Homecoming Week has arrived at the University of Memphis this week, and festivities hosted by the Student Activities Council (SAC) aim to gather faculty and students together to show off their Tiger spirit.
SAC President Regina Hayes said she wanted to go big with the homecoming events this year.
“This year we wanted to do more larger events,” Hayes said. “We wanted to do something that would appeal to a larger crowd.”
Hayes said SAC took this mentality into picking the artist for the Bluff City Bash, a returning event from last year’s homecoming week.
“I would say it’s the largest (artist) we’ve ever had for students,” Hayes said. “Every year that’s our goal. Pick an artist we think students would like to hear.”
This year’s Bluff City Bash hopes to turn around last year’s show as some students were dissapointed when rapper 21 Savage performed for half the time he was contracted to perform.
Garrett Barnes, vice president of SAC, said 10,000-15,000 people are expected to come to the Bluff City Bash, and the featured artist or artists will soon be announced.
Both students and non-students can get their tickets from the U of M ticketing office. Students can enter their U ID number to receive a free ticket.
Senior health promotions major Zareon Anthony said he is excited for the Bluff City Bash and eager to find out what performers will be there.
“I’m mostly excited about what celebrity guest is coming to the Bluff City Bash,” Anthony said
With basketball season coming soon, this Thursday’s Memphis Madness falls on homecoming week.
Jason Smith, sports radio host at 92.9 FM ESPN, reported that Justin Timberlake, Drake, Yo Gotti, BlocBoy JB and Moneybagg Yo will be the artists who will perform at Memphis Madness at FedEx Forum.
In 2017, performers iHeartMemphis and Gabrielle Nicole were the featured artists at the event. According to U of M’s Athletic Department, tickets are sold out for Memphis Madness.
Gabriel Laurent, graduate biomedical engineering student, said he is excited see the community to getting together to celebrate the school.
“I’m a little more excited about the game the most,” Laurent said.
Laurent said he usually doesn’t get involved with homecoming, but this year, he is looking to engage in more activities.
The homecoming football game against UConn kicks off Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
William Sanders contributed to this story.
University of Memphis students dance the night away at the Silent Disco to cap off homecoming week's first day. Students are welcome to come to other free homecoming events like the Bluff City Bash on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. and the homecoming game against UConn on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
