Excitement around campus builds as students, faculty and alumni prepare to cover the campuses in green and gold for Homecoming Week.

The budget for this year’s weeklong festivities is $283,128, according to Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Associate Director Joshua Wilson, an increase from last year’s budget of $276,250. 

This includes $16,000 for marketing and promotional materials like T-shirts and giveaways. Wilson said students from all campuses can take part in the week’s celebrations and activities.

The week started off with Color the Campus on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The painting took place at the Marshall Student Center (MSC) and The Fit. 

During this event, Bulls painted and decorated the windows at the front of the MSC facing the amphitheater and windows on the side of The Fit green and gold to show USF pride throughout the week.

On Monday, the Homecoming Kickoff and Talent Show will take place in the MSC Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. 

The kickoff will start with a pep rally featuring guest speakers such as Student Body President Nithin Palyam and Vice President Amy Pham, USF President Rhea law, football coach Jeff Scott and Executive Director of the Alumni Association Bill McCausland. The budget for the kickoff is $5,000, according to Wilson.

Replacing the typical comedy show due to budget cuts for the CSI is a talent show. It will feature eight student acts, including singers and dancers. Students do not need to register to attend the kickoff or talent show.

The Homecoming Ball is Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the MSC Ballroom with a budget of $17,842, according to Wilson. The event will start with the crowning of the royalty, which will feature students from all three campuses voted for by the student body. 

Following the crowning will be live music that transitions into a DJ from BullsMedia. There is no expected attire, so students are welcome to wear fancy ball gowns or jeans when walking down the yellow carpet, according to Wilson.

Rapper 2 Chainz will headline the concert at the Yuengling Center on Thursday with rapper Ben Reilly opening the show. 

Tickets went on sale Sept. 21 and will also be available the day of the concert. The maximum capacity for the venue is about 7,000 people, but the expected attendance is between 2,500 and 5,000 people based on previous years, according to Wilson. The budget for the entire concert is $177,000.

On Friday, the Running of the Bulls Parade will take place on Holly Court, Genshaft Drive and Leroy Collins Boulevard, with a budget of $2,943, according to Wilson. 

The parade will start at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. and feature departments like the MUMA College of Business, an alumni float and Fraternity and Sorority Life, according to Wilson.

On the same day, starting at 5 p.m., Carni-Bull will take place in Lot 35. It has a budget of $58,194, according to Wilson. 

There will be food trucks, carnival rides and games. Some rides include bumper cars, the Reckless Ride, a climbing tower and a teacups ride, according to Wilson.

Last year, the parade and Carni-Bull were rained out, so this will be the first parade and Carni-Bull since 2019.

Finishing out the week will be the USF vs. Tulane game at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m. 

Student Government is also hosting a spirit week for Homecoming. Information about this and any updates regarding Homecoming events can be found at usf.edu/homecoming.