It’s Homecoming Week at Tarleton. Here’s the full slate of events, traditions you won’t want to miss.

Sara Vanden Berge
Oct 11
3 min read

TSU MEDIA RELATIONS

Preparations are in full swing as Tarleton State University readies a plethora of traditions and events for students, faculty, staff and alumni to take part in during Homecoming Week Oct. 12-18.

The annual week of festivities is a favorite for Texans as the university is transformed with Tarleton State spirit.

“Homecoming is a time for alumni and current Texans to join together in celebration of our beloved traditions,” said Brian Warner, Tarleton Alumni Association president.

“We come together to celebrate our Tarleton State heritage, to embrace our future and cheer on the Texans to victory.”

The week will begin with the Memorial Homecoming 5K and the Lighting of the Smokestack. Activities will continue throughout the week with traditions like the Silver Bugle Hunt, Purple Pancakes, Yell Contest and Snake Dance, Drum Beating, the L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire and the annual Homecoming Parade.

Along with these time-honored traditions, a new statue honoring the beloved Purple Poo will be unveiled in Heritage Park following the Homecoming Parade. This spirit organization has been a cherished part of the Tarleton State community for over 100 years.

The week will conclude with the homecoming game against West Georgia in Memorial Stadium, and Mr. and Mrs. TSU will be crowned.

Here’s a list of activities happening on the Stephenville campus

Sunday, Oct. 12

5-7 p.m. — Memorial Homecoming 5K, starting at Rome and Rudder Way

8-10 p.m. — Lighting of the Smokestack and Mr. and Mrs. TSU Court Announcement, Smokestack/P5 Parking Lot

Monday, Oct. 13

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Launching of the Ducks and Purple Out Picnic, Campus Administration Building Patio and Interprofessional Education Building Walkway, Fort Worth

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — Faculty and Staff Alumni Luncheon, Barry B. Thompson Student Center Ballrooms

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Silver Bugle Hunt, Trogdon House, registration required

11 p.m.-1 a.m. — Midnight Madness, EECU Center

Tuesday, Oct. 14

5-6:30 p.m. — Launching of the Ducks, Nursing Building Reflecting Pool

8:20-9:45 p.m. — Homecoming Yard Show, Barry B. Thompson Student Center Amphitheater

10 p.m.-12:15 a.m. — Purple Pancakes, Dining Hall Patio

Wednesday, Oct. 15

9 p.m.-midnight — Yell Contest, EECU Center

9 p.m.-midnight — Yell Bingo, Barry B. Thompson Student Center Ballrooms

Following Yell Contest — Snake Dance, EECU Center to Barry B. Thompson Student Center Amphitheater

Following the Snake Dance until kickoff on Oct. 18 — Beating of the Drum, Barry B. Thompson Student Center Amphitheater

Thursday, Oct. 16

8-11 p.m. — Purple Out Concert, P5 Parking Lot

Friday, Oct. 17

10 a.m. — J. Dixon White Homecoming Golf Tournament, Squaw Valley Golf Course, Glen Rose, registration required

5-8 p.m. — Alumni Welcome Home Social and Registration, The Purple Goat

6-11 p.m. — Bonfire Shuttle Service, on campus at the corner of Cain Street and Rudder Way and Stephenville City Park to and from the Tarleton Agriculture Center

8 p.m. — L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire, Tarleton Agriculture Center