Homecoming Week Comes Home for 2020

The University of Maryland kicks off Homecoming Week today with a slate of events to stoke Terp spirit. The difference during the pandemic: You can just get stoked from your sofa.

This year’s lineup still includes popular traditions including the SEE Comedy Show, the Nyumburu Juke Joint, alumni reunions and volunteer opportunities—peaking with the football showdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers under Friday night lights.

But this season, safety gets a 50-yard-line seat at Homecoming. To prevent transmission of COVID-19, the Big Ten Conference isn’t allowing fans at games, and the university has shifted many events online.

You can still laugh and whoop and cheer all week long in your best Terp gear (see the guide to what color to wear each day). Or stick with your holey-est hoodie—who’s going to see it?—and leave your fuzzy Maryland slippers on.

Find the full list of events at homecoming.umd.edu, and sample a few of them below. All are free unless otherwise noted.

Town Hall with President Pines for Alumni and Friends
7 p.m. Oct. 26 (virtual)
Darryll J. Pines is celebrating his first UMD Homecoming as president. Alumni and friends are invited to participate in a Q&A with him and Sylvia Pines in this event hosted by the Alumni Association.

Nyumburu Cultural Center Juke Joint
7 p.m. Oct. 28 (virtual)
This Homecoming tradition is an evening of cultural engagement and free expression. Enjoy poetry, performances, stepping, live bands and a DJ.

Outdoor Art Projections Installation
6-9 p.m. Oct. 28-30, The Clarice’s front plaza
Created by School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies alumna Alexandra Kelly Colburn ’18, this outdoor installation on the exterior of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center will feature images and stories from the performing arts at Maryland.

SEE Homecoming Comedy Show featuring Hasan Minhaj
8 p.m. Oct. 29
This event has been postponed. Follow SEE social media for updates on the show: Twitter/Instagram @see_umd, Facebook @SEEUMD
Free for students//$15 for alums
Hasan Minhaj, the featured guest at the 2017 annual comedy event hosted by Student Entertainment Events, returns—virtually. The Peabody Award winner known for his unique take on the modern cultural and political landscape will take part in a Q&A, Zoom style.

Homecoming Days of Service
Oct. 29-30 (in person)
The Campus Pantry and Terp Farm are working to combat food insecurities within the Terp community and beyond. Volunteer opportunities are available for UMD students, faculty and staff who are cleared to come to campus.

Maryland Terrapins vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
7:30 p.m. Oct. 30
ESPN
Cheer on the Terps football team in their 2020 home opener as they face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Wear your Maryland gear, sing and shout in the comfort of your home. And count down to the game an hour before kickoff at the Terps Tailgate show, which will feature the announcement of the Spirit of Maryland winners, a game preview, and the student-athletes' arrival onto the field.