Homecoming events highlight Legion Field
The University of Georgia celebrated Homecoming with a week packed with celebrations, including the return of a campus concert and one of the first big events held at the newly opened Legion Field.
From the Bulldog Bash, Homecoming Court, Film on the Fifty and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show, there was no shortage of entertainment for the Bulldog faithful. At the center of this year’s celebration was the Sept. 29 Homecoming Concert, which returned to campus with Atlanta-based band Penelope Road live on stage at Legion Field.
Hosted by University Union, the event gave students a chance to experience the redeveloped space as it was intended: a flexible, centrally located gathering space complete with built-in seating that can accommodate both large events and everyday activities.
“Homecoming is such a special time of year at the University of Georgia, and we were pleased to host our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends at these wonderful events,” said Michelle Cook, vice president for student affairs. “It’s also very gratifying to see the newly redeveloped Legion Field serve as a venue for many of these celebrations.”
Completed this fall semester, the redevelopment has transformed Legion Field into a wide green space using the area’s natural topography. The expanded lawn can accommodate up to 3,500 standing attendees, while terraced and hillside seating provides space for up to 1,100 seated guests. The area also features four sand volleyball courts and Wi-Fi capability.
Those changes were on display throughout Homecoming Week. After the concert, Legion Field also hosted University Union’s Homecoming Carnival, which returned in its largest format yet. The carnival featured rides, games and free food. Attendees could also take in the views from a Ferris wheel and a zipline that ran above Legion Field.
“Homecoming Carnival is one of my favorite events that we do in University Union. It gives students a chance to relax, have fun and enjoy time with their friends before midterms,” said Shaniyah Hudson, vice president of events for University Union and member of the class of 2027. “Penelope Road’s performance was so amazing, and getting to experience it with my fellow executive members and friends made the whole night such a great vibe.”
Other Homecoming events included the traditional Homecoming parade, which wound through downtown Athens and featured decorated floats and spirit cars.
The annual NPHC Step Show on Oct. 2 featured performances celebrating the culture and traditions of the Divine Nine organizations. The theme for this year’s event was “Disney,” which asked performers to bring their chosen Disney movie or show to life using storytelling, stepping, and strolling.
And Film on the Fifty invited students to Sanford Stadium for a special screening of “Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning,” which was shown on the biggest screen in Athens.
The week culminated in UGA’s 38-14 victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday, improving the Bulldogs’ record to 5-0.
Author: UGA Today
Contact: 706-542-8090, media@uga.edu
