'Saddle Up, Bucs!': ETSU to celebrate fall 2023 Homecoming

Celebrations begin on Monday, Oct. 2.

Hold on to your cowboy hats and get ready to “Saddle Up, Bucs” for East Tennessee State University’s fall 2023 Homecoming. Set against the backdrop of a wild west theme, students, faculty, staff and the community are gearing up to celebrate from Oct. 2-8.  
 
“We are so excited for the week ahead,” said Cadee Warren, Student Government Association secretary of state and Homecoming chair. “I hope everyone enjoys the events we have planned for this year and will use this time to come together and celebrate the wonderful university that we get to call home.”  
 
Celebrations begin next week and will be accompanied by the yellow hues that grace the Appalachian Highlands each fall. The Bucs will round out the week on Saturday, Oct. 7, as they take on Mercer at 3:30 p.m. in William B. Greene Jr. Stadium.   
 
Monday, Oct. 2 

Blood Drive | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Pride Walk 
Take time to donate blood and help meet local needs. Walk-ins welcome, but priority is given to those registered for an appointment. 

Pep Rally | 6 p.m. | Amphitheatre 
Bring your loudest roll call and come dressed for the theme “Saddle Up, Bucs!” 

Cowboys vs. Aliens Pep Rally Afterparty | 6:30 p.m. | Pride Lawn tent 
Enjoy the Cowboys vs. Aliens pep rally afterparty featuring live music by Saxsquatch. 
 
Tuesday, Oct. 3 

Cornhole Tournament | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | University Commons 
Show off your skills in this bracket-style tournament.  

Hogslop String Band Square Dance | 7:30 p.m. | Pride Lawn tent 
Hear Hogslop String Band perform as they teach square-dancing under the Pride Lawn tent. 
 
Wednesday, Oct. 4 

Canned Food Creations | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Football Roundabout 
Check out various student organizations’ “sculptures” created using canned food.  

Petting Zoo and Goat Yoga | 4-7 p.m. | Pride Lawn tent 
Enjoy a free petting zoo and register for goat yoga.  
 
Thursday, Oct. 5 

Western Farmers Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pride Walk 
Visit the weekly market, this week with a western flare.   

Zip n' S'mores | 5-7 p.m. | Basler Challenge Course 
Take flight with Outdoor Adventure and gather around the campfire for a sweet treat. 

Skit Night | 7 p.m. | D.P. Culp Student Center, Martha Street Culp Auditorium 
This annual Homecoming tradition will revolve around this year’s western theme.  
 
Friday, Oct. 6

Buctainment Movie Night | 7:30 p.m. | Amphitheatre 
Enjoy popcorn and snacks at a showing of Jordan Peele's 2022 neo-western science fiction horror movie. 
  
Saturday, Oct. 7 

Homecoming Football Game | 3:30 p.m. | William B. Greene Jr. Stadium 
The Bucs take on Mercer in their SoCon home opener, and during the half-time portion of the game, the Homecoming King and Queen will be announced. 
Stroll Off and Comedy Show | 8 p.m. | D.P. Culp Student Center, Martha Street Culp Auditorium 
Comedian Tyler Chronicles and Divine Nine fraternity and sorority members to put on a show, presented by the ETSU Black Affairs Association. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at the door.    
 
Sunday, Oct. 8 

Gospel Choir Concert | 3:30 p.m. | D.P. Culp Student Center, Martha Street Culp Auditorium 
Includes special performances by a guest artist and the ETSU Gospel Choir. 
 
For more details about each event and the complete 2023 Homecoming schedule, visit etsu.edu/homecoming/.