That’s a wrap on Homecoming 2025! Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Homecoming celebration so incredible—from the 175th Celebration Bash and the Swoop Sprint & Block Party, to the Welcome Home Alex Jensen Luncheon, Paint the Town Red, and the Homecoming Tailgate and game!
175th Celebration Bash
The University of Utah campus community, friends, and alumni all celebrated the 175th anniversary of the university on Thursday, Oct. 16, with a celebration bash. Participants watched as a drone and light show lit up the sky; danced through the decades with a live band; enjoyed games, caricature artists, and live performances; indulged in desserts galore and mouthwatering bites; and made history as part of a digital time capsule!
Swoop Sprint
U Homecoming Week officially kicked off on Saturday, Oct. 18, with the popular staple Swoop Sprint sponsored by Clean Simple Eats & iHeartMedia. Hundreds of racers gathered at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House for the 5K throughout campus. Prizes were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age category, and two students received a $1,000 U Alumni Scholarship to go toward their Spring 2026 tuition, thanks to the generosity of the McCarthey Family Foundation!
Welcome Home Alex Jensen Luncheon
On Monday, Oct. 20, alumni gathered in Legacy Hall at the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Basketball Facility to hear from Alex Jensen, the newly appointed head coach of Utah Men’s Basketball. Bill Riley chatted with the Runnin’ Ute legend about his return to his alma mater, his vision for the program, and what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
Paint the Town Red
Salt Lake City painted the town red during Homecoming Week! More than 20 coffee shops, boutiques, local eateries, and businesses across the Wasatch Front showed their U pride by decking out their storefronts in Utah red, offering special deals, and creating a festive atmosphere for alumni, students, and fans.
Homecoming Game Watch Party in Salt Lake City
Utah fans gathered at Bewilder on Saturday, Oct. 25, for an epic watch party at one of SLC’s favorite spots. Cody McKendrick BS’03 BS’04, owner of Bewilder, welcomed more than 70 parents, alumni, and students to mingle and watch the Utes claim victory over the Buffaloes! The first 30 people in the door were given prizes, and U Alumni raffled off 5 different U swag items. Participants also donated to the university’s annual food drive.
Homecoming Tailgate & Game
Tailgaters brought the energy and vibes to the Utah Family Tailgate with U Alumni and Utah Athletics! They enjoyed food, drinks, and fun for all ages before watching the Utes demolish the Colorado Buffaloes.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s U Homecoming! We look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming events.
Swoop Sprint & Alumni Block Party
Swoop Sprint & Alumni Block Party
Formerly the U Alumni 5K, this fun run across campus kicks off Homecoming Week and helps build pride and spirit throughout the U community. Stay after for lunch and fun at the Alumni Block Party!
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Songfest
Songfest
The longest running tradition at the University of Utah, Songfest celebrates creativity and the spirit of competition across campus student groups.
Homecoming Tailgate & Game
Homecoming Tailgate & Game
“Family on 3!” Join U Alumni and Utah Athletics for the Utah Family Tailgate three hours prior to the Homecoming Game kickoff. Enjoy food, drinks, and fun for all ages, then watch the Utes as they take on the Colorado Buffaloes.
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U Family Weekend
U Family Weekend
Join University of Utah students for Family Weekend during the U Homecoming celebrations. Families are invited to campus to join us for fun activities and to experience the “college town magic” of the U that your students experience every day!
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