It’s Homecoming Week at CofC

It’s the best thing in Cougars basketball this side of Selection Sunday.

That’s right – it’s homecoming week at the College of Charleston, and like in years past, there’s plenty of big events around campus ahead of Colonial Athletic Association games for both the men’s and women’s teams this weekend.

This year’s events are anchored by the College’s Spirit Cup Challenge, a friendly contest aimed at finding the residence hall, fraternity, sorority, club or organization with the most pep. And it wouldn’t be a proper homecoming without a king and queen – both of which will be crowned during the men’s game against Elon on Saturday, Feb. 4, at TD Arena.

Here’s a rundown of some of the events:

Monday, Jan. 30: Spirit Cup participants will participate in an air hockey tournament in the Stern Student Center game room at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31: There will be a pep rally and dinner at Liberty Street Fresh Food Company at 5 p.m. The first 100 students without a meal plan will get in free and will be treated to ribs, Buffalo wings, Italian subs, a nacho bar, cotton candy and more game-day favorites. There will also be a DJ, games, prizes and special appearances by Clyde the Cougar and the CofC cheerleaders.

Wednesday, Feb. 1.: The first day of February is all about service. Spirit Cup participants will be trying to collect the most boxes of cereal for a local food bank and filling out cards for the Lowcountry’s senior citizens.

Thursday, Feb. 2: Thursday is chock full of events, including:

Homecoming banner judging. The banners will also be on display throughout the day in the atrium of the Thaddeus Street. Jr. Education Center.

Homecoming queen and king voting. Students can vote for the week’s royals online via OrgSync through noon on Saturday.

Grocery Bingo. Students will get the chance to re-stock their pantry in one night at the Willard A. Silcox Physical Education and Health Center at 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3: The women’s basketball team (6-13) takes on the Drexel Dragons (14-4) at TD Arena at 7 p.m. Homecoming king and queen candidates will also take the court at halftime.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Saturday marks the lion’s share of homecoming events, including:

The yearly Homecoming Tailgate in the Cistern Yard. Spirit Cup participants will have two hours before the tailgate to decorate their tables and will be judged during the event, which is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Expect fun games, food and Cougar spirit.

The men’s basketball team (16-6) returns from a three-game road trip for a 5 p.m. tipoff against the Elon Phoenix (12-9) at TD Arena. The winners of the 2017 Spirit Cup and homecoming king and queen will be named during half-time.

Homecoming festivities close with the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show at 8 p.m. at College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre. The event is ticketed.