Homecoming week has something for everyone

UNO Homecoming theme this year is “Let the Games Begin!” Sponsored by Maverick Productions, the week begins Nov. 4 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 10.

This year’s Homecoming week offers something to do for everyone. Starting on Nov. 4, there will be a game night in the UNO Criss Library from 9 p.m. to midnight. Students will be able to play Apples to Apples, Wii games and musical chairs, among other games.

“The week is all about interacting with other students, playing games, and celebrating what it means to be a part of UNO,” Shelby Pieper, Maverick Productions’ Maverick Traditions Chair, said. “Some of our biggest events include a real-life game of Battleship in the HPER pool, our Kick-Off event in the Library, and all of the sporting events.”

On Monday, Nov. 5, students are invited to take part in a real-life game of Battleship where students in four-person canoes will get the chance to sink competing canoes by scooping up water and dumping it in the boats. The event will be held at the Health, Physical Education and Recreation pool starting at 8 p.m. Free food, rock climbing, and dodge ball will also be available during the evening. Students, clubs and organizations must register to participate in the event. For more information contact Shelby Pieper at 402-415-8558, or by email at snpieper@unomaha.edu.

Students, faculty and staff should start working on their best recipes for the first-ever “Hungry Games” on Nov. 6.  The event is a chili-and-pie cook-off and will be held in the Milo Bail Student Center ballroom from 5 to 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring their best chili and pie recipes. The pie and chili recipe that gets the largest amount of donations will determine the winners. Half of the proceeds will go to charity. 

Students interested in hypnotism are also in luck. On Nov. 7, hypnotist Jim Want will be on campus from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for a free show.

“Mr. Want has been coming to UNO for years to do a show for us during Homecoming,” Pieper said. “King and Queen candidates, as well as audience members, have a chance to be hypnotized during a show that Wand always tailors to Homecoming Week. Last year we set up for 500 students, and we ended up needing more chairs." Students should get to this event early to guarantee a good seat, he said.

The week also features a few sporting events. On Friday, Nov. 9, UNO men’s basketball team will compete against Northern Illinois at the new Ralston Arena at 7 p.m. Fans should wear red in support of the team.

UNO men’s hockey is set compete on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:07 p.m. at the CenturyLink Center against 2011 NCAA champions Minnesota Duluth. The Mavericks will play the second game in the series at CenturyLink the following day at 2:07 p.m. Fans should wear white.

UNO women’s volleyball will take on Summit League opponents Kansas City on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Sapp Fieldhouse. This is a “black out” game, so fans are encouraged to wear all black.

“This year my co-chair and I worked hard to make this year’s Homecoming about each and every student,” Pieper said. “Whether you’re a commuter student, involved with a small campus club, or part of a Greek organization, this week truly has something for you. We have almost doubled the participation from campus organizations, and candidates are up by 4 from last year. Everything about this week is bigger and better than ever before.”

As always, students will be asked to vote for Homecoming royalty throughout the week. The winners will be announced during intermission at Saturday’s hockey game.  

“It is easy to shrug the idea of Homecoming off and never attend a single event,” Piper said. “But I promise you will be glad you took the time to celebrate with us. Forget what you think you know about Homecoming and come see what it is truly all about.”