With a little over a week left until November, the countdown to college basketball is winding down. For Winthrop, this also means that homecoming is right around the corner.
The Winthrop men’s basketball season will kick off with a four-game road stretch starting Nov. 7. The Eagles will return to Winthrop Coliseum for their home opener on Nov. 16, battling the Mid-Atlantic Christian Mustangs during the annual homecoming game.
The Mustangs will make the almost six–hour trip to face the Eagles. Mid-Atlantic Christian went 4-21 in their matchups last season. Winthrop will look to make a lot of noise during the homecoming matchup.
The game is often the biggest event held during Winthrop’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Homecoming is a tradition that brings students, community, staff and alumni together to celebrate the spirit of Winthrop. During halftime of the homecoming game, Winthrop will also crown the 2019 homecoming king and queen—voting will begin Nov. 11. The 2019 celebrations will mark the 41st Homecoming since being established by the Division of Student Life in 1978.
Winthrop Homecoming game day, along with pre-game tailgate, is a popular attraction for the Eagles community and draws large crowds annually. With hopes to improve the game day experience, Winthrop’s leadership has introduced a number of tailgate changes.
For starters, the tailgate will begin at 8 a.m. and will close at 3:30 p.m., allotting 30 minutes of clean–up time for the tailgate crowd before the game’s opening tip.
Tailgating spots became available for reservation starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, and all designated spots have sold out. According to Winthrop’s website, more spots will be added near the designated area and updates will be announced through email and social media. Tailgating from vehicles will be allowed in the North and South lots, as long as tents are not set up in these areas.
Additionally, there will be no pets or glass allowed on the grounds. Furthermore, port-a-johns and trash bins will be placed throughout the tailgating area. It will be expected that those in attendance dispose of their own trash. If waste is found in reserved spaces, attendees could be fined. According to Winthrop’s tailgate information, those in attendance are advised to timestamp a photo of the reserved area for records.
The detailed tailgating policy can be found on Winthrop’s website.
To display Eagle spirit, attendees will be able to pick up a free Homecoming t-shirt from the Alumni Association tent.
Aside from the fun the tailgate and game will bring, students will be able to enjoy a full schedule of events throughout the week. The activities will begin on Monday, Nov. 11 with the annual ‘Paint the Town’ window painting competition and the official Homecoming Kickoff. Other events include the Homecoming Spirit Meal and Homecoming on the Green.
If you are looking for the full schedule of University-affiliated events, the schedule is posted on Winthrop’s website under Homecoming Information.
Above all, homecoming is a time for celebration. Homecoming reminds us of the halls that are rich with our memories and exemplifies why Winthrop will forever stand.
Photo: Gabby Gardner/ The Johnsonian
