Homecoming and Reunion FAQs

Winthrop is excited to welcome alumni home and celebrate with our students with an on-campus Homecoming and Reunion experience. The FAQs below provide details on what to expect for the week and weekend events, Nov. 4-10, 2024.


What events/activities will be available for Winthrop students/alumni/fans?

Please view the schedule of events to see what is happening each day. The schedule of events will be updated leading up to Homecoming and Reunion celebration, so check back often. 


Where can I celebrate on Friday night? 

All alumni are invited to the Homecoming Happy Hour at Slow Play Brewing! Raise a glass to your Winthrop friends, grab some delicious grub from Surefire Neighborhood Market food truck from 4-10 p.m. The brewery will be open until 11 p.m.

Slow Play Brewing is owned by three Winthrop alumni - Ben Lee ’05, Matt Poston ’11 and Ron Fasick ’02. Mention you are an alumnus to get 15% off your bar tab.

If you are an alumnus celebrating a reunion this year, you are invited to the Class Reunion Welcome Reception from 6-9 p.m. at the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center at the Stewart House. The Classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1969, 1964, 1959, 1954 and 1949 are invited to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with fellow alumni celebrating a reunion. 


Will there be Homecoming games in the Coliseum?

Yes! Winthrop Athletics has announced that the volleyball team, women's basketball team and men's basketball team will host Homecoming games Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 10. Tickets will be available for purchase for all games beginning Nov. 1 at winthropeagles.com.

 

Saturday, Nov. 9

Men's Basketball Game vs. University of Arkansas at Little Rock 
Noon | Winthrop Coliseum
Parking will be $20 per car, cash only.

Women’s Volleyball Game vs. UNC Asheville
5 p.m. | Winthrop Coliseum
Parking will be $20 per car, cash only.

 

Sunday, Nov. 10

Women's Basketball Game vs. Paine College

2 p.m. | Winthrop Coliseum


Can alumni tailgate before the Homecoming games?

Yes! Tailgating will be held at the Winthrop Coliseum from 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. Tailgate spots are available for purchase beginning Thursday, Sept. 5. Visit the Homecoming Tailgate page for details.


Why do I have to pay to park and for a tailgate spot?

These fees help the university cover the cost of portable toilets, event staff, emergency medical personnel, etc., in order to provide the best possible Homecoming experience for all participants.


Can I get my tailgating fee back if it rains and I decide not to come?

No. Tailgating is rain or shine. Tailgating spots are prepaid, and refunds will not be issued.


Can I play music at tailgate?

Yes, but music must comply with the Outside Noise Policy. As part of the Rock Hill community, it is important that campus events engage in appropriate steps to ensure minimal disruption to our neighbors and ensure an inclusive environment for all.

All amplified music played in outdoor areas must be appropriate for public broadcasting (radio edits). A radio edit is generally a modified version of a musical track that has been edited to suit the specific requirements and regulations of radio stations. A radio edit typically truncates or censors profanity, vulgarities, or subject matter.

Users whose music is deemed to violate this policy must comply with requests to lower the volume, change the song or turn it off.

For Homecoming 2024, DJ’s are only allowed in the XL tailgating spots.


Can I bring my grill to tailgate?

Grills and other food preparation equipment are not expressly prohibited by the tailgating policy. Any remnants of propellant, such as charcoal, must be extinguished and removed appropriately. Grills must fit into the tailgate spot purchased. Any grills that are towed in cannot remain attached to the vehicle during the event. If tailgating from your vehicle in the South Lot, only carried in or wheeled grilled are allowed and must fit directly behind the vehicle and out of the lanes of traffic.


Can I sell food or beverages at the event?

No, only approved food truck vendors and Sodexo, the university’s food service provider, will be able to sell food and beverages at the event.


Are alcohol and drugs prohibited at tailgating?

Illegal drugs are prohibited anywhere on the Winthrop campus. Winthrop University does not sanction the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by underage persons; nor does it sanction the violation of Federal, State or Local Law. Please review the Alcohol Beverage Policy in the Winthrop University Policy Repository.


I just want to go to the game; do I have to pay to park?

Yes. Parking will be cash only, $20 per vehicle. Parking attendants will collect the parking fee until 4 p.m.

The Winthrop golf van will transport patrons to the Coliseum from main campus for free. The pick-up and drop-off location is at the end of Scholars Walk by Kinard in front of Byrnes Auditorium. Pick-up and drop-off times will be every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the last stop at 7 p.m. A sign will be on site to for pick-up and drop-off. 


I want to pop a tent up in the parking lot by my car for shade; can I do that?

No. Tents are prohibited in the South Lot if you are tailgating by your vehicle.


Can I walk between the different tailgating locations?

Yes! Tailgate hop, visit with friends and have fun!


Are there any kid's activities planned?

Yes! Come by the Alumni Association tent, located at the Alumni/Family Zone for inflatable basketball, inflatable skee ball, Winthrop coloring books, corn hole, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4 and alumni swag.

If you can’t find the answers you need in the FAQs, alumni, please contact the Winthrop University Alumni Association for assistance at alumni@winthrop.edu or 800/578-6545, and students, please contact the DiGiorgio Student Union for assistance at dsu@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2248.