UTC Homecoming promises to be a real 'Mocbuster'

Homecoming week at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga starts today with a ton of activities carrying out this year's "Mocbusters" theme.

Traditions such as field games, a golf tournament, banner painting and Step Show are back, along with new activities such as an outdoor movie singalong under the stars in Chamberlain Pavilion and a Homecoming Spirit Run. The celebration culminates Saturday in Finley Stadium when the Mocs take on Virginia Military Institute at 4 p.m.

TODAY

• 11:50 a.m.: Homecoming Kickoff Pep Rally at Chamberlain Pavilion on campus. Hear from UTC's coaches the game plan for Saturday's showdown with the VMI Keydets. The 2014 Homecoming Court will be announced and the UTC band and spirit squads try to amp up the crowd's enthusiasm. Free and open to the public.

TUESDAY

• 8 p.m.: Lip Sync in McKenzie Arena, 720 E. Fourth St. Watch student groups put their spins on six minutes of movie-themed song-and-dance routines. Free and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY

• 4 p.m.: Field Games in Heritage Plaza on campus and on the Challenger Field, corner of Palmetto and East Fifth Street. Decades-old tradition includes students battling in Trout Joust, tug-of-war, bed races and more. Only students that have preregistered participate, but spectators are welcome. Free and open to the public.

• 8 p.m.: Mocbuster Outdoor Movie in Chamberlain Pavilion on campus. Watch an iconic movie musical and singalong under the stars. University officials can't legally release the name of the movie, but the tipoff is that the crowd will join in on songs such as "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together." (Hint: Think Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in '50s clothing.) The event is free, the food is free and there will be giveaways and contests. Open to the public.

THURSDAY

• 5:30 p.m.: Tap Party at Big River Grille, 222 Broad St. Hosted by the UTC Gold Council, the tap party unveils the official Homecoming 2014 brew, specially created by Big River's brewmasters. Free and open to the public.

• 7 p.m.: Scrappy's Band Fest in Chamberlain Pavilion on campus. Live music, free food and fall carnival at a Battle of the Bands. Free and open to the public.

FRIDAY

• Noon: UTC Homecoming Golf Tournament at Bear Trace Golf Course, 8919 Harrison Bay Road. Dress out in a blue-and-gold outfit and play in an annual tournament to help fund alumni programming and student scholarships. Golf registration fee is $125 per player; open to the public.

• Noon: Community Pep Rally in Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. Join football coach Russ Huesman, his staff and various players at Miller Plaza for a pep rally before Saturday's game. The Marching Mocs and UTC spirit squads will be on hand to perform as well. Free and open to the public.

• 7 p.m.: Step Show in McKenzie Arena. Although moving to a new night, Step Show still will be filled with highly choreographed step dances that have made this one of homecoming's most competitive student contests. Students are admitted free with valid Mocs Card. General admission is $5 per person. Tickets are available at the McKenzie Arena Box Office.

• 5:30-7 p.m.: Music Department "Scrappy Hour" in Chamberlain Pavilion on campus. Visit with fellow music alumni, eat light appetizers and listen to the Marching Mocs. Preregister through the UTC Music Department, $5 per person. 423-425-4601.

• 6:30-8:30 p.m: Honors Homecoming Gala, sponsored by University Honors Program (UHON), in Lindsay Street Hall, 901 Lindsay St. All Brock Scholar and UHON alumni are invited to a cocktail party to celebrate UTC's new Honors College. Along with hors d'oeuvres and drinks, old friends and new staff, attendees can listen to plans for the renovation of the Guerry Center and innovations in honors at UTC. Registration required; contact Debbie Bell at 423-425-4130.

SATURDAY

• 8 a.m.: Breakfast with Huesman in the University Center, Chickamauga Room, 642 E. Fifth St. Join the UTC Mocs Club and get a preview of Saturday's game from the coach. Contact Caleb Whitted, director of the Mocs Club, for reservation information, $10 per person, 423-425-4773.

• 9 a.m.: Homecoming Spirit Run on UTC campus. See the campus in an inaugural 4.5K run and/or 1-mile fun walk. Participants will pass through spirit stations to get them ready for tailgating and Saturday's game. Online registration is open until Wednesday at $15 per person. Walk-ups will be accepted on race morning for $20 per person. mocsconnect.com/2014spiritrun.

• 1 p.m.: Alumni Tailgate Zone opens in First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd. University of Chattanooga/UTC alumni and their families can tailgate before the 4 p.m. game against VMI. Food and beverage provided to registered guests, $5 per person. For space availability, call the Alumni Office at 423-425-4785.

• 4 p.m.: Mocs vs. VMI Football Game in Finley Stadium, 1826 Carter St. The Mocs take on VMI; the Homecoming Queen and Top Moc are announced, along with other homecoming awards.

Upcoming Events