That favorite fall tradition – Homecoming – has finally arrived! This weekend Mary Wash students, alumni and supporters from near and far will gather to catch up, connect and enjoy a variety of activities, including the traditional Athletics Tailgate and a slate of NCAA contests.
Get the seasonal vibes flowing Thursday at the annual Harvest Festival, hosted by UMW Dining, with clubs, vendors, games and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Campus Walk. For a spookier setting, check out the 40th annual Ghostwalk hosted by UMW’s Historic Preservation Club on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Open to all, the walk starts at the James Monroe Museum and heads to different historic sites around town for eerie stories from Fredericksburg’s haunted past. Tickets sold the night of the event cost $10 for adults and $5 for students, youth (6+) and alumni.
Nearly new this year, added to the fall schedule after its début in the spring, is the student-led vendor fair, UMW Night Market, held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Open to all, it supports talented student vendors offering clothes, art, trinkets and much more and concludes a week of activities in celebration of National Transfer Student Week.
The big day, Homecoming Saturday, brings loads of activities, including an alumni Pregame fuel-up held in the courtyard at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a brunch buffet that includes chicken and waffles, breakfast quesadillas, fruit and a top-your-own hashbrowns bar, as well as bottomless coffee, mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar with several topping options. Pre-purchased tickets are required.
The celebrations continue Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Athletics Tailgate at the Battleground complex, which comprises the entire tailgate area and access to all sporting events. The Tailgate includes a designated Alumni Area and an Alumni Beer Garden with pizza, beer, cider and giveaways. Pregame ticket-holders get two free beer tickets, which will also be available for purchase.
Athletics alumni can find more entertainment at alumni competitions in women’s volleyball, rugby and men’s lacrosse. All fans and supporters can cheer on the Eagles in two men’s rugby contests and NCAA games in women’s soccer, field hockey and men’s soccer beginning at 10 a.m. Visit the UMW Eagles website for a full schedule of 2024 Homecoming games and follow @umwathletics on social media for the latest updates. All games are free, but a wristband (ticket) is required for the tailgate.
Alumni ticket packages include the pregame brunch and tailgate admission, plus two drinks for $40. Walk-up tailgate admission is available for $20 per person from Athletics on Homecoming Day.
Limited parking for those without a pass can be purchased for $20 on Saturday as spaces remain. FREE PARKING is available along Hanover Street on the Battleground side of the street, as well as the student lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road, and the Alvey Parking Deck. Note that parking in the UMW Athletics Battlegrounds will be reserved for tailgating. Traffic along Hanover Street may be heavy during peak game times. For more information, visit the UMW Athletics website.
Friends, food, timeless traditions and lots of Eagle spirit – don’t miss this annual weekend of UMW fan-favorite events. See you #BackintheBurg for Homecoming 2024, #GetDirtyGoWash!
