Lamar University gears up for homecoming

Starting on Monday, Sept. 26, Lamar University is hosting a full week of events leading up to the university’s homecoming celebration on Oct. 1, which also coincides with Cardinal Parent & Family Day.

Brandie Van Zanden, director of New Student and Leadership Programs and organizer of Cardinal Parent & Family Day, said the event is an opportunity to welcome Cardinal families to LU and a chance for families to visit their student and explore the university. 

“This is an opportunity for parents to meet with their student’s roommates, tour the residence halls, enjoy homecoming activities, visit Spindletop and more,” she said. “We will have a Family Fun Zone where families can visit our photo booth, make custom license plate signs, pick up LU spirit items for the football game and then enjoy chatting with other families and playing games.”

The director added that, more importantly, Cardinal Parent & Family Day is an opportunity to welcome families back to the university and allow them time to see how their student has established themselves at LU.
 
The week features a slate of activities on campus for students to enjoy, culminating Saturday, Oct. 1 when the Cardinals football team will take on Houston Christian University in Provost Umphrey Stadium.
 

Monday, Sept. 26

Homecoming Kickoff – 12:20 - 1 p.m. on the Dining Hall Lawn
Free Big Red ice cream floats will be available until 2 p.m.

Silent Disco – 7 - 11 p.m. in the Live Oak Ballroom, Setzer Student Center
 

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Escape Room: The Mystery of Mount Olympus – 12:30 - 2 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center, Bayou North 124

Cardinal Grand Prix & Field Day – 7-9 p.m. in Terrell Park
Free Kona Ice Snow Cones will be available.
 

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Escape Room: Space Calls-Infinite Horizon – 12:30 – 2 p.m. in Morris Hall, Cardinal Village
 
NPHC Hump Day Step Show – 7 – 10 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center Atrium

Bingo & Late-Night Breakfast – 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. in the Setzer Student Center Food Court
 

Thursday, Sept. 29

Laser Tag – 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Goat Yoga – 3:30-6:15 p.m. on the grass lawn in front of the Rec Center
 
Escape Room: Totally Tubular 80's Party – 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Rec Center Racquetball Courts
 
Retro Arcade & Dance Revolution – 6 – 9 p.m. in the Rec Center Game Room
 

Friday, Sept. 30

Make-Your-Own Street Signs – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center Atrium
 
T-Shirt Exchange – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center Atrium
 
Spirit Walk to the Bonfire – 5:45 p.m. in Cardinal Park
 
Bonfire & Pep Rally – 6 p.m. in Spindletop Field
The Bonfire & Pep Rally will feature Coronation of the Royal Court, announcement of finalists for King and Queen, live music from JT Reserve and winners of the Homecoming Points Rally.
Free food truck: sliders, chicken tenders, street tacos, boudin, kettle corn and more!
 
LU Soccer vs. Incarnate Word – 7 p.m. in the LU Soccer Complex (LU students receive free entry with their student I.D.)
 

Saturday, Oct. 1

Parent & Family Day – 9 a.m. in the Setzer Student Center
Purchase Parent & Family Day tickets
 
Big Red's Ride Classic & Antique Car Show – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum
 
LU Volleyball vs. Incarnate Word – at 10 a.m. in McDonald Gym (LU students receive free entry with their student I.D.)
 
Cardinal Fan Fest & Tailgating – 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the Montagne Center A-5 parking lot
 
Free Art Exhibits by Keith Carter and others – 12 – 4 p.m. in the Dishman Art Museum
 
Showcase of Southeast Texas Pre-Game Show – 2:40 p.m. in Provost Umphrey Stadium
 
Kickoff: LU Football vs. Houston Christian University – 3 p.m. in Provost Umphrey Stadium
 
See a full list of homecoming events for students, alumni and the community to enjoy