UTA brings back Homecoming festivities

At The University of Texas at Arlington, Homecoming means friends, floats and fun. The annual celebration returns to campus this year, with students, alumni and the UTA community coming home to celebrate UT Arlington history and traditions.

UTA Homecoming festivities will take place Nov. 8-14, with events such as the Chili Cook-Off and Homecoming Parade. Among the highlights:

• Student organizations are invited to Chalk the Mall all day Nov. 8 to show off their Maverick spirit and creativity. Organizations will be assigned a square of the UTA Library Mall to draw and color in with sidewalk chalk.

• Bring your tastebuds to Brazos Park for the Chili Cook-Off on Nov. 10 at noon. Teams will compete to win the ultimate prize of Chili Cook-Off champion; the event is open to all UTA, students, faculty, staff and alumni groups.

• The Jim Hayes Memorial Wheelchair Basketball Tournament starts Nov. 12. in the Physical Education Building. The women play at 1:30 p.m. and the men play at 3:30 p.m. in a repeat matchup with Alabama, whom the Movin' Mavs beat earlier this year to win their ninth national championship.
• The Homecoming Street Festival and Parade will take place on Nov. 13 along Spaniolo Drive. From 1-5 p.m., enjoy food, games and a photobooth before the Homecoming Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. The parade route goes down Spaniolo Drive adjacent to the College Park District.The theme for this year's parade is "Mavericks are out of this world!"
• See the Lady Mavs and the Mavericks play their Homecoming games at College Park Center on Nov. 13. The Lady Mavs play Sam Houston State at 2 p.m., followed by the Mavericks against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at 7 p.m.

"Student organizations and departments have been working since the summer to plan a week's worth of excitement for the entire UTA community," said Patrick Kelly, director of student activities. "We are thrilled to be returning to live Homecoming festivities this fall."