Weber State preps for week of homecoming traditions, celebrations

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will join forces with the community to “Make Ogden Purple” during a week of traditions and homecoming celebrations Oct. 1–8. Classic events include a pep rally, lighting the “W” on the mountainside, a tailgate party and football game.

“I’m super excited for homecoming this year,” said Ashley Potokar, student body president. “It’s a time where we get to show our Weber State pride and celebrate how great, great, great Weber State is.” 

Homecoming marks the start of Make Ogden Purple, an initiative encouraging the Ogden community to show their Wildcat pride.

“Make Ogden Purple is a grassroots effort to establish a college town culture in the Ogden community,” said Abby Monroe, WSU alumni coordinator.

The Make Ogden Purple initiative is meant as a visual reminder of the collaboration between Ogden City and Weber State. During homecoming, Weber State banners, flyers and art will adorn downtown sidewalks and power poles. A Purple Paw Parade Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. will allow dog owners to show their WSU pride during a walk from the Municipal Garden Park to Weber State Downtown. 

To kick off campus activities, the Homecoming Pep Rally will be at 12:20 p.m. Oct. 3 at Stewart Bell Tower Plaza and will feature coaches, athletes, Waldo and the award-winning spirit squad. Those who attend will receive a free homecoming T-shirt.

“This week’s events unite us together as a Weber family,” Potokar said. “I hope everyone is able to come out and enjoy homecoming week.”

Homecoming football kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 against Eastern Washington. The best seats will be in Stewart Stadium, but the game will also be televised on ESPN+. The community is invited to the tailgate party with food and activities before the game.

During homecoming and all year long, the Wildcat community can showcase their support for the university on Instagram @MakeOgdenPurple or tag #MakeOgdenPurple on Twitter and Facebook.

Below is the event schedule for homecoming week:  

Oct. 1

Oct. 3

  • Homecoming Pep Rally, 12:20 p.m. at Stewart Bell Tower Plaza 

  • Light the “W”, 6–8 p.m. at Stewart Bell Tower Plaza, lighting at 8 p.m. 

Oct. 4

  • Mardi Gras Casino Night hosted by Weber State University Student Association’s Clubs and Organizations, 6–9 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballroom

Oct. 5

  • “Service Day of Remembrance” service project and social issues discussion, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ogden Nature Center

  • Xeriscaping project 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., begins in W7 parking lot on the Ogden campus 

  • Dive-In Movie showing of Jaws hosted by Campus Recreation, 7–9 p.m. at the Swenson Pool

Oct. 6

Oct. 7

  • Diversity Conference, all day beginning at 9:30 a.m., WSU Davis with in-person and virtual sessions

  • Ribbon-cutting for Noorda Engineering, Applied Science & Technology Building, 2 p.m. on the Ogden campus

  • WSU Salutes reception and awards program, 6 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Center Allred Theater 

  • Silent Disco Dance Party, 9–11:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballroom

  • True Wildcat tradition at midnight 

Oct. 8

  • Homecoming Fan Fest & Tailgate, 4–6 p.m. at Stewart Stadium

  • WSU vs. Eastern Washington, 6 p.m., with WSU Salutes award recipients recognized at halftime 

For photos from the 2021 homecoming game, visit this link.

Author:

Jordan Wise, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948, jordanwise@weber.edu

Contact:

Tara Peris, Student Involvement and Leadership director
801-626-7334, taraperis@weber.edu