University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Big Plans on the Horizon for HOMECOMING!
10/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- In just a few short weeks one of the most anticipated events of the Fall will be upon us: HOMECOMING! On October 29 at 6 p.m. as the Golden Eagles host the Marshall Thundering Herd, all of Golden Eagle Nation will come together at The Rock for the culminating point of this fantastic event. But there is so much more that goes into this event than just what takes place within the lines on the football field. And if you have never experienced a Southern Miss Homecoming, now is certainly the time to have your first experience and take part in this exciting tradition.
HOMECOMING is more than just a day -- it is a week-long experience! Events such as Bring It On Eagle Style, the Fountain Sit, Friday Night at the Fountain and the Alumni Association Golf Tournament are just a few of the annual events in the days leading up to the game that are steeped in Black and Gold Tradition. For a full list of details for these events and more, please click here: https://www.usm.edu/homecoming
And it wouldn't be HOMECOMING without a parade! The annual parade has been a rich part of our institution's history for over 75 years and this year's event will take place on Saturday, October 29 beginning at 11 a.m. The route of the parade begins at Midtown Market and makes its way down Hardy Street before entering campus. For the parade map, please click here: https://www.usm.edu/homecoming/homecoming-parade-route
The annual Youth Cheer Clinic, presented by ACE Cheer Company, will coincide with this year's HOMECOMING festivities. Open to all children ages 4 -- 8th grade, the clinic will take place from 1 -- 3 p.m. in the Payne Center on campus. Participants will learn from the Southern Miss Cheerleaders, receive a one-of-a-kind t-shirt, walk in Eagle Walk with the Cheerleaders and, as long as they have a game ticket, participate in an on-field pregame performance alongside the Southern Miss Cheerleaders. To register, please call Tanner Morris at 601-266-6551 or email him at Tanner.Morris@usm.edu. More details and a registration form can also be found here: http://www.southernmiss.com/genrel/092916aab.html
The autumn weather is perfect for a Football game...and also for a Halloween Carnival! Seymour's Spectacular Halloween Carnival was so nice that we had to have it twice as it returns once more this season. From 2 -- 4:30 p.m. on Pride Field children of all ages will be able to enjoy carnival games and candy as part of this exciting event. And the best news of all (at least for all parents) is that this exciting event features Free Admission for any Golden Eagle fan to come and enjoy themselves at the carnival put on by the Southern Miss Athletic Department. Seymour and his friends will have several tricks up their sleeves so stay tuned for more updates regarding this exciting carnival in the coming weeks.
The Golden Eagle Pregame Spirit Line returns again. The first 50 Southern Miss Football Season Ticket Holders that call the Southern Miss Ticket Office will be able to take part in greeting the Football team before they take the field. Each season ticket holder that signs up will be able to bring one guest with them as well. To register, contact Chris Adams at 601-266-6571.
Once again, the Golden Eagles will take the field with a bang this game as a pregame fireworks display will accompany the roars from the crowd as the team takes the field to face the Marshall Thundering Herd. The traditional Eagle Walk will begin at 4 p.m. and the Homecoming Court will take part in this annual event as will the participants for the Southern Miss Youth Cheer Clinic. And the Golden Eagles will have another prominent alum serve as the honorary coin tosser for this game as Congressman Steven Palazzo will handle the duties.
The introduction of the premium food items has been a fan favorite at home football games this season and more savory items are set to be introduced as part of the HOMECOMING Game. The first item to be announced for the game against Marshall: Bacon Wrapped Chili Cheese Hot Dog. Be sure to enjoy this delicious premium food item at The Rock for this game.
The game will also feature the 2016 Southern Miss Baseball team receiving their championship rings as the Golden Eagles won the Conference USA Baseball Championship in thrilling fashion with a walk-off play at the plate back in May against the Rice Owls. Coach Scott Berry and his team will be on hand to receive their new rings and cheer on the Football team during their game against Marshall. And hundreds of young football players will join us and be recognized prior to the game as we celebrate Mississippi Youth Football Day at The Rock. If any youth team would like to take part in this event, please contact Chris Adams at 601-266-6571 or Christopher.L.Adams@eagles.usm.edu.
This is no ordinary game -- this is HOMECOMING! Make your plans now to join us for all of the excitement throughout the week and especially on Game Day. To purchase your tickets for HOMECOMING, please call the Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK, visit the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office during normal business hours (Monday -- Friday; 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m.) or visit SouthernMissTickets.com.
Timeline of Events:
Friday, October 28
• 11:30 a.m. -- 1 p.m. -- Friday Football Luncheon at Mugshots
• 7 p.m. -- Friday Night at The Fountain -- Centennial Green
Saturday, October 29
• 11 a.m. -- Homecoming Parade
• 1 -- 3 p.m. -- Youth Cheer Clinic -- Payne Center
• 2 -- 4:30 p.m. -- Seymour's Spectacular Halloween Carnival -- Pride Field
• 4 p.m. -- Eagle Walk
• 6 p.m. -- Southern Miss vs. Marshall -- The Rock
