UCLA Homecoming

UCLA Homecoming is an annual tradition at the University of California, Los Angeles, where Bruins alumni, students, and fans gather to celebrate school spirit and pride. The event is organized by the UCLA Alumni Association in collaboration with the Associated Students of UCLA and features a range of activities, including the UCLA Homecoming Game, which is typically played at the Rose Bowl Stadium against a rival team from the Pac-12 Conference, such as the University of Southern California or University of California, Berkeley. The homecoming celebration also includes events like the UCLA Homecoming Parade, which features floats and performances by UCLA student organizations, including the UCLA Marching Band and UCLA Spirit Squad. The parade is often attended by notable UCLA alumni, such as Randy Newman, James Dean, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

● History of

UCLA Homecoming The history of UCLA Homecoming dates back to the early 20th century, when the University of California, Los Angeles was still a relatively new institution, having been founded in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California. The first homecoming game was played in 1920 against the University of Southern California, with the Bruins emerging victorious. Over the years, the event has evolved to include a range of activities and traditions, including the UCLA Homecoming Dance, which is hosted by the UCLA Student Union and features live music performances by artists like The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson. The homecoming celebration has also been attended by notable figures, including California Governor Jerry Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

● Traditions and Events

UCLA Homecoming features a range of traditions and events, including the UCLA Homecoming Parade, which takes place on Bruin Walk and features floats and performances by UCLA student organizations, such as the UCLA Engineering Society and the UCLA Business Society. The parade is often attended by notable UCLA alumni, including Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Banks, and Mayim Bialik. The homecoming celebration also includes events like the UCLA Homecoming Festival, which features live music performances, food vendors, and activities for kids, such as face painting and bounce houses. The festival is hosted by the UCLA Student Affairs department and features performances by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg.

● The Homecoming Game

The UCLA Homecoming Game is the centerpiece of the homecoming celebration, with the UCLA Bruins football team facing off against a rival team from the Pac-12 Conference, such as the University of Oregon or University of Washington. The game is typically played at the Rose Bowl Stadium, which is located in Pasadena, California and has a seating capacity of over 92,000. The game is often attended by notable figures, including Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, NCAA President Mark Emmert, and ESPN commentators like Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit. The homecoming game has also been played at other venues, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Dodger Stadium.

● Alumni Involvement

UCLA Alumni Association plays a significant role in organizing the homecoming celebration, with many alumni returning to campus to participate in events like the UCLA Homecoming Parade and the UCLA Homecoming Game. Notable UCLA alumni who have participated in homecoming events include Ralph Bunche, George Takei, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. The UCLA Alumni Association also hosts events like the UCLA Alumni Awards, which recognize the achievements of notable UCLA alumni, including Henry Waxman, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer. The association also provides support for UCLA student organizations, including the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program, which pairs students with alumni mentors like Mark Cuban and Robert Kardashian.

● Student Participation and Spirit

UCLA students play a significant role in the homecoming celebration, with many participating in events like the UCLA Homecoming Parade and the UCLA Homecoming Game. The UCLA Student Union hosts events like the UCLA Homecoming Dance, which features live music performances and is attended by students from across campus, including members of the UCLA Greek community, such as Alpha Phi and Sigma Chi. The UCLA Spirit Squad also participates in homecoming events, including the UCLA Homecoming Parade and the UCLA Homecoming Game, and features performances by the UCLA Cheer Squad and the UCLA Dance Team. The squad is led by notable UCLA alumni, including Spencer Haywood and Don MacLean.

● Homecoming Royalty and Awards

The UCLA Homecoming Royalty is a tradition that dates back to the early days of the homecoming celebration, with a king and queen being crowned each year to represent the UCLA student body. The royalty is selected through a voting process, with nominees including members of the UCLA student government, such as the UCLA Student Body President, and UCLA student organizations, such as the UCLA Engineering Society and the UCLA Business Society. The UCLA Alumni Association also presents awards to notable UCLA alumni, including the UCLA Alumni Achievement Award, which has been awarded to individuals like Randy Newman, James Dean, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The association also presents the UCLA Alumni Service Award, which recognizes the contributions of UCLA alumni to the university and the community, including notable figures like California Governor Jerry Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.