A new tradition has arrived at the University of Memphis. The university welcomed students, alumni, friends and family to its first-ever Roar Fest, held Friday evening on the University Center lawn.
Roar Fest replaced the university’s long-standing homecoming parade, an event many alumni and students have looked forward to for years.
“I think it’s hard for Memphis to lose tradition, but I will say the changes are a lot better than expected,” said Odeth Torres, a junior at the university. “I prefer the block party, but the parade will be missed.”
The Roar Fest block party featured a giant inflatable slide, cornhole, and miniature carnival games. Guests enjoyed free popcorn, hot dogs, cotton candy, and food from local trucks, along with University of Memphis merchandise giveaways.
Students line up at a food truck serving grilled sandwiches and fresh-squeezed lemonade during Roar Fest on Oct. 25.
The evening kicked off with introductions of the Homecoming Court, giving each member the opportunity to showcase their personality before voting closed. The crowd cheered enthusiastically as the students took the stage.
The Mighty Sound of the South pep band followed with an energetic performance that filled the air with music and Tiger spirit. Later, Sound Fuzion took the stage, performing a lively set that had the crowd dancing and singing along.
Although the event was open to the public, security was tight. Entrances were monitored with metal detectors, and officers patrolled the event grounds. The increased precautions came just days after the Aux Cord Wars event was abruptly shut down by campus police following a false fire alarm, prompting university officials to emphasize safety during the rest of Homecoming Week.
“I do think it was a success,” said campus officer D. Morgan. “We did the best we could with safety for homecoming, and I think it turned out great.”
The night ended on a high note, filled with laughter, music and a new sense of community, marking the start of what many hope will become a lasting homecoming tradition at the University of Memphis.
Kamyah Higgins can be contacted at K.Higgins@memphis.edu
