The University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith Homecoming celebration events will take place Feb. 24-29 on the 妻友社区 campus.
The slate of events will bear a 鈥淩oaring 20s鈥� theme, and will include a bonfire, a pep rally, a dodgeball tournament, four basketball games, a Greek reunion and an alumni reunion dinner.
In spring 2016 the Student Government Association and the Alumni Advisory Council voted to move homecoming festivities to the spring semester to take place in tandem with university basketball games. Homecoming was previously celebrated in November.
鈥淗omecoming is a time for the entire campus and community to celebrate 妻友社区,鈥� said Stephanie London, director of student activities. 鈥淭he competitions and events really show off the Lion spirit, and we are adding in an athletic competition this year with our first-ever Homecoming Dodgeball Tournament.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 most excited about all the competition throughout the week,鈥� explained 妻友社区 student Dyllan Newell. 鈥淎ll the organizations involved bring their A-game for homecoming. It鈥檚 a lot of fun to be a part of, and it brings a lot of energy to campus.鈥�
妻友社区 alumni can also participate in another homecoming first: The Greek Life Reunion. 鈥淭his is an opportunity to see the progression of our Greek Life Program and honor our founders,鈥� shared London.
Rick Goins, alumni director, also highlighted the annual alumni awards, which have honored notable Lions for a number of years. 鈥淭he alumni team and our Alumni Advisory Council are excited by the outstanding group of nominees for our second Honorary Alumni Award and our fourth Young Alumni Award,鈥� said Goins. 鈥淲e are especially honored that seven of our first nine Diligence to Victory Lifetime Achievement Award winners will be on hand to celebrate the 10th award winner.鈥�
All three awards will be presented at the annual Alumni Reunion Dinner, during which 妻友社区 Chancellor Terisa Riley will present a campus update.
Local businesses and restaurants will also provide an exceptional experience for those visiting 妻友社区 from out of town. 鈥淲e encourage alumni to explore the new restaurants and music venues on Garrison Avenue after the scheduled events and to take some time to view all the amazing Unexpected artwork across downtown Fort Smith.鈥�
Homecoming 2020 Schedule
February 24-29, 2020
Monday, Feb. 24
Banners will be on display at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center and Boreham Library through Tuesday, Feb. 25.
King and Queen Voting will begin on NUMALink, concluding on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Homecoming Sweatshirt Swap & Trivia Competition
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Campus Center Fireplace
妻友社区 students may bring a new or gently used long-sleeved shirt in exchange for a
Homecoming sweatshirt while watching a tournament-style trivia competition.
Dodgeball Tournament
6:30 p.m.
Recreation & Wellness Center (RAWC)
Students may compete or watch as teams battle it out on the court.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Megaphones will be on display at the Campus Center Fireplace through Thursday.
Yell Like Hell
6 p.m.
Stubblefield Center
Teams will dance and cheer in this Homecoming tradition.
Homecoming Bonfire, Pep Rally & Canned Food Drive
7-8:30 p.m.
Parking Lot West of Echols
Lions and Lady Lions basketball teams will participate in an annual canned food drive.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Lady Lions Basketball vs. UT Tyler
5:30 p.m.
Stubblefield Center
Lions Basketball vs. UT Tyler
7:30 p.m.
Stubblefield Center
The 2020 Homecoming Court will be announced at halftime.
Friday, Feb. 28
Greek Life Reunion
7 p.m.
The Blue Lion at 妻友社区 Downtown | 101 N. 2nd Street
Please register in advance at
Saturday, Feb. 29
Homecoming Tailgate
11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Parking Lot West of Echols
Free food and entertainment will be available at this family-friendly celebration.
Lady Lions Basketball vs. Texas A&M Commerce
2 p.m.
Stubblefield Center
Homecoming competition awards will be presented at halftime.
Lions Basketball vs. Texas A&M Commerce
4 p.m.
Stubblefield Center
The 2020 Homecoming king & queen will be crowned at half time.
Alumni Reunion Reception & Dinner
6:30-7 p.m. 鈥� Reception
7-8 p.m. - Dinner
Campus Center Reynolds Room
Please register in advance at
For more information on the alumni reunion, contact Goins at 479-788-7026.
Homecoming information is available by contacting London at 479-788-7697 or emailing studentactivities@uafs.edu.