FMU’s Homecoming 2016 events started Feb. 2 and will continue until Feb. 7.

Two of the events that take place earlier in the week are the School of Education Alumni Awards Ceremony on Feb. 2 and the FMU versus Lander University basketball game on Feb. 3.

The Student Government Association and University Programming Board’s social dance will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Smith University Center (UC).

On Friday, Feb. 5, some of the featured events include the School of Business Breakfast, the baseball game against King College where the homecoming court, basketball teams and coaches will be introduced, as well as the pep rally that evening. The time of the pep rally has not been announced, although students can check out FMU’s Facebook page for more up-to-date details.

Saturday, Feb. 6 is the most eventful day out of the homecoming celebrations.

Before noon, the men’s and women’s basketball alumni games will be played in the UC.

New to the homecoming festivities this year and also beginning in the morning is tailgating for the homecoming basketball games. Tailgaters will be behind the UC, and groups must register for a spot since space is limited. Each spot costs $20, and the spot will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. To reserve a space, tailgaters can go to www. fmarion.edu/homecoming.

Non-sporting events begin at 11:45 a.m. with the annual FMU golf-cart parade, where campus organizations decorate a golf cart and are judged on who has the most school spirit.

Beginning shortly after the homecoming parade at 12:15 p.m. is Patriot Fest in front of the UC. This year, Patriot Fest will feature live music and entertainment as well as group tents and special activities.

The 18th annual Swamp Fox Club Benefit Silent Auction in the UC begins at 1 p.m., and all of the proceeds made from the auction will support Patriot athletics. Sports merchandise and FMU memorabilia will be available to bid on.

At 3 p.m. between basketball games are the Hall of Fame inductions. This year, former cross country and track and field runner Michael Colaiacovo (’92) and volleyball and basketball player Mary Jackson (’92) will be inducted and memorialized on the Wall of Fame in the UC.

At 8 p.m. is the Step Up Step Out Step Fest sponsored by FMU’s National Pan- Hellenic Council. It will take place in the Performing Arts Center (PAC), and the doors will open at 7 p.m. Student tickets are $10 with an ID, and general admission is $15. Tickets can be ordered by calling the PAC Box Office at 843-661-4444.

Athletic games on Feb. 6 will include the tennis game versus Queens University at 1 p.m., women’s basketball versus Flagler College at 1:30 p.m., softball versus Southern Wesleyan University at 2 p.m., baseball versus Claflin University at 3 p.m. and men’s basketball versus Flagler College at 3:30 p.m.

The FMU homecoming king and queen will be announced after the men’s basketball game.

Updates to the schedule and event details can be found on FMU’s Facebook page and website.