Admission to BestFest is free, but ticket sales for food, drinks and games directly support UTSA’s student organizations.
OCTOBER 12, 2021 — UTSA is hosting its annual Homecoming Week with a slate of fun events celebrating the Roadrunner community and promoting university spirit. The highlight of the on-campus events, leading up to UTSA’s Homecoming football game, is BestFest. The free public festival will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 15, and will feature carnival rides, games and a concert by country music star Jimmie Allen.
Best known for the song “Best Shot,” Allen has also delivered hits such as “Make Me Want To” and “Freedom Was a Highway.” He is in the midst of a career-defining year, earning the 2021 New Male Artist of the Year award by the Academy of Country Music, and is currently competing in front of millions of viewers each week on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
BestFest will be held in Brackenridge Ave. Lot 1 in front of the Convocation Center on the Main Campus. A fireworks show will precede Allen’s 9 p.m. concert. Although admission to BestFest is free, tickets are required to purchase food, beverages, games and event shirts. Ticket sales directly support UTSA’s student organizations. Visit the BestFest 2021 website to purchase tickets in advance and find out more about the event.
Here’s a look at all of the other exciting activities taking place on campus during Homecoming Week:
Country music artist Jimmie Allen will perform at BestFest, a free public festival held at UTSA's Main Campus on Friday, October 15.
Tuesday, October 12
Spirit of the Roadrunner Voting
Through Wednesday, October 13
The Spirit of the Roadrunner (formerly Mr. and Ms. UTSA) program recognizes two students who embody the spirit of UTSA while striving for the highest levels of academic achievement, campus involvement and community service. The ideal candidates will demonstrate how they carry out the Roadrunner Creed in their daily actions on campus. These students will serve the university for a calendar year at several events and activities on campus and in the community. The name of the program was changed this year to be more inclusive of all students. Students may place their votes through RowdyLink from midnight on Tuesday to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. The Spirit of the Roadrunner winners will be announced during Saturday’s Homecoming game.
Homecoming Golf Cart Parade of Prizes
1 p.m., Main Campus
Be on the lookout Tuesday for the Student Government Association’s Homecoming Golf Cart Parade of Prizes. During this UTSA-centric take on “Cash Cab,” members of SGA will be traveling around the Main Campus in golf carts, picking up students to give them a ride to class and the opportunity to win BestFest tickets that can be used for food, drinks and fun. Be sure to brush up on your UTSA trivia; it might come in handy!
Take Back the Night
6 to 8 p.m., Sombrilla Plaza, Main Campus
Join the UTSA PEACE Center for an evening of art, poetry and survivor support, and reaffirm your commitment to ending violence at the university. The evening will include an empowerment march through the Main Campus, guest speakers, and an open microphone for survivors to speak out against the violence they have experienced.
Wednesday, October 13
Window Wars: Faculty/Staff Office Decorating
Submissions accepted until 8 a.m.
Sign up and show off your UTSA pride in your physical or virtual office by participating in the 2021 Window Wars. Windows, offices or Teams meetings submissions must be completely decorated and photographed by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13. Judging will take place the following day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Scores will be based on overall spirit (50%), originality (25%) and artistic quality (25%). The winners will receive a prize at the time of the announcement. Those who have questions may contact utsastaffsenate@utsa.edu.
Game Week Wednesday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sombrilla Plaza, Main Campus
Join the Rowdy Crew, UTSA’s very own student spirit organization, for Game Week Wednesday. Learn how to be a part of the full game day experience and have a chance to win Rowdy Crew merch to wear to the Alamodome for Saturday’s game. This is one Game Week Wednesday you won't want to miss. UTSA Football coach Jeff Traylor will be handing out tacos from Taco Palenque from 11 a.m. to noon, and then UTSA Soccer will get Roadrunner fans geared up for their Thursday night game with a special "pie-in-the-face challenge" from noon to 1 p.m.
Health Nest: Alcohol and Consent
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sombrilla Plaza, Main Campus
Stop by this booth to play some games and learn about preventative health measures from peer educators from Wellbeing Services.
Racial Justice Book Club at UTSA
2 p.m., virtual event
The Racial Justice Book Club at UTSA is an avenue for discussing issues of race, race relations, and racial justice. The club is reading and discussing Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas every Wednesday in October. Cemetery Boys is a magical, emotional fantasy tale about finding the courage to show everyone—including yourself—who you really are.
The Jeff Traylor Radio Show
7 to 8 p.m., The Sand Box, 7280 UTSA Blvd.
Fans are invited to join Traylor and host Andy Everett for a one-hour radio show at the Sand Box, within walking distance of the Main Campus. Listen along on Ticket 760 AM or online at goUTSA.com and Ticket760.com. Roadrunner fans may also tune in via the free iHeartRadio and The Varsity Network apps. Additionally, fans can watch the show each week on Facebook Live via the UTSA Athletics Facebook page and call in with questions by dialing 210-736-9760.
Thursday, October 14
Homecoming Blitz
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bill Miller Plaza, Downtown Campus
Join UTSA Student Activities for the Homecoming Blitz and get pumped up for Saturday’s game at the Alamodome. Enjoy food and activities at this spirited event at the Downtown Campus.
Union Night Live
8 p.m., H-E-B Student Union Ballroom, Main Campus
Roadrunners can grab a few laughs with a special comedy performance from Chico Bean, Darren Brand and Billy Sorrells—best known for their frequent appearances on MTV’s “Wild 'N Out.” Roadrunners can also kick back and enjoy a talent showcase from UTSA organizations and students. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. This free event is open to UTSA students only and seating is limited.
Homecoming Soccer Game vs. Louisiana Tech
7 p.m., Park West Athletics Complex, Park West Campus
UTSA Soccer is off to a sizzling start with a 7–4–1 record. Watch the Roadrunners go for their eighth win as they take the pitch against Louisiana Tech on Thursday night. Parking at the Park West Athletic Complex and admission to the game are free for everyone.
Friday, October 15
UTSA Spirit Day
All day
Put on blue and orange, wear your favorite UTSA gear and show off your school spirit the day before the Homecoming game. Be sure to tag @UTSA and @UTSAStudents when sharing your school spirit on social media.
2021 Homecoming Golf Tournament sponsored by Sherwin Williams
1 p.m., Canyon Springs Gold Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak
Campus Recreation will host a 4-person, 18-hole scramble at Canyon Springs Gold Club open to alumni, current students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of UTSA. The money raised from this event will be used to assist Campus Recreation student staff with attendance fees to national and regional conferences/workshops, which advance their education and exposure to the fields of leadership development, university recreation, fitness and wellness, facility management, outdoor recreation, and higher education. This event is sold out but details can still be found on the Campus Recreation website for individuals who would like to support the Rec.
Saturday, October 16
Rowdy Town
2 p.m., H-E-B Plaza (north side of the Alamodome)
Roadrunner fans of all ages can take part in free pregame festivities at Rowdy Town, including live music, interactive games, displays, food and beverages.
UTSA Alumni Association's Roadrunner Nation Tailgate
2 p.m., The Espee (formerly Sunset Station), 1174 E. Commerce St.
The UTSA Alumni Association invites fans to the official Roadrunner Nation Tailgate to get rowdy with prizes, food and an open bar. RSVP with your Alumni Association membership before the game to get free tailgate admission. Not a member? Friends of UTSA can either purchase a membership for free entrance or pay $20 at the gate. Be sure to bring your digital membership card for quick and easy tailgate admission. Get your tailgate tickets or membership at the UTSA Alumni Association website.
Spirit Walk
2:45 p.m., Alamodome, Roadrunner Alley (between Lots B and C)
This is an exciting tradition for fans to get the team pumped up for the game. Join the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band and UTSA spirit squads as they accompany the team down Roadrunner Alley and into the Alamodome two hours before each home game. Fans can line the walkway between the Alamodome parking lots B and C to cheer on the team.
UTSA Student Indoor Tailgate
3:30 p.m., Alamodome, Hall of Fame Club (north end of Club level)
The UTSA Student Indoor Tailgate is the new gathering spot for students inside the Alamodome on game day. Free food and beverages will be available (while supplies last). Door prizes include concession vouchers and UTSA apparel.
Homecoming Football Game vs. Rice
5 p.m., Alamodome
UTSA Football is off to its best start in program history and looking for its seventh consecutive victory. The 6–0 Roadrunners will host the 2–3 Rice Owls Saturday evening at the Alamodome. The Spirit of the Roadrunner winners will be announced during the game. Current UTSA students receive free admission to all home games by downloading tickets via their Account Manager. Students may also purchase up to four guest tickets at $10 each. Tickets for the general public can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
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At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
