ page, and follow the official homecoming Instagram account @uab_homecoming.