Baylor University Modifies Homecoming Plans in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic

Contact: Tonya B. Hudson, Baylor University, Office of Media and Public Relations, 254-710-4656  
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WACO, Texas (Oct. 8, 2020) — Baylor University today announced plans to celebrate its Homecoming, the oldest collegiate homecoming in the nation, through a variety of events Oct. 15-17. This year’s celebration brings many of the beloved Homecoming traditions to the homes of alumni and friends around the world for the first time in its 111-year history.

While the University will not host a Bonfire or Homecoming Parade this year, below is information about the slate of events planned for the celebration of Homecoming 2020.

Thursday, Oct. 15

Singspiration — Join Baylor Alumni and the entire Baylor Family for a virtual worship event at 6:30 p.m. This unique Homecoming Worship Service features uplifting congregational singing and choral music from a variety of styles as participants lift hearts and voices in celebration of the common bond we share in Jesus Christ. Registration is required. For more information, visit the Baylor Homecoming website.

Mass Meeting — For the first time in Homecoming history, the entire Baylor Family is invited to join our newest class of students in Mass Meeting at 8 p.m. The virtual event features the retelling of the story of the Immortal 10 and the presentation of the Eternal Flame. The story of the Immortal Ten reminds us that we each have a unique responsibility to care for and value all members of the Baylor Family. For more information, visit the Baylor Homecoming website.

Friday, Oct. 16

The Art of Homecoming — Downtown Waco has long been an integral part of Baylor’s Homecoming celebration. As the starting point of the traditional Homecoming Parade, alumni, families and friends have watched from along the downtown streets as floats, bands, community organizations, and generations of students showed their Baylor spirit. While the University will not host a Homecoming parade this year, many downtown businesses will dress up for Homecoming by hosting a Homecoming mural painted by a local artist on their storefront. A guided virtual tour of the murals will be available for those who aren’t able to visit downtown Waco. For more information, visit the Baylor Homecoming website.

Pigskin Revue — This annual Homecoming tradition, which showcases the top eight winning Broadway-style acts performed by campus organizations from the previous spring's All University Sing competition, will begin an online showing at 6:30 p.m. The unique viewing experience will utilize previously-captured footage of the performances, combined with fresh, new performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes commentary. Tickets are required and are available through the Bill Daniel Student Center Ticket Office. For more information, visit the Baylor Homecoming website.

Homecoming Pep Rally Celebration — In lieu of a large, in-person gathering for pep rally and bonfire, this year’s virtual Homecoming Pep Rally will showcase remarks from key leaders and coaches to get fans ready for the game against Oklahoma State.  A presentation of student-created floats, traditional parade balloons and other entries will represent the parade, and a finale fireworks show from the roof of McLane Stadium will represent the Homecoming Bonfire. The celebration will be carried live online beginning at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Baylor Homecoming website.

Baylor Students are invited to join this unique production of the long-held traditions in person beginning at 6 p.m. The gathering will follow Baylor’s COVID-19 mask guidelines and social distancing precautions. Student venues for watching Pigskin and the Pep Rally will be located at McLane Stadium, Student Gameday Tailgating and the Touchdown Alley area in fan tailgating. In addition, the annual student event, Dinner with the Livingstones, will be integrated into the celebration with free meals for students from some of Waco’s most popular food trucks located near each venue.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Football Game — The Baylor football team will take the field against Oklahoma State at 6:30 p.m. in McLane Stadium at 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Single-game tickets available at baylorbears.com while supplies last.

Homecoming Spirit Box

Alumni and friends are invited to add to their virtual celebrations at home with a specially curated Homecoming Spirit Box. With items that are reminiscent of all the traditions of Homecoming, the box includes a Homecoming T-shirt or sweatshirt, sticker decal, light-up yo-yo, gameday spirit ribbon, “Bonfire” sparklers, special edition candle and souvenir coin.  This limited edition box may be ordered online while supplies last. Additional apparel may be purchased through the Baylor Bookstore.

For a full schedule of all Homecoming events, visit the Baylor Homecoming website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.