By Becca Clemons

A sea of blue has overtaken the windows of Lexington businesses and UK’s campus buildings, foreshadowing a series of massive events: UK’s homecoming weekend.

The Student Activities Board, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Alumni Association and other sponsors want to make this weekend one to remember.

SAB, the Alumni Association and UK Athletics are sponsoring the Homecoming Pep Rally from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday on Stoll Field. SAB Director of Traditions Jaclyn Hawkins said the rally will include the UK band, cheerleaders, dance team, athletes for poster-signing and guest appearances, including UK head football coach Joker Phillips. Royalty candidates will also be recognized.

Hawkins said holding the rally at Stoll Field, UK’s original football field, is a difference between last year and this year.

SAB and the Alumni Association are working together on Friday’s seeblue. Day at Keeneland Race Course, which offers free general admission to UK students, faculty, staff and Alumni Association members with a valid UK ID.

“Keeneland and football are the perfect recipe for alumni to come back to Lexington. seeblue. Day is a fun way to tie the two together,” Alumni Association Director for Clubs and Programs Jill Smith said. “Many will be at Keeneland on Friday and then make plans to attend the football game on Saturday.”

Former Football Head Coach Rich Brooks will be signing books from 1 – 2:30 p.m. and former Wildcat and current Indianapolis Colt Jacob Tamme will be signing commemorative Keeneland/UK hats, with proceeds going to DanceBlue, Smith said.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Annual Homecoming Step Show will take place Friday at Memorial Coliseum, a new day and new location from last year.

Secondary education and geology senior Arielle Evans, the event chair, said last year the event attracted over 750 people, and over 1,500 have already bought tickets for Friday’s performance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Game day will kick off with a variety of activities to boost Wildcat spirit.

The Homecoming Parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Coliseum, featuring community groups and floats built by many student organizations, Hawkins said. The parade ends at Commonwealth Stadium where tailgaters will be preparing for the UK vs. Georgia football game at 7:30 p.m.

During halftime, the Homecoming King and Queen will be announced, and the student organizations who won the Wildcat Cup will be recognized, Hawkins said.

Alumni Association events Saturday include a parade watch breakfast, Classes Without Quizzes, a campus bus tour and the Tailgate Tent, Smith said.

The Student Homecoming Coalition is comprised of the Black Student Union, Center for Community Outreach, Inter Greek Programming Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Student Activities Board.

“We wanted Homecoming Week to be a collaborative, unified effort and have been working together for several months to reach this goal,” Hawkins said.

She said an Insight commercial and posters throughout town have informed the community about homecoming activities.

“At Tuesday’s Kitty Karnival event, we had numerous families from the community attend the on-campus event,” she said. “We are hoping we’ll have the same outcomes with the Pep Rally, Step Show and Parade. Homecoming Week is all about tying together the campus and community to encourage UK pride.”