Homecoming, Alumni Events Set For Limestone October 6 & 7

Homecoming just got a whole lot sweeter at Limestone College.

The third annual tailgate party will take place on Saturday, October 7, as the “Big Blue Tailgate” returns with the band Audio Candy performing on stage prior to the Homecoming football game.

This year’s Homecoming will also be bigger as it is being combined with Alumni Weekend activities to offer a jam-packed two days on and around campus.

Hot food, cold drinks, and great music will once again be on tap hours before Limestone kicks off its homecoming football game against Carson-Newman University at 6 p.m. at Gaffney High School’s “Reservation” stadium.

The “Big Blue Tailgate” is scheduled from 2 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. in the tailgate lot behind Sleep-Easy Mattress, located at 437 Hyatt Street in Gaffney, just steps away from the stadium.

“We were just blown away by the support of last year’s Big Blue Tailgate,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kelly Curtis, whose office coordinates the event. “The year before that, heavy rains put somewhat of a damper on our inaugural Big Blue Tailgate, but last fall the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed hosting a large, enthusiastic crowd that had a wonderful time. This is now a signature event for Limestone that our alumni, friends of the College, and local football fans can plan for and enjoy every fall.”

The Sleep-Easy tailgate lot opens for parking at 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per car (cash only) and parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will also be available in surrounding lots.

The Gaffney Elks Lodge will prepare food that will be available for purchase on-site during the event. More information about the food options will be available soon at www.limestone.edu/homecoming.

Outside food and personal coolers are welcome at the “Big Blue Tailgate,” but no glass containers please. Guests are also encouraged to bring a bag chair.

The “Big Blue Tailgate” will again feature a large Mobile Party Bar that includes four large flat screen televisions that will be showing live college football broadcasts from across the country.

Starting at 2:30 p.m., Audio Candy, a well-known party band in the Upstate of South Carolina, will provide the entertainment, playing a variety popular pop, rock, and rhythm & blues. The band’s performance will be presented by radio station WZZQ. Audio Candy features Brian Handschumacher on lead vocals, Jenille Blackburn on vocals/rhythm guitar, Gaffney’s own John Wright on bass guitar, Tim Howe on lead guitar, and Brian Blackburn on drums.

The Saints Tailgate Show on WZZQ will also be on location at the “Big Blue Tailgate.”

There will be corn hole boards and other fun activities for the entire family. While supplies last, there will be a number of giveaway items, compliments of the Limestone College Alumni Office.

The Limestone College cheerleading squad will make an appearance, along with the Saints’ Dance Team. Limestone mascot “Bernie” will also be on hand.

As part of the “Big Blue Tailgate” festivities, Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin, who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2017 fall semester, will be recognized. 

Limestone’s annual Homecoming Cookout on the front campus is scheduled for 12 noon on Friday, October 6. Alumni are also invited to the event, and meal tickets can soon be purchased for $10 each at McMillan Hall or through the Homecoming website.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Outstanding Alumni Awards Banquet will be held at Stephenson Dining Hall, where Limestone will honor its Alumnus of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year, while also presenting awards for Service To Church, Service To College, Service To Community, and Service To Education. After receiving nominations in each category, the Limestone College Alumni Office will select this year’s award winners. The annual awards recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves in their professional fields and are exemplary ambassadors for Limestone. Recipients reflect the high-standing character of their alma mater.  

On October 7 at 10 a.m., the Golden and Golden Plus Reunion Brunch will be held in Stephenson Dining Hall, as the classes of 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967 are honored.

The Limestone Athletics Department is also scheduling various Alumni Games over the weekend.

For the most up-to-date information on the “Big Blue Tailgate” and other Homecoming and Alumni Weekend activities, visit www.limestone.edu/homecoming or call (864) 488-4602.