USM is “Back in Black and Gold” for 2021 Homecoming

Sat, 10/09/2021 - 11:52pm | By: David Tisdale

After a year in which restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic limited attendance at University of Southern Mississippi (USM) football games and curtailed tailgating, the Golden Eagle faithful will be “Back in Black and Gold” for homecoming 2021 Oct. 4-9.

A week of traditional homecoming activities and reunions will culminate with USM’s game with Conference USA foe the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Miners on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. at M.M. Roberts Stadium, “The Rock at Southern Miss,” and introduction of its homecoming court.

“We’ve been working hard to prepare the campus and organize all the activities we have in store for homecoming week,” said Student Government Association President Lucas Williams, a senior from Picayune, Mississippi. “Some of our new students have never experienced a USM homecoming, and many of us missed out last year on all the great traditions we enjoy about this special week. So, we’re excited about being back in black and gold for this year.”

USM Alumni Association Executive Director Jerry DeFatta concurs with Williams and encourages the USM faithful to kick off homecoming weekend with a pep rally Friday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Southern Station in Spirit Park, featuring members of The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, Dixie Darlings, the Southern Misses and Southern Miss cheerleaders and live music.

“While Homecoming is a highlight of each fall, I’m not sure it’s ever been more important than this year,” DeFatta said. “Our homecoming week theme, ‘Back in Black and Gold.’ perfectly illustrates the hope that alumni and fans will join us in a celebration of the Southern Miss spirit that defines this noble institution.”

USM’s 2021 homecoming week schedule includes, but is not limited to, the following events:

OCT. 4 | Seeking Seymour egg hunt

OCT. 5 | ‘Bring it On Eagle Style,’ 7 p.m., Reed Green Coliseum

OCT. 8 | 23rd Annual Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament, hosted by the Southern Miss Alumni Association, 8:30 a.m., Hattiesburg Country Club

OCT. 8 | Fountain Sit, Noon – 4 p.m., in front of The Hub and next to Danforth Chapel

OCT. 8 | Friday Night @ Spirit Park, 6:30 p.m., Southern Station 

OCT. 8 | Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Thad Cochran Center Ballrooms

OCT. 9 | Homecoming Parade, 1 p.m., beginning at the intersection of Hardy Street and Ross Boulevard, and ending on campus in Spirit Park after traveling through the front of campus and down Eagle Walk Drive. Register your group to participate in the parade at 2021 Homecoming Parade Registration Form (usm.edu).

OCT. 9 | Honors College Homecoming Tailgate, 3 p.m., Honors House

OCT. 9 | College of Business and Economic Development Tailgate, Free for all College of Business and Economic Development students and alumni, 3 p.m., Scianna Hall Courtyard

OCT. 9 | Membership Appreciation Tailgate, 3:30 p.m., Southern Station 

OCT. 9 | Southern Miss Football vs. UTEP, 6 p.m., “The Rock at Southern Miss”