Homecoming & Family Day

Homecoming 2023

Despite the rainy weather, Homecoming 2023 was a huge success! Check out the photos here!

PLEASE NOTE: The Carnival is cancelled and Family Day has been postponed due to anticipated weather conditions. 
Celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, October 21! Join us for a fun-filled day with festivities for all. Come home to WP to gather with friends and classmates for a pre-game tailgate, and cheer on the football and men’s soccer teams!
PLEASE NOTE: Tailgating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see below for important parking information*.
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  |  Pre-game Tailgate  |  Lot 2
Alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to bring food, drinks and grills for a traditional tailgate experience. View the campus map.

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  |  Fieldhouse Groundbreaking  |  Outside Ben Shahn 

CANCELLED: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  |  Pioneer Carnival  |  Practice Field
It's a WP celebration on the Practice Field! There will be game booths, prizes, food and more! There will be fun for the whole family. Food tickets will be available on site for purchase.
 

1:00 p.m.  |  WP Football vs Montclair State University  |  Wightman Stadium
Admission is FREE for all on Homecoming Day! Let's "Orange Out the Stands" by wearing as much orange as possible!
 
5:00 p.m.  |  WP Men's Soccer vs Rowan University  |  Soccer Field
Admission is FREE for all on Homecoming Day!

*Homecoming Parking Information

  • ALL THOSE PLANNING TO PARK VEHICLES IN THE TAILGATE AREA MUST FIRST GO TO THE STAGING AREA IN LOT 5. There will be signage to direct you. Here is a link to the campus map.

  • If you plan to meet up with other vehicles for the tailgate, you must meet at the Staging Area in Lot 5 as we are unable to save parking spaces. Once you have all successfully checked in, you should follow one another to Lot 2 tailgating area.

  • Once you/your passengers complete the check-in process and show proper ID in the Staging Area, you will receive wristbands and a tailgating card and will be directed to Lot 2 for tailgating.

  • Tailgate parking is available in Lot 2 on a first-come, first-served basis and parking spots will be assigned by staff upon your arrival.

  • Alternative parking (non-tailgating) will be provided in the parking garage adjacent to Lot 2 at no cost for those who plan to walk into the tailgate area or for those who arrive after Lot 2 has reached capacity.

  • Attendees are welcome to bring food, drinks and grills for a traditional tailgate experience.

  • You must also view and sign the tailgating guidelines on the registration form in order to attend.

  • Thank you for your cooperation. Moving the check in to an initial Staging Area will insure a safe and efficient process for all.


Homecoming 2023 President’s Cup 

The President’s Cup will be awarded to the Student Organization that shows the most Pioneer Pride at the Tailgate.  

Eligibility Requirements include:

  • Organization must be in good standing with the University. Organizations that are suspended or banned for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible.
  • Organization participants must include WP alumni. Current students are encouraged to participate, but not required.  (This would apply to organizations that are currently not active, but may have been active years ago).

Pioneer Pride Criteria:

  • Participants will use their Tailgating space (cars, tents, etc.) to create a display showing their Pioneer Pride. Participants will be judged on:
    • Best use of WP branding / student organization branding
    • Best use of school colors (orange / black)
    • Creativity of display
    • Number of student / Alumni participants
      • NOTE - Based on estimated number of members at the tailgate area during judging
    • Enthusiasm of the group
  • Participants are encouraged to display their WP and student organization’s pride as part of the décor, including individuals’ clothing, etc.
  • Participants are encouraged to show their enthusiasm and Pioneer Pride with cheers, songs, etc.
  • Decorations cannot contain inappropriate language or images.

Judging:

  • Judges will visit the participating tailgates between 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and select the winner.

Award:

  • Winning organization will be presented the President’s Cup during half-time at the football Game.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus to celebrate WP spirit and Pioneer Pride!


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