Valdosta State University will celebrate Homecoming: The Blazin’ 80s Oct. 17-23, and the entire community is invited to join the fun.
 
“One of the great joys I have as interim president is found in Homecoming Week, where we welcome our alumni back to the campus,” shared Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of VSU. “There’s something special about seeing our graduates return to rekindle friendships, make new friends who share a common bond across any number of years, and spend time ‘home’ again on this campus — all as stakeholders in a shared legacy that supports, challenges, and inspires our current students to achieve well beyond whatever they imagined they could achieve in college. Upon graduation they, too, will join the alumni base of this institution, making it ever stronger.  
 
“We think we have a fun-filled week prepared for our current students and a weekend stacked with events for thereturning alumni. The schedule for the entire week can be found below.
 
“I hope to see many of you at the week’s events, and as always, it’s a great day to be a Blazer.”
 
Blazin’ Downtown Throw-Down
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, Lowndes County Courthouse lawn
This event features performances by the Blazin’ Brigade, the VSU cheerleaders, and the Red Hots; food; activities for kids; and fun for all ages. The downtown merchants will battle to see who has the most spirited storefronts, and Blazer fans can vote for their favorite. Merchants will also offer a number of specials and discounts to VSU Blazer fans wearing red and black. Admission is free of charge. Call (229) 333-5797 to learn more.
 
Black Light Pep Rally
7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, VSU P.E. Complex
Blazer fans of all ages are invited to celebrate Blazer Nation with the VSU football team, cheerleaders, Red Hots, Blazin’ Brigade, Blaze, and more. Admission is free of charge. Call (229) 333-5674 to learn more.
 
Lip Sync Competition
8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, VSU P.E. Complex
This is where VSU demonstrates that it has talent. Student organizations prepare all year long to dazzle at this annual event. Admission is free of charge. Call (229) 333-5674 to learn more.
 
Alumni and Friends Annual Golf Tournament
9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, Stone Creek Golf Club
This event is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. All players will receive a commemorative golf shirt, lunch, and drinks. Mulligans, dress-ups, pro-shots, and more will be available. Entry is $100 per person or $400 per team, and advance registration is required. Call (229) 333-5797 to learn more.
 
Distinguished Alumni Dinner
6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, VSU University Center Magnolia Room
VSU will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of its outstanding alumni. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a gourmet farm-to-table meal. Reservations are requested, as this is a limited seating engagement. Tickets are $35. Call (229) 333-5797 to learn more.
 
Rubik’s Groove 80s Concert
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, VSU front lawn
This band is known for its “Out of the Box” live 80s dance parties. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, coolers, and a truckload of friends for anight of fun. Admission is free of charge. Call (229) 333-5674 to learn more.
 
Homecoming Parade
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, VSU main campus
Featuring floats from student organizations and local businesses, special guests, the Blazin’ Brigade, and more, this annual tradition is about bringing the campus and community together to celebrate VSU and Blazer Nation. Admission is free of charge. Call (229) 333-5674 to learn more.
 
Blazer Nation Tailgate Competition
All day Saturday, Oct. 22, corner of Brookwood Drive and Slater Street
The Valdosta Chapter of the Alumni Association has challenged alumni to show off their best tailgating skills, decorations, and team spirit. Tailgates will be assessedbased on creativity, atmosphere, food, and Blazer pride. The 2016 VSU Tailgate Champion will receive prizes and be recognized during halftime. Judging begins at noon. Admission is free of charge, but competitors must register to participate in the tailgate competition. Call (229) 333-5797 to learn more.
 
Alumni Tailgate
Noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, corner of Brookwood Drive and Slater Street
The Alumni Association has secured a prime tailgate area and will have barbecue, drinks, live entertainment, tailgating shenanigans, games, free swag, and more for alumni and their families to enjoy before the big game. Alumni are encouraged to bring their tents, tailgate gear, chairs, or blankets to join the tailgating fun. Big Nick’s barbecue plates will be available for $5. Reservations are requested. Call (229) 333-5797 to learn more.
 
Blazer Walk
1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, outside Bazemore-Hyder Stadium
All are welcome to join Blaze, the VSU cheerleaders, the Red Hots, and more in cheering the football team and coaches on to victory as they make their way into the stadium. Admission is free of charge. Call (229) 333-5674 to learn more.
 
VSU vs. Delta State
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium,
The VSU Blazers will play the Delta State University Statesmen. Admission is $18 for reserved seats, $10 for adult general admission seats, $5 for youth and senior citizen general admission seats, and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card. Visit www.vstateblazers.com or call (229) 333-SEAT to learn more.
 
Alpha Phi Alpha Step Show
7:06 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, VSU P.E. Complex
This event features performances by National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek organizations and raises funds for various programs provided by the Mu Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. as well as the chapter’s Alpha Phi Alpha Memorial Scholarship Endowment. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at the door. Call (229) 333-5797 to learn more.
 
VSU vs. West Georgia
1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, VSU P.E. Complex
The VSU Blazers will play the University of West Georgia Wolves in this volleyball matchup. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card. Visit www.vstateblazers.com or call (229) 333-SEAT to learn more.