“Under the Sea” is the theme
for events Oct. 7-12 as California University of Pennsylvania celebratesHomecoming 2013.
The week’s traditional highlight is the Homecoming Day celebration on Oct. 12. Pre-parade activities begin at 9 a.m. on the main campus, where inflatables with a seaside theme will add to the family-friendly fun. Photo novelty booths, mascot appearances, face painting, balloon art and a petting zoo also are planned.
The annual Homecoming Parade steps off at noon. The march starts at the Convocation Center and travels down Third Street. Marchers will turn right at Union Street and continue back to campus on Second Street.
A tailgating party begins at 1:30 p.m. at Roadman Park, on Cal U’s upper campus, and a Kid Zone near the alumni pavilion will keep the little ones busy starting at 2:30 p.m.
At 3:30 p.m. the Cal U football team hosts division rival Clarion University in Adamson Stadium. At halftime, winners of the Homecoming Parade float competition will be announced, and the Homecoming king and queen will be crowned.
The day concludes with a free concert by rising Nashville star Brynn Marie at 8 p.m. in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. A former Cal U student and a native of Carmichaels, Pa., she recently returned from promoting her debut single, “Bandaid on a Bullet Hole,” and touring with singer Pat Benatar. The concert is open to the community; registration is requested.
Other Homecoming 2013 events include:
- Oct. 7: Cal U Hockey Night at Rostraver Ice Garden. The Cal U women’s team plays Slippery Rock at 4:30 p.m. A public skating session from 6:30-7:45 p.m. features appearances by Pittsburgh Penguins players and the IceBurgh mascot. The University’s CHE men’s team plays Penn State-Altoona at 8:45 p.m. Admission is free for Cal U students with a valid CalCard; non-students pay $3.
- Oct. 9:Cal U Spirit Rally, 4-8 p.m. in front of the Natali Student Center. The event features fireworks, inflatable games, giveaways and the announcement of the 2013 Homecoming Court. Admission is free.
- Oct. 11: 19th annual Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, 5:30 p.m. in the Natali Student Center. The event honors Hall of Fame inductees Bill Coleman ’61 (football), Christine Dillner ’95 (softball), Kim Kottmeier-Whitlock ’96, ’98 (women’s soccer), Seth Martin ’02 (basketball), Tim McCutcheon (football), Bradley Rager ’08 (track and field). and the 2008 PSAC champion men’s soccer team . For reservations, contact Montean Dean at 724-938-4418.
Homecoming Parade Means Parking Changes
Visitors who wish to park at California University while attending Homecoming Day events may use Lot 4 (the River Lot) or the Vulcan Garage, where parking will be free from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
These road closures will be in effect Oct. 12 because of the Homecoming Parade:
- Third Street: Closed on campus beginning at 7 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.
- Hickory Street: Closed from Sixth Street to Third Street, also starting at 7 a.m. Parade participants can access Lot 4 (the River Lot) via Green Street and Second Street. The River Lot also will be available, via Second Street, to the campus community, alumni and other Homecoming guests.
Some parking lot changes also will be in effect on Oct. 12:
- Lot 21 will be closed to traffic so family activities can be held.
- Lot 11 will be used for the Homecoming Queen’s court and parade vehicles.
- Lot 2 will be open to permit holders and those attending the President’s Circle Brunch. Vulcan Flyer shuttles will operate until 10:30 a.m. Oct. 12.
Service will resume immediately after the parade, when the shuttle stops at Booker Towers to take fans to the football game at Adamson Stadium. Shuttle service will continue until 11 p.m.
Also on Oct. 12, no parking will be permitted from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Second Street (200 to 500 blocks), Third Street (200 and 400 blocks) and Union Street (200 block).
Vehicles that are parked along the parade routes will receive a parking ticket from California Borough Police beginning at 9 a.m. After 10 a.m., vehicles parked along the route will be towed.