Homecoming Week Preview: What’s New, What’s Back

A century ago this fall, Homecoming debuted at the University of Maryland with the dedication of a football stadium on what’s now Fraternity Row, students danced the lindy hop and Charleston to tunes from a 10-piece orchestra at the new Ritchie gymnasium, and the “Old Liners” steamrolled the Catholic University Brooklanders, 40-6.

This year’s celebration, Oct. 8-14, won’t look similar—except for the hopes of a Maryland Football victory.

The Homecoming calendar is packed with nostalgia and tradition (tailgates everywhere) as well as more contemporary fare, including a “Beyond the Field” research address on AI threats to privacy, a party celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and a food truck festival.

Monday through Thursday, the Student Alumni Leadership Council and Student Entertainment Events (SEE) will host “spirit stations” around campus, giving away piles of Homecoming swag to students wearing the color of the day. (Students can follow @UMDHomecoming and @umdsalc on social media or text UMDHOMECOMING to 71444 to find out where to go.) The colors are:

• Monday: red

• Tuesday: white

• Wednesday: black

• Thursday: gold

• Friday: all Maryland colors

Events kicked off yesterday with two sold-out SEE Comedy Shows featuring Eric André, and will culminate on Saturday afternoon as the Terps (5-1) take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4).

In between, see the highlights of Homecoming Week 2023 and the full lineup at homecoming.umd.edu:

Beyond the Field Address
4 p.m. Monday
Streaming on YouTube

What’s Back: Homecoming goes off the gridiron and into the classroom with a lecture on a grand challenge, featuring one of UMD’s most renowned researchers. This year, it’s College of Information Studies Professor Jen Golbeck, a computer scientist and expert on artificial intelligence, social media algorithms and malicious online behavior who will challenge viewers to pay greater heed to how AI increasingly influences our lives.

What’s New: The college is hosting a viewing party—a first for this annual event—at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center featuring a robust in-person discussion with Golbeck and other AI experts. Registration is closed.

Tuesday Night Lights
7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday
SECU Stadium (enter at Gate I)

What’s Back: Fans take over the football field for one evening to snap selfies with Testudo and toss a ball, play games and enjoy music with a live DJ.

What’s New: To mark 100 years of Homecoming, 100 randomly selected attendees will take home a limited-edition “Script Terps” hoodie (size: large). Even bigger: One attendee will have the opportunity of a lifetime to kick a 35-yard field goal to win the SECU Kick for Cash $10,000 Field Goal Challenge. See details on who can register and when.

Teddy’s Pup Parade
5 p.m. Wednesday
McKeldin Mall

What’s Back: Nothing! This is an inaugural event.

What’s New: Dog lovers and their furry friends can join Teddy the Terp, the University of Maryland Police Department’s comfort dog, for an hour of tail-wagging excitement—and a few breaks for tummy rubs, rain or shine. Advance registration is available and in person starting at 4:30 p.m.

Do Good Service Event
5-7 p.m. Thursday
Grand Ballroom, Stamp Student Union

What’s Back: In partnership with the Do Good Institute, the Office of Community Engagement and the School of Public Policy Alumni Board, the student nonprofit Terps Against Hunger is hosting volunteers to package 30,000 meals to benefit individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the D.C. metro area.

What’s New: This is the first Homecoming service project in four years. All volunteer slots are filled.