As part of the Home Economics Building project, UT constructed a Home Management House behind the building at 1218 White Avenue. The eight-room, two-story structure contained a living room (16 feet by 20 feet), dining room, kitchen, and instructor’s room on the first floor, and four bedrooms with bath for the residents on the second … Continued

A tradition of the men’s swimming team that has proven to be a favorite of Tennessee fans takes place prior to away dual meets and championship meets. Prior to the opening event, a Tennessee swimmer pours a bottle of water from the home pool into the tournament pool. Coach Ray Bussard began this tradition. When … Continued

The Law Alumni of the university held a reunion in 1911, but the tradition of homecoming dates from 1916, when homecoming of alumni was first organized for the weekend of the Volunteers’ most bitter football rival, Vanderbilt, on Wait Field (Tennessee won, 10-6). Approximately three thousand alumni attended. The alumni took automobile rides to the … Continued

Homecoming ’86 was a yearlong celebration in Tennessee, conceived and promoted by then-governor Lamar Alexander. It was officially launched January 15, 1983, in Governor Alexander’s second inaugural address. Minnie Pearl and Alex Haley were named cochairs. UT was one of five hundred communities invited to become a Homecoming ’86 Community and was officially designated in … Continued

When the governor’s office looked for an entity to create the questions and answers for a Tennessee trivia game in August 1985, UT was the answer. Pepsi Cola had agreed to underwrite the project as a fundraising vehicle for public schools. Five thousand questions and answers in six categories, two levels (one suitable for children … Continued

Homecoming banners were hung at Neyland Stadium for the first time for Homecoming 1975. Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Gamma received the highest award for their banner. The banner drop is the inaugural event of every homecoming.

In 1971 a homecoming bicycle race was started on Andy Holt Avenue with the firing of a blank pistol by Chancellor Archie Dykes. This first race ran into difficulties, however, because one of the riders was struck from behind by a car.

In 1927 the Intra-mural Department started an annual students’ cakewalk race, with 30 cakes offered as prizes to the finishers. Local bakeries provided the cakes and some were made for the occasion by local women.

A homecoming “ball” was first held in 1932. The traditional homecoming dance was discontinued in 1980.

The Center for Leadership and Service of the Student Life Division initiated the Homecoming Day of Service in 2014. The first year’s project was planting, painting, and cleaning the downtown YWCA.