Homecoming 2024 Ushers in ‘New Era’ with Drone Light Show

Updated Tuesday, Oct. 22, to add game time, parade time and drone light show information.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Crimson Tide is hosting the Missouri Tigers on Saban Field in Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday with kick-off at 2:45 p.m., but The University of Alabama is ready to usher in a new era as it kicks off homecoming week festivities Oct. 20.  

The University will present its first-ever drone light show for fans attending Friday night’s pep rally and bonfire. The pep rally begins at 6:30 p.m., immediately followed by the drone light show, starting at 7:30 p.m. The show will take place above the stadium with the Quad offering the best location for viewing.

New Era, Same Standard

This year’s theme is “New Era, Same Standard,” and the UA Homecoming Board has several events planned where students can show off their own legendary skills.

Parade

The homecoming parade will start at 10 a.m. with Crimson Tide football legend and NFL Pro Bowler Shaun Alexander serving as grand marshal.

The parade will start at Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers on Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa, turning east onto University Boulevard and continuing through campus.

Paint the Town Red

The community is invited to view lawns decorated by student organizations and businesses participating in the Paint the Town Red competition throughout the week.

QR codes will be displayed outside each business and lawn display for everyone to vote on a favorite.

Other events include:

Sunday, Oct. 20 – Thursday, Oct. 24

There will be a Cash for Cans Fundraiser in collaboration with Beat Auburn Beat Hunger.

Sunday, Oct. 20

Roll Tide Run: Begins at 5 p.m. Check-in time is 3:30 p.m. and warm-up is at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of the Quad near Autherine Lucy Hall. Ticket purchase is required. This event is also open to alumni and community members.

Homecoming Kick-Off Event: 6 p.m., University of Alabama Student Center Lawn. This is a free event. There will be a Silent Disco at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Great Hall. There will also be food, games, DIY activities and a photo booth.

Spades and Lawn Games Tournament: 6 p.m., Student Center Lawn. Pre-registration or ticket purchase is required.

Monday, Oct. 21

Breakfast with Big Al: 9-10 a.m. at the Student Center Plaza.

Bowling Competition:  6-8:30 p.m. at Bowlero.

Free Open Student Bowling: 6-10 p.m at Bowlero. All UA students welcome.

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Dodgeball Competition: 5:30 p.m., UREC Basketball Indoor Courts (South Gym)

Wednesday, Oct. 23

Day of Service Event: TBD

Flag Football Competition: Registration: 5 p.m. Competition begins at 5:30 p.m., UREC Intramural Fields

Thursday, Oct. 24

Choreography Competition: 6 p.m., Coleman Coliseum. Tickets are required. Open to alumni and community members as well. Parking at Coleman Coliseum is limited and attendees are encouraged to park in the Capstone Parking Deck.

Friday, Oct. 25

Pep Rally, Bonfire and Homecoming Queen Crowning: 6:30 p.m., the Quad.

Drone Light Show: 7:30 p.m., the Quad (following the pep rally)

Step Show, sponsored by the National Panhellenic Council: 8 p.m., Coleman Coliseum. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are required and this event is also open to alumni and community members. Parking at Coleman Coliseum is limited and attendees are encouraged to park in the Capstone Parking Deck instead. This year marks this event’s 50th Anniversary.

Stay on top of homecoming week updates and details on event registration and tickets by visiting the UA homecoming website.