Syracuse University is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this academic year! As we look to the future, it’s important to reflect on where we have been. Orange Central, SU’s Homecoming and Alumni Weekend all in one, provides an amazing opportunity for the SU community to come together and celebrate all things Orange!
Traditions Commission is the student organization on campus that plans Homecoming events for current students. We bolster school spirit apart from athletics and maintain the traditions that make Syracuse University the place we all call home. Traditions Commission partners with Orange After Dark, University Union, DanceWorks and more to offer various types of events for everyone to enjoy during Orange Central. So what events should SU students take advantage of during Homecoming Week? Here’s what you need to know:
Slice of Orange Days: Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Life Sciences Atrium
This is your chance to get a free Homecoming t-shirt! How can anyone turn down free ‘Cuse swag?!
You may have picked up a free sticker on the quad last week or during the Involvement Fair that features our favorite mascot, Otto. Traditions Commission’s Homecoming Shirt has the same image on an orange t-shirt, perfect to wear to the football game against Clemson on Saturday.
Students can also enjoy free food and drinks including donut holes, popcorn, and apple cider. Spin Art and a photo booth are other quick, fun activities to spice up your Tuesday and Wednesday while Orange After Dark, DanceWorks, and University Union (UU) will have tables to learn more about their events going on later in the week.
Tie-Dye Night: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 8 p.m., Women’s Building Field
Get some orange and blue tie-dyed apparel for Saturday’s football game, and support an amazing cause! Traditions Commission partners with OttoTHON to provide each participant a pillowcase to tie dye, which will be donated to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
You can choose between a t-shirt, a pair of socks or a bandanna to tie dye and take home. Plus, the paint and the snacks are on us. All you need to do is show up!
Trivia Night: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m., Hall of Languages 500
THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST EVENT TO ATTEND! Friends, free food, prizes from the bookstore! How can you go wrong?! Grab a group of your friends and head to Hall of Languages on Wednesday night for Trivia Night! Traditions Commission picks out some amazing food like chicken fingers, pretzel bites, mac and cheese bites, ice cream sandwiches and more. And all of that is FREE! Plus, if your team does well, you can win cups, water bottles, t-shirts, jackets and even blankets repping SU.
P.S. I would study up on SU History. It’s always a category *hint hint*
InclusiveU Sign-Making Party: Saturday, Sept. 14, 4 p.m., Huntington Hall Commons
This is the ultimate unity event. Make a rally sign for the Syracuse v. Clemson game with Traditions Commission and InclusiveU, an initiative that brings students with intellectual disabilities to campus. This party brings together current students, alumni, staff and participants of the InclusiveU program to promote Orange pride. Everyone will also join the Orange Central tailgate on the Quad after sign-making.
Other Events:
- DanceWorks Presents: Legends – Thursday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium
- Every dance will be dedicated to a legendary music artist.
- Tickets available at Schine Box Office located in the Women’s Building.
- Orange After Dark: Grocery Bingo – Thursday, Sept. 12, 10 p.m., Grant Auditorium
- Play to win a bag full of groceries.
- Snacks provided.
- Free for students with an SU I.D.
- UU x Traditions Commission Presents: A Night of Comedy – Friday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium
- Michael Che from SNL featuring Cipha Sounds and Rosebud Baker
- Homecoming King and Queen will be announced.
- Tickets available at Schine Box Office located in the Women’s Building.
- Orange After Dark: Get Air! Trampoline Park – Friday, Sept. 13, 10 p.m.
- $3 tickets available at Schine Box Office located in the Women’s Building.
- Buses leave from College Place and Goldstein Student Center.
- Orange After Dark: Big Don’s Wild River Mini Golf and Outdoor Laser Tag – Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30 p.m.
- $3 tickets available at Schine Box Office located in the Women’s Building.
- Buses leave from College Place and Goldstein Student Center.
Written by Nicole Weaving ’19, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Traditions Commission Vice President