SFA celebrates Homecoming with calendar full of events

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University has a full calendar of events for Homecoming 2024, including the annual Homecoming concert featuring headliner Josh Abbott Band and opener Heat Above beginning 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Intramural Fields.

The fun is already underway with the SFA Alumni Association's online Homecoming Auction 2024. Through Oct. 27, participants can bid on items ranging from custom SFA items to exciting travel packages. All proceeds go toward SFA Alumni Association student and alumni programming.

The week of Homecoming is split between on-campus and community events and begins with a student-focused Homecoming kickoff at the Surfin' Steve fountain in the Sesquicentennial Plaza.

Events open to the public begin Oct. 22 with the Homecoming blood drive scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Baker Pattillo Student Center's Regents' Suites A and B. That same day, SFA's Ladyjacks volleyball team face Lamar University at 6 p.m. in the Shelton Gym.

A second Homecoming blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 in the student center's Regents' Suites A and B.

Hosted also by Campus Recreation, the Homecoming 5K will begin 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. The cost to register for the 5K is $15 for students; $30 for faculty, staff and alumni; and $40 for community members. A one-mile route cost $5 for all participants. Entry fees will go toward raising funds for SFA scholarships.

The Student Activities Association and AXEperience's annual SFA Homecoming bonfire and concert begins with opener Heat Above 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Intramural Fields, located at the corner of Starr Avenue and Wilson Drive. This year's bonfire was built by Sigma Chi fraternity with help from the community and nearby alumni. The bonfire, drone show and pep rally featuring the Lumberjack Cheer and Dance Teams, Lumberjack Marching Band and Twirl-O-Jacks will begin at 8 p.m. with the Josh Abbott Band taking the stage at 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the community.

Game day will kick off with the Alumni Association's Homecoming flap "Jack" breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 26 at The Fredonia Hotel. Following that will be the Homecoming parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Nacogdoches.

SFA volleyball will play against Northwestern State University at noon in Shelton Gym, then the Lumberjack football team will take center stage when they face Houston Christian University 6 p.m. at Homer Bryce Stadium.

The Alumni Association will host two pre-kickoff tailgates before the football game. The first will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fredonia Brewery. That will be followed by their Alumni Corner Tailgate and fall fest beginning at 3 p.m. on the corner of Raguet and Hayter streets.

To see full details on SFA Homecoming events, visit gosfa.com/hoco24.