By Tasia Williams (Intern, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) kicks off Homecoming 2023 on Sunday, Oct. 29 - Saturday, Nov. 4. This year’s theme is “Y2Blaze,” celebrates the turn of the millennium, also known as Y2K, characterized by its technological advancements and playful fashions. Considered the beginning of the “bling” era, Y2K was also saw the rise of the world wide web, boy bands, pop divas and reality television.

The week-long celebration will be filled with traditional and new events for all Blazers to enjoy. There will be competitions, parties, sporting events, and so much more! "Homecoming at UAB is not just a return to our roots, but a celebration of our boundless potential and enduring legacy," said Mi'Kasa Mitchell, assistant director of Student Activities.

Various coordinators and campus leaders are counting on the UAB community to showcase their Blazer spirit. Faiza Mawani, executive director of the UAB Blazer Spirit Council, says this year’s theme is “a throwback to the year 2000, filled with a retro nostalgic vibe. Y2Blaze encompasses outfits, games, music, and any other nostalgic elements that you want it to.”

“Homecoming is one of many traditions at UAB…It is a chance to participate in week-long festivities and celebrations as we cheer our football team on,” she said. “I challenge every Blazer to attend at least two Homecoming events this year. The more you come to, the more spirit and love you gain for your school.”

UAB students, faculty and staff, alumni and the greater Birmingham community can expect to experience the following events:

• Showcase your athletic abilities in the Green and Gold Games on Oct. 29. The event will take place on the Campus Green
• Get your build on at the Blazer Build It Competition on Oct. 31. Participants will decorate a wooden frame however they choose.
• Dress in your best costume and race down 13th Street in UAB’s most unique tradition: the Gurney Derby Competition on Nov. 1.
• Hang out with friends and play games at the Blaze the Night Block Party on Nov. 1.
• Spotlight your dancing and skit-performing abilities in the Blazer Showdown on Nov. 2. General admission is free.
• Show your mettle in the Seventh Annual DSS Wheelchair Flag Football game on Nov 2., at 5 p.m. The event will take place at the Campus Recreation Center, and admission is free.
• Line up to watch or walk in the Homecoming Parade on Nov. 3. Lineup starts at 14th Street South between University Blvd & 10th Avenue South at 10 a.m., and the parade begins at 12 p.m.

Homecoming 2023 will also showcase the best in UAB sports.

UAB Men’s Basketball vs Morehouse College on Oct. 30 at Bartow Arena.

• UAB Women’s Basketball vs Shorter on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. in Bartow Arena.
• Seventh Annual DSS Wheelchair Flag Football game on Nov 2., at 5 p.m. The event will take place at the Campus Recreation Center, and admission is free.
• UAB Women’s Volleyball vs Charlotte on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in Bartow Arena.

And, of course, the grand finale! For the Homecoming Game, UAB Football will face Florida Atlantic at Protective Stadium on Nov. 4th. Stop by the Blazer Spirit Student Tailgate for food, giveaways, and live music before the big game.

As exciting as these events are, the most important part of Homecoming is the coming together of the UAB community. “The immense spirit that every student, faculty, and staff represents at Homecoming is a testament to how dedicated we are to our school spirit and traditions,” said Faiza. “Homecoming is a time to revitalize and continue motivating students and alumni to proudly claim their Blazer status. We are a young, spirited university, and Homecoming Week strives to remind everyone of that!”

Follow all the events happening during Homecoming by visiting https://www.uab.edu/homecoming/ and following the official Homecoming Instagram account, @uab_homecoming.

For DSS accommodations, contact DSS at dss@uab.edu or (205) 934-4205.