“The Blazer Games” is the theme for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s 2022 Homecoming Week, happening Oct. 2-8.
Homecoming activities are hosted by the Blazer Spirit Council, UAB National Alumni Society, UAB Athletics and more. Visit uab.edu/homecoming for more details.
Homecoming highlights include UAB’s most unique and beloved tradition, the Gurney Derby at noon Wednesday, Oct. 5, now in a new location. Teams of four race while pushing a “passenger” on old hospital gurneys, with best-dressed gurney, most creative “passenger” and “Dead Last” awards. Due to construction, this year’s Gurney Derby will take place on 10th Avenue South, between the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and the Education and Engineering Complex.
New this year is Blazer Bingo, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Hosted by the UAB National Alumni Society as part of Uncork Education, all proceeds directly fund student scholarships. Tickets are $25. Buy tickets online.
The UAB Football vs Middle Tennessee game is 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in Protective Stadium. Tickets are $20-$45; free for UAB students. To buy tickets, visit uabsports.com. UAB’s Homecoming game honors Children’s Harbor by athletes’ wearing the names of patients on the backs of UAB’s alternate gray and lime jerseys.
More UAB Homecoming Week 2022 activities include:
Sunday, Oct. 2
Monday, Oct. 3
- Homecoming Movie on the Green, 7 p.m. “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
Tuesday, Oct. 4
- Homecoming Building Decoration Competition, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, Oct. 5
- Gurney Derby, noon, 10th Avenue South, between the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and the Education and Engineering Complex, and Blazer Showdown, 7 p.m. on the Campus Green
Thursday, Oct. 6
- Blaze the Night Block Party & Fight Song Competition, 6 p.m., Hill Student Center Outdoor Amphitheater, and Blazer Bingo, 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7
- Homecoming Parade, noon. Awards will include Most Creative Float Design, Best Use of Homecoming Theme and Best Display of Blazer Pride.
- The parade will begin from 14th Street South, left on 10th Avenue South, left on 18th Street South, left on University Boulevard, and left to return to 14th Street South.
- Homecoming Campus Tours, free tours for alumni on the hour from 1-5 p.m. Take an up-close look at the everchanging UAB skyline by hopping on board the Dragon Wagon with the UAB National Alumni Society. Register online.
Saturday, Oct. 8
- Blazer Spirit Student Tailgate, 11:30 a.m. in Protective Stadium, with food, giveaways and live music
- Blazer Village, located behind the restaurants in Uptown,opens four hours prior to kickoff. The family-friendly pregame fan fest offers music, games, face painting and a chance to see some of our great sponsors. Blazer Village closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
- Homecoming Game: UAB Football vs Middle Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in Protective Stadium. Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
Winners of the Mr. and Ms. UAB Scholarship Competition will be announced at the football game during halftime. Parking and tailgate areas open six hours before kickoff. Students can pick up free tickets and reserved tailgate passes for UAB Football home games the preceding Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Bartow Arena Box Office; a valid ONE Card is required. Students will have an additional ticket pickup location at the information desk in the Hill Student Center starting Monday, Oct. 3. Tickets will be available for pickup while the Hill Center is open, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday.