Bowling Green Gears Up for “Roaring Red” Homecoming Celebration
Bowling Green, KY – Western Kentucky University (WKU) is set to step back in time to the 1920s as it hosts this year’s “Roaring Red” Homecoming from November 14 to 16. This year’s celebration is unique as it shifts from the traditional October timeframe due to changes in the university’s football schedule. Director of Student Activities, Charley Pride, explained that the Hilltoppers will not have a Saturday home game until November, prompting the later date for Homecoming festivities.
An Unusual Schedule
The excitement for this year’s Homecoming will begin early on November 16, as the kickoff for the football game against Louisiana Tech is scheduled for 11 a.m.. This marks a significant change from previous years when games typically began in the afternoon, around 3 or 4 p.m. As a result, the day’s events will commence at 8 a.m..
“That’s the first time I’ve seen it that I can remember it being that early,” Pride mentioned. “It affects a lot of the planning of what we’re doing that day.”
A Day Filled with Events
The Homecoming day will be packed with various activities, starting with the “Festival of Friends” tailgate at 8 a.m. in the campus area. Following that, the Homecoming Candidate Pinning Ceremony is set for 9 a.m.. The day will wrap up with the highly anticipated NPHC Step Show at 6 p.m. at The Capitol, while the Homecoming Queen Coronation will take place during halftime of the football game.
“It’s just a great day. It’s just fun seeing all the people. Most people are excited,” Pride added. “It’s just fun.”
Festivities Kick Off on Friday
Friday, November 15, is another exciting day as it marks the beginning of the major events. The annual Homecoming Parade will roll through downtown Bowling Green at 5 p.m. The parade will feature the “Big Red’s Roar” pep rally at Fountain Square right after the parade. This year’s floats in the parade will be themed around the 1920s, in line with the Roaring Red theme.
Pride noted that the floats will largely be constructed by the university’s Greek groups. “You got layers of leadership. You got to get people to show up,” he explained. “Some of the skills our students are getting by building a Homecoming float people would never think of.”
Celebrating Alumni
To kick off the festivities that weekend, the WKU Alumni Association will host the Hilltopper Excellence Awards at the Knicely Conference Center. This event will honor the achievements of WKU alumni and benefactors, along with the introduction of the 33rd class of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, as stated on the Alumni Association’s website.
Stay Informed
For those interested in the full schedule of WKU’s Homecoming events, the information is available on the university’s website at the Homecoming page.
As the Roaring Red Homecoming approaches, Bowling Green is buzzing with excitement, and both students and alumni look forward to a weekend filled with nostalgia, celebration, and school spirit.
