For University of Houston-Downtown’s 2020 Homecoming, the diverse network of alumni, students, faculty and staff will commemorate the achievements and traditions that distinguish the University as the place to Finish UHD Strong.

This year’s Homecoming theme, “Surviving and Thriving,” embodies the spirit, honor and grit of being a Gator in the midst of a devastating pandemic. With an alumni base that boasts more than 51,000 members, the theme celebrates all UHD Gators, both past and present. Time-honored traditions like Tail-Gatoring (conducted virtually) and the President’s BBQ will still take place, and the university will also welcome new traditions like the Gator Zoom-A-Thon, where the entire UHD family will try to break the Guinness World Record for people in an online hangout.

Because of COVID-19, UHD wants to celebrate Homecoming while also keeping all Gators and their families protected from harm. In the spirit of safety, this year's events will be offered either virtually or with socially distanced practices in place.

The assembly of events will enhance the UHD student collegiate experience and promote school spirit and pride. These events will also create a sense of belonging that fosters loyalty and pride in the institution which will encourage student planning and involvement for years to come.

The schedule for Homecoming Week is as follows:

October 19 - 23
Gator Spirit Frenzy - Sports & Fitness

Virtual: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Decorate face masks with typical Texas mum flare such as ribbons, glitter, small artificial flowers, etc. Kits will be assembled for Gators to collect at the Student Life Center that will include face masks and mum flare. Students will then be encouraged to submit photos of their creations to the UHD Sports & Fitness Instagram page for a contest where the photo with the most likes will win a prize. Poster boards will be offered and collected at the UHD Student Life Center that students can decorate on their own for Homecoming Week, and students are encouraged to post their signs around campus to paint UHD blue.

Monday, Oct. 19
Homecoming Office Decorating Contest - Staff Council

Virtual: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
It's time for UHD faculty and staff to get into the Homecoming spirit. Make the office as creative as possible for a chance at prizes. Register here.

Tuesday, Oct. 20
President's BBQ – President’s Office and Dean of Students Office

South Deck: 12 - 2 p.m. 
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Join a barbeque to help celebrate Homecoming Week. COVID-19 safety practices and protocols for pick-up will be followed.

Homecoming Movie: Dreamer - UHD-Northwest, UHDNW Be A Teacher Club
Virtual: 7 - 9 p.m.

Gators can go to UHD Northwest on Oct. 17 from 1 - 3 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 4 - 6 p.m. to pick-up a goodie bag with movie snacks. The bag will include popcorn, candy, and a UHD Gator. The bag will also include information about how to access the movie on Oct. 20. Participants will be able to drive through to pick up the goodie bag outside UHD-Northwest Building 13.

Wednesday, Oct. 21
I Survived 2020 Bike Ride - Bike Club

UHD Flag Poles, Bike Club Sign: 2 - 5 p.m.

The entire UHD community is invited to join in the spirit, pride, and celebration of UHD. All Gators are encouraged to come decked out in their most spirited UHD Gator Blue wear and paraphernalia. The virtual event will feature appearances by club team members, coaches and Sports & Fitness staff. Registration information is forthcoming.

Virtual Pep Rally Presentation - Sports & Fitness

Zoom/Facebook Live: 3 - 3:30 p.m.

The entire UHD community is invited to join in the spirit, pride, and celebration of UHD. All Gators are encouraged to come decked out in their most spirited UHD Gator Blue wear and paraphernalia. The virtual event will feature appearances by club team members, coaches and Sports & Fitness staff. Registration information is forthcoming.

​Gator Zoom-a-Thon - Student Activities
Zoom/Facebook: 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Join the Gator Zoom-A-Thon online hang out party to break the Guinness World Record for people in an online hangout. All UHD students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and family are welcomed to join. There will be music and designated staff to serve as hosts. Registration information is forthcoming.

Thursday, Oct. 22
Hidden Beauty - Cosmetology Club

Virtual: 6:15 - 8:30 p.m.

Learn how to put on proper make-up and some fun to putting on an eyeshadow-inspired look using Gator colors. This virtual event will also have fun with contests and prizes to be selected by club officers. Registration information is forthcoming.

Homecoming Drive-In Movie - Student Affairs/Student Activities/Homecoming Committee

UHD Bayou Lot: 8 - 10 p.m.

Turn back the clock for the UHD Homecoming Drive-In Movie: Nacho Libre. 

Friday, Oct. 23
Saint Arnold Virtual Beer Tasting - Homecoming Committee, Corporate Relations, Alumni Relations and Saint Arnold Brewery

UHD Zoom: 6 - 7 p.m.

All Gators of legal drinking age are invited to the virtual Homecoming beer tasting featuring St. Arnold Brewery beers; Lawnmower, Guten Tag, Art Car IPA and Dry Cider. The registrant will pick up their beer kit from the Student Life Center during Homecoming Week which includes the beverage 4-pack, a beer paddle with UHD Homecoming and Saint Arnold carving and four taster glasses. The registrant will then join the beer tasting event virtually. The beer tasting will be led by Saint Arnold brew master, Aaron Inkrott. Registration is limited. Only one beer kit per household.​​ ​Register here.

Club Sports Alumni Mixer(s) -Sports & Fitness
UHD Zoom: 6 - 7 p.m.

Current and former Gators who put on the UHD game jersey are invited to the UHD Alumni mixer. This gathering will provide the alumni an opportunity to socialize virtually and to check in on the current state of the club and meet the current returning members and coaches. Register here.

Saturday, Oct. 24
Tail-Gatoring - Sports and Fitness
UHD Zoom/Facebook Live: 1 - 3 p.m.

Tail-Gatoring in person is not possible right now but Gators can still do Tail-Gatoring at home virtually. Students, employees, and alumni can compete for best at-home UHD tailgate setup with best overall winner receiving $250 Amazon gift card. Individual $25 gift cards may be handed out for individual competitions including at-home tailgating scavenger hunt, lip synching competition, and dance offs. Registration information is forthcoming.

For more information, visit the UHD Homecoming page or the schedule of events. Updates regarding Zoom registration will be made available online as Homecoming Week approaches.