Rock along with us
Be sure to follow @uwwinvolvement and @uwwalumni on Facebook and Instagram for more information. Have additional questions? Contact us at homecoming@uww.edu.
Schedule of events
Homecoming at UW-Whitewater is a long-standing tradition of celebrating the campus community. From spirited celebrations to meaningful moments, we’ve planned a week full of unforgettable experiences just for you. Let’s celebrate our shared legacy and create new memories together.
Attire is casual for all activities unless otherwise noted. Show your Warhawk Pride near or far - participate in our daily themes or wear your Warhawk gear wherever you are celebrating!
Study night | 7 p.m. | University Center Hamilton Room, UC Concourse
Students will gather in the University Center, the heart of campus, to study, hang out with friends, and get ready for the week ahead! “Caught Studying” tickets will be handed out and can be redeemed for door prizes. Homecoming Court members will also be announced during the event!
Trivia and games | 7 p.m. | University Center Hamilton Room, Down Under
Trivia will take place in two locations in the University Center - competing groups in the Hamilton Room and individual Warhawks in Old Main Ballroom. Points will be awarded to participating teams in each category, and organization members are welcome to come support their teams! Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the Ballroom.
Wheel of Fortune | 7 p.m. | The Young
This brand new event is a partnership with The Young and a fun new addition to this year’s Homecoming festivities! The event will include three 30-minute rounds, with three participants in each round. Participants can complete an interest form ahead of time and will be randomly selected to participate. Each round will have one winner who will receive an absolutely amazing prize! Free tickets will also be available for students who would like to watch and cheer on the participants.
Purchase tickets »
Men's Soccer | 7 p.m. | Fiskum Field
Women's Volleyball | 7 p.m. | Williams Center, Kris Russell Volleyball Arena
Late-night bingo | 9 p.m. | University Center Hamilton Room
While Wheel of Fortune will also be happening Wednesday evening, we couldn’t forget one of our most popular events, bingo! We will host one round of late-night bingo. It's free and open to all students, with prizes awarded to the winner each round.
Student talent show | 7 p.m. | The Young
Doors open at 6 p.m. Students will audition the Sunday before Homecoming Week as an individual act, Student Organization, or Greek Organization. Even if you aren’t participating, we encourage everyone to come out and support their fellow classmates as they take the stage! Tickets are free to current students and just $5 for non-students. Seats are limited!
Homecoming Welcome Booth | 12-5 p.m. | James R. Connor University Center
Kick off your Homecoming weekend at the Homecoming Welcome Booth in the University Center! This gathering spot is the perfect place to connect with fellow alumni, friends, and families as you begin your campus visit. Pick up event information and campus maps, get answers to your questions, and join a guided campus tour to see what’s new while revisiting your favorite university memories. We can’t wait to welcome you back!
Guided walking tours and bus tours available at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Campus tour pre-registration requested. Sign-up may also be available on the day of the event.
Pick up your self-guided tour brochure all day.
Spirit Rally and Bonfire | 6-9 p.m. | Lot 12 Green Space
Feel the Purple Reign at the Spirit Rally. Students, alumni, and the campus community are invited to join fellow Warhawks for a bonfire, tug of war and student org competitions, music and more. Sounds by DJ Ree Maniac. Guests 21 and older can try the new UW-Whitewater Warhawks Light Ale at the Beer Garden.
Royal Purple 125th Anniversary Celebration | 6:30 p.m. welcome reception, 7:00 p.m. celebration | Timmerman Auditorium, Hyland Hall
Join us in celebrating 125 years of The Royal Purple! Gather with alumni and friends at Friday’s main event for fellowship and a history of the newspaper. Saturday, cheer on the RP during the parade, and connect with students and faculty at The Royal Purple office open house and at the Communication Department tailgate. Register for The Royal Purple 125th Anniversary Celebration »
Women's Volleyball - Dig Panici Classic | 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Williams Center, Kris Russell Volleyball Arena
Warhawk Activity Zone | 9-10 a.m. | in front of Andersen Library on Main Street
This pet-friendly event includes family games, photos with Willie Warhawk, temporary tattoos, coffee and donuts. Pick up a candy bag and stay to watch the parade.
Parade | 10-11 a.m.
Join us along Main and Prairie Streets for one of Homecoming’s most beloved traditions! Enjoy the excitement of the student and Greek organizations competing in the Homecoming competition. Their themed floats and marching units will be scored by a panel of judges. The parade also includes the Warhawk marching band and cheer team, alumni groups, and community businesses. Bring your family and friends, cheer on participants, and celebrate the pride and traditions that make our community special. Plan to arrive by 9:45 a.m. for limited free parking in Lot 12. Fill out our Homecoming Parade entry form to join the parade! See map for route »
Campus Walking and Bus Tours | 10:30 a.m.
Meet your tour guide at the Warhawk Activity Zone immediately after the parade for your choice of a guided walking tour or bus tour. See how much the campus has grown, and rediscover UW-Whitewater as it is today. Campus tour pre-registration requested. Sign-up may also be available on the day of the event. Self-guided tour brochures will also be available.
Tailgate Lunch | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coulthart Pavilion
Join us for a pre-game tailgate in the Coulthart Pavilion outside Perkins Stadium. Meet the Athletics Hall of Fame inductees and view an archival display of their accomplishments. $25 ticket package include food and one beverage. Parking is not included. Preregistration is required before Oct. 9. Register for the Tailgate Lunch »
Alumni tailgate parties | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Perkins Stadium
Planning a tailgate before the game? Share your details with alumni@uww.edu, and we'll help promote your gathering to fellow alumni and Homecoming guests, so others can join in the fun.
Warhawk Tennis Alumni Tailgate
11 a.m. Tailgate begins
12:30 p.m. Formal presentation celebrating HOF inductee Frank Barnes
Location: UW-Whitewater Warhawk Tennis Facility
Contact for more details or to RSVP: Head Coach Byron Balkin at balkinbm29@uww.edu or 608-354-5654
The Royal Purple Tailgate
11 a.m. Tailgate Begins
12 p.m. 125th Anniversary Cheers!
Location: Lot 11
Contact for more details or RSVP: Royal Purple Adviser Keith Zukas at zukask@uww.edu
Marching band reunion | Noon
Strike up the band and relive the excitement of Homecoming! Join fellow Warhawk alumni in entertaining the Homecoming crowd alongside the current marching band, either in the stands or on the field. Check back for more details about the post-game social. Register and learn more about the 2026 marching band reunion »
Football game | 1 p.m. | Perkins Stadium
Watch our Warhawk football team take on the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. Kick off is at 1 p.m. Halftime will include student org recognition, Athletics Hall of Fame class announcement and Warhawk Marching Band performance. Purchase discounted alumni tickets »
Women's Volleyball - Dig Panici Classic | 3 p.m. | Williams Center Kris Russell Volleyball Arena
Athletics Hall of Fame dinner and awards | 4:30 p.m. | Hamilton Room, James R. Connor University Center
Join the UW-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in celebrating the 61st class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Learn more about this year's inductees. Preregistration is required before Oct. 16. Purchase tickets »
BoDeans | 7 p.m. | The Young
Celebrate the final night of Homecoming Weekend with Wisconsin’s own BoDeans as they mark the 40th anniversary of their acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams. Led by founding frontman Kurt Neumann, the band will deliver a special two-and-a-half-hour performance featuring a video retrospective and songs spanning five decades of music. Don’t miss this unforgettable Homecoming finale filled with nostalgia, energy, and hometown pride. Tickets start at $43. Purchase tickets »
We invite students, employees and alums to participate in this year’s Homecoming week by dressing to the theme. If we catch you wearing spirit wear, you’ll get a limited-edition Homecoming sticker celebrating the day’s theme. Not on campus or want extra recognition? Post your outfit on Instagram and tag us at @uwwinvolvement and use the hashtags #PurpleReign2026 and #UWWHomecoming! Spirit points will be awarded to student organizations that post with at least two members participating in the themed Spirit Day.
Monday, 10/19: Cozy on Campus
Wear your comfiest sweats, flannels or PJs all day!
Tuesday, 10/20: Neon Fever
The ‘80s were the birth of all things neon. Wear clothes that show your neon fever!
Wednesday, 10/21: Warhawks Represent!
Wear your best Warhawk gear! If you are (or were!) involved in student organizations or other extracurriculars, show off your UWW org’s name or letters.
Thursday, 10/22: Band Together!
Warhawks love their music! Wear your favorite band shirt or music artist merch to show what’s on your playlist (preferably ‘80s, if possible)!
Friday, 10/23: Purple Reign
Let us see your purple pride! How much purple do you have in your closet? We want to see it!
Saturday, 10/24: Warhawk Spirit
Wear your favorite Warhawk shirts, overalls and face paint. Celebrate the parade, football game and all things UW-Whitewater!
Reunite for UW-Whitewater's 2026 Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Don't forget to stop by the Warhawk Activity Zone starting at 9 a.m.!
Fill out our Homecoming Parade entry form to join the parade!
Parade route
This year's parade starts at the corner of Prince and Main Streets and ends at the corner of Prairie Street and Starin Road.
Make your game day experience as smooth as possible by securing your tickets and parking in advance. Parking lots closest to the stadium fill up quickly and will sell out before the game.
Want to help create a fun and memorable Homecoming experience? Join our volunteer team! Volunteers play an important role in making Homecoming a success, with opportunities to assist at events such as the parade, spirit rally, talent show, and many more activities throughout the weekend. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, fill out our Homecoming interest form. We'd love to have you on the team!
Overnight accommodations are available in Whitewater and many surrounding communities. Check out these partner listings for more details on the options.
We will have a hotel room block with AmericInn by Wyndham Elkhorn.
AmericInn by Wyndham Elkhorn
210 E Commerce Ct, Elkhorn, WI 53121, US
Phone: (262) 723-7799
Use our link to book your room today with a discounted rate!
Guests can also get a 20% discount off the Best Flexible Rate at Holiday Inn Express in Elkhorn when booking individually. Use the Corporate ID 100217834 under Rate Preference and Corporate Special Rate on Holiday Inn's website.
Chamber and visitor website listings
Homecoming apparel
Show your Warhawk pride at the UWW Bookstore's annual Homecoming Sale. From October 21-24, save 25% on imprinted apparel and gift items, available in-store and online.
Visit us at the Bookstore on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m!
Contact us
Have questions or feedback regarding UW-Whitewater’s Homecoming? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us via email at the addresses below.
General Homecoming information: homecoming@uww.edu
Student events/competitions: Homecoming Steering Committee, homecoming@uww.edu
Alumni Engagement: Veena Johnson, johnsonv02@uww.edu
Game Day/Athletics: Angela Kelm, kelmam16@uww.edu
Media inquiries: Jeff Angileri, angilerj@uww.edu