Homecoming at FSU: 71 Years of Florida State Pride

Florida State University’s 71st Annual Homecoming will take place during the week of October 20-27. Organized and executed each year by FSU students, this year’s homecoming holds various activities, exciting events, and a great deal of ways to make memories with the student body throughout the week. Taylor Deering, the 2019 Creative Chair for Homecoming, gives a little insight into Homecoming’s seven-decade impact on FSU, and what students, faculty and staff, parents, and the community can expect at the end of this month.

FSU has always been prideful of its garnet and gold; the first Homecoming took place in December of 1948 and lasted the span of a day. Quite different from what we know Homecoming to be today, this first Homecoming consisted of only a breakfast banquet, a barbeque, and Pow Wow that Friday, with the parade and the Homecoming football game taking place Saturday. Eventually, the idea of Homecoming became more elaborate and began including activities similar to what we know of today in 2019. Homecoming is a spirited, week-long experience that takes place every year with fun celebrity speakers and concerts, numerous events, and tons of FSU spirit! You have a chance to see artists like Chance the Rapper or Florida Georgia Line, and speakers such as Jimmy Fallon and Nick Offerman at the Homecoming Concert and Pow Wow.

One thing most people don’t know is that Homecoming is completely ran by Florida State students. The executive council and committee positions are filled in the spring so that the extensive planning for the upcoming Homecoming season can begin. “For months in advance the Homecoming Executive Council and Committee spends many days planning and creating all of the week of events that honors traditions and celebrates FSU,” says Taylor. “Throughout the Spring and Fall Semester each committee has weekly meetings as well as council meetings to ensure that we can facilitate a memorable experience for students and the Florida State community.” Planning FSU’s homecoming is no small feat, but these students go above and beyond to make sure that they include the most memorable opportunities and events.

This year, Homecoming promises all the same enthusiasm and admiration for our beloved Florida State campus. On August 25 of this year, FSU Homecoming announced their theme as “Spark Your Spirit,” their new logo adorning a gold glittery background with a skyline of the Flying High Circus, Doak Campbell Stadium, and the Unconquered Statue - all recognizable and well-loved images of FSU. As for the events being held this year, Homecoming week kicks off on Sunday, October 20 and closes Saturday, October 26. “Each day there will be an event that students can participate in and show their FSU pride.” Taylor remarks.

Her favorite event to attend is Pow Wow, and she recommends it to students and the community. “Pow Wow is one of the largest events of the week where not only can FSU students attend but faculty, staff, and the community as well,” Taylor shares. “Pow Wow is also the last event of the week before the football game and is a great opportunity to showcase school spirit while also attending the annual comedy show.” Taylor also adds that Pow Wow will feature a new “Pow Wow Pre-Show,” which will be held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center after the Homecoming Parade. The Pre-Show will offer games, music, food as well as photo opportunities for guests to enjoy.

To get you pumped and in the spirit for the 71st FSU Homecoming, here is a complete list of all of the events you can expect throughout the week. To stay updated with FSU Homecoming, you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Homecoming Concert, Sunday, October 20th - This year, the Warchant concert will be featuring Lil’ Yachty as their Opener for Sunday night at 7 pm at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Some previous artists that have visited the Civic Center in celebration of FSU’s homecoming are Chance the Rapper, Zac Brown Band, Florida Georgia Line, and Big Sean, just to name a few recent entertainers.

Spear-It Showcase, Monday, October 21st - The Spear-It Showcase is hosted at Oglesby Union at 7 pm and highlights the talents of FSU students. From singing to dancing to comedy to magic tricks, the talent showcased at this Homecoming event will have you on the edge of your seat!

Odds and Evens, Tuesday, October 22nd - Back due to popular demand, Odds and Evens will take place on Tuesday evening beginning at 6 pm. FSU Homecoming brought back this vintage tradition last year, and it was adored by the community! Odds and Evens is a large scale field day where registered teams compete in sports and outdoor activities such as flag football and dodgeball.

Chief and Princess Voting, Wednesday, October 23rd - In this timeless part of FSU’s Homecoming, make sure to cast your vote for who will be the 2019 Homecoming Chief and Princess! Voting begins at 8 am, so be sure to follow the instructions to get your vote in.

Seminole Festival Ft. Green Dot, Wednesday, October 23rd - At 1 pm in the middle of Homecoming Week, the Seminole Festival will be held on Landis Green. This is a fun, carnival-like event where students can enjoy free food, games, music, and more out on Landis while celebrating Florida State. Frequently featured at these events are exciting Homecoming giveaways, photobooths, and inflatables.

Karaoke for a Cause, Thursday, October 24th - Karaoke for a Cause takes place at the Askew Student Life building on Thursday night at 8 pm and gives students the chance to show off their best singing and dancing with a crowd favorite: karaoke! All of this fun occurs while raising awareness to many of FSU’s philanthropies, who will be tabling throughout the event.

NPHC Extrav Step Show, Thursday, October 24th - The National Pan-Hellenic Council Extrav Step Show consists of the NPHC Step Team and will transport you to another reality with special performances throughout the night. This event will take place at the Oglesby Union Ballrooms at 7 pm and requires tickets for entry.

Homecoming Parade, Friday, October 25th - Classes are dismissed in celebration of FSU’s recent No. 18 Ranking and gives students a chance to watch the Homecoming parade that afternoon. This tradition dates back to the first ever established Homecoming and allows student organization, the FSU community and Tallahassee community to walk down College Avenue in celebration of FSU.

Pow Wow, Friday, October 25th - Pow Wow is FSU’s pep rally taking place later Friday night at 8 pm at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Succeeding previous 2018’s comedian Nick Kroll, this year Pete Davidson and Ricky Velez will take the stage and entertain the audience. FSU students get free admission, so banding for this event will take place all day on Friday outside of the Civic Center. In addition to Davidson and Velez, there will also be appearances by the FSU Marching Chiefs, FSU Flying High Circus, FSU Cheerleaders, and FSU Golden Girls, as well as the crowning of the Homecoming Chief and Princess.

Taggart’s True Seminole Tailgate, Saturday, October 26th - Taggart’s True Seminole Tailgate takes place two hours before kickoff of every home game. At this event, you can find free food from Street Chefs Food Truck and Diva Pops, and fun games like corn hull to occupy your time before heading into the game.

FSU vs. Syracuse, Saturday, October 26th - Here is the culmination of school spirit that everyone is waiting for- Florida State’s Homecoming game will happen Saturday, time to be announced. Make sure to use your student tickets, deck yourself out in garnet and gold, and come to Doak Campbell Stadium with all of your Seminole pride!