INSTITUTE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia State University (WVSU) is modifying its 2021 Homecoming schedule to better ensure the health and safety of all those who attend. All Homecoming activities will take place October 15-16 with most being held outdoors to provide for social distancing.
“The safety of the West Virginia State University community is our top priority and we want to ensure a safe and healthy Homecoming experience for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who look forward to this event,” said Ericke S. Cage, WVSU vice president and chief of staff. “With COVID-19 numbers climbing nationwide, and particularly in West Virginia, we felt it was necessary to modify our traditional schedule of Homecoming activities to hold more events outside, or in indoor areas where we can limit crowd size and maintain social distance.”
Friday’s events begin with a Greek Unity picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Plaza outside the James C. Wilson University Union.
At 7 p.m. Friday the WVSU Yellow Jackets women’s volleyball team will face Notre Dame College of Ohio inside the Walker Convocation Center. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged. Doors will open 60 minutes prior to game time.
Following the volleyball match inside the Walker Convocation Center at 9 p.m. the Yellow Jackets men’s basketball team will host an event for students, faculty, staff and alumni. More details will be forthcoming.
Saturday’s events will begin with the “W” Club Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 10 a.m. in room 134 of the Wilson University Union. All in attendance will be required to wear masks.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday the ROTC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in the Fannin S. Belcher Theater of the Davis Fine Arts Building. All in attendance will be required to wear masks.
The traditional Homecoming parade will begin at 3 p.m. at Shawnee Park and proceed along Route 25 before turning onto campus and continuing through the heart of campus to the football field where it will be followed by tailgating.
At 5 p.m. a dedication ceremony will take place at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium to celebrate the installation of artificial turf and lights on the field. The artificial turf and lights are part of nearly $2 million in upgrades to the facility.
Then at 6 p.m. kickoff for the first night game at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium will take place as the WVSU Yellow Jackets will take on UNC-Pembroke in the annual Homecoming football game. Tickets are $12 and will be sold at the gate.
All Homecoming activities are subject to change. If additional modifications to the schedule occur they will be announced in a timely manner.