Revamped Homecoming back for second year, has Mardi Gras tie-in

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Revamped Homecoming back for second year, has Mardi Gras tie-in

SHREVEPORT - LSU Shreveport cranked up the Homecoming festivities in 2025 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of its first four-year graduating class.

Why stop now, asks Leigh Chambers, executive director of events and community initiatives and the chair of the Homecoming committee.

The expanded Homecoming celebration continues this year with events like a Mardi Gras ball, bonfire, pep rally, and other opportunities to build social connections and knowledge.

Homecoming kicks off this coming Monday and lasts through the entire week, which includes basketball doubleheaders Thursday and Saturday and baseball Friday and Saturday.

"Homecoming is one of the rare opportunities to bridge the gap between current students, past students and the community," Chambers said. "It's a chance to blend our students, our alumni, our donor base and other community friends in a shared celebration experience.

"The expanded format is gaining traction, specifically with our alumni."

As LSUS reconstructs its on-campus experience as part of its record enrollment (11,359 this past fall), Chambers said creating a memorable Homecoming experience will help maintain bonds between students, alumni, and the University.

"We're trying to build Homecoming into this tradition, and anytime you build traditions, you may have to work just a little bit harder than places that have always had the tradition," Chambers said. "Most of our alumni probably don't have strong Homecoming memories when they were here - they remember our festivals like Spring Fling and Fall Fest.

"We want to add Homecoming to that list and create that shared experience."

Because LSUS doesn't play football, the University's Homecoming revolves around its men's and women's basketball schedules, which peak in February.

Pairing with Mardi Gras is an obvious choice, something with which Chambers and the committee intentionally associate.

"Mardi Gras is something so unique to Louisiana, and so many of our students aren't from here," Chambers said. "Sharing that culture in every way possible is exciting."

The Homecoming King and Queen will be unveiled at Monday's pep rally before riding in the Highland Parade this coming Sunday. The LSUS bass fishing team will hop in their boats to ride in the parade as well.

The annual bonfire Tuesday evening is a community highlight, giving way to Wednesday's alumni get together at Frank's Pizza Napoletana.

Basketball takes center stage Thursday with a pregame tailgate beforehand and the royalty coronation at halftime of the men's game. The men are ranked No. 15 and the women are receiving votes in the national rankings.

LSUS gets further into the Mardi Gras spirit with its own ball Friday night.

Watch the No. 1 LSUS baseball team, the defending national champions and owners of 65 straight wins, in a heated series against No. 15 Arizona Christian on Friday and Saturday.

Hang out with LSUS Alumni on Saturday at the Andress Artist and Entrepreneur Center downtown (3-6 p.m.) before walking over to the Krewe of Gemini Parade.

Kick back and watch LSUS Homecoming royalty and the bass fishing team roll in the Krewe of Highland Parade on Sunday.

LSUS HOMECOMING SCHEDULE

Feb. 9-15

MONDAY

Dress Up: Pride It Up Purple Day

Student Event: Court Announcement & Pep Rally, 11 am, Gym

TUESDAY

Dress Up: Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras

Student Event: Bonfire, 6-9 pm, HPE Fields

Alumni/Community Event: Virtual Brown Bag Lecture, 11-Noon, Zoom, RSVP

WEDNESDAY

Dress Up: TWINsday

Student Event: Stuff-a-Plush, 10 am-1 pm, University Center Lobby

Alumni/Community Event: Virtual Brown Bag Lecture, 11-Noon, Zoom, RSVP

Alumni/Community Event: College Night, 4-7 pm, Frank's Pizza Napoletana (Alumni come-and-go mixer), RSVP

THURSDAY

Dress up: Gold Out the Game

Events:

Tailgate, 4-5:30 pm, University Center

Women's Basketball Game, 5:30 pm, Gym

Men's Basketball Game, 7:30 pm, Gym

Homecoming Court Crowning, halftime of men's game

FRIDAY

Dress Up: Flashback Friday (Wear retro Pilot gear)

Events:

Baseball Game, 6 pm, Pilot Field

Mardi Gras Ball, 7-10 pm (University Center Ballroom)

Alumni/Community Event: Alumni Awards Brunch, 10 am-12:30 pm, Noel Memorial Library

SATURDAY

Events:

Baseball doubleheader at 1 pm, Pilot Field

Pilots on the Parade Route, Andress Center, 3-6 pm

SUNDAY

Event: LSUS Court riding in Highland Mardi Gras Parade, 2 pm