The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will soon be kicking off its highly anticipated Homecoming festivities from Thursday, Nov. 10, to Saturday, Nov. 12.

The Student Government Association and Little Rock Trojan Athletics are leading UALR’s Homecoming events with an aim to unite the Trojan family for friendly competitions, tailgating, and athletic events.

This year’s Homecoming theme is the UALR Olympics. Student organizations are encouraged to participate in the events for a chance to win the first Champions’ Cup and a $200 prize.

The first competition will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Jack Stephens Center parking lot. Participants will take on the challenge of designing, painting, and displaying Olympic and athletic-themed decorations for a golf cart. Their work will later be displayed on Friday during the Homecoming parade.

Next, the Cardboard Boat Regatta will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the Donaghey Student Aquatic Center. This event will consist of students sailing in their handmade cardboard boats, hoping to stay afloat for the duration of the competition.

Following the cardboard race, the Trojan Trek Golf Cart Parade will take place on the Trojan Lane, the walkway between the residence halls, from 5 to 6 p.m. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff are invited to march from the Trojan Lane to the Jack Stephens Center to cheer on Little Rock’s teams for the upcoming games.

Immediately following the parade, a pep rally featuring the women’s basketball team will be held at 6 p.m at the entrance of the Jack Stephens Center. The Lady Trojans will face off against the Lady Eagles of North Texas at 6:30 p.m. in the Jack Stephens Center.

Homecoming Day starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, with the Trojan Alley Tailgate in the Jack Stephens Center parking lot. Sponsored by Academy Sports & Outdoors, the party will run through 2:30 p.m., featuring food trucks, tailgate tents, games, inflatables, and live radio broadcasts. The first 750 students to arrive will receive a food truck voucher from Chancellor Andrew Rogerson.

Following the tailgate party at 3 p.m., UALR’s men’s basketball team will go toe to toe with Central Baptist College in the Jack Stephens Center. During halftime, the Homecoming Royalty winner will be announced along with the winner of the Champion’s Cup. After the game, the Trojan volleyball team will take on rival Arkansas State at 6:30 p.m. for Senior Night.

For more information, check out the Homecoming Week schedule of events.

In the upper right photo, University of Arkansas at little Rock students celebrate Homecoming 2015 during the Trojan Alley Tailgate  Nov. 14, 2015 at the Jack Stephens Center parking lot. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/UALR Communications.