University of Arizona Begins Annual Homecoming Week
The Bobcat Senior Honorary is leading a week of campus celebrations culminating in a major football matchup.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in College Life
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The University of Arizona is celebrating its annual Homecoming week, an event organized by the 13 members of the 105th Bobcat Senior Honorary. The festivities feature traditional campus events ranging from the lighting of A Mountain to a community-wide pep rally.
Why it matters
Homecoming serves as a cornerstone of campus life in Tucson, fostering school spirit and connecting current students with long-standing university traditions like the lighting of A Mountain. These events integrate academic life with athletic competition and community involvement.
The 105th class of the Bobcat Senior Honorary consists of 13 members who coordinate this week of events, including the selection of 5 Homecoming queen nominees. The A Mountain lighting tradition, which uses road flares to mark the start of the festivities, dates back to 1967.
The players
Bobcat Senior Honorary
This organization is a group of 13 senior students who are responsible for planning and executing the annual University of Arizona Homecoming events.
Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Iowa State University Cyclones
The Iowa State University Cyclones are the collegiate athletic teams that will compete against the Arizona Wildcats during the Homecoming football game.
The details
Students and alumni gather for a week of activities, including the Homecoming Breakfast on October 24 and a pep rally held on October 23. The celebration concludes with the Arizona Wildcats taking on the Iowa State University Cyclones at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
Timeline
Homecoming festivities officially kickoff on October 18, 2026.
The bonfire and pep rally occur on October 23, 2026, from 7-8:30 p.m.
The Homecoming Breakfast and football game take place on October 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
The A Mountain lighting tradition continues to serve as the primary local symbolic anchor for university spirit during homecoming week. This year's festivities follow the long-standing pattern established by the lighting tradition that first began in 1967.
Residents in Tucson should expect increased traffic near the University of Arizona campus and Casino Del Sol Stadium during the week of events. Attendees planning to participate in the bonfire or breakfast should verify event-specific parking availability on the university portal.
The takeaway
Engaging in university traditions like Homecoming helps strengthen the connection between the campus community and the city of Tucson. Students and alumni are encouraged to check official schedules to ensure they do not miss key ceremonies or the final game.
Further reading
Find more information regarding campus events at the College Life section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Wildcat.
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