Homecoming Week is just around the corner and it's the perfect time for students, alumni, faculty and staff to celebrate the spirit and pride of University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) with homecoming courts, mums, banners, games and activities.

"Forever Blue" is the theme of UHD's 2016 Homecoming. Events include the infamous Students vs. Staff Volleyball game, a much anticipated UHD Blue Day Pep Rally, a homecoming bash at the EQ Heights Coffee Shop, and the P3 Paint Dance Party.

"We wanted a theme that captures pride within the University and school spirit," said Richard Sebastiani, homecoming committee member and UHD director of Sports and Fitness. "The theme is also an opportunity for alumni, students and friends of the University to show off their Gator pride and lots of blue UHD gear."

Festivities are free and open to the UHD community. Other activities include Tail-Gatoring and Gators Kid Zone, at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22 at the metered lot behind the Student Life Center; and a basketball game between the UHD Men's Gator team and Lone Star College at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22 in the Student Life Center.

Tail-Gatoring will spotlight student groups, university departments and alums. Many of the groups will participate in cook-off contests with prizes awarded in various categories. Families are invited to bring their little Gators to join in the fun and games at the Gator Kids Zone.

A complete Homecoming schedule, including various university events and sports games, are available online.

UHD Staff members and students can volunteer for Homecoming events here.

All events were organized by the UHD Homecoming Committee.