Homecoming Goes Virtual: All The Events You Can’t Miss

Staff Writer / Sophia Medina

COVID-19 won’t be stopping the party this fall season. Homecoming is just around the corner and FIU is ready to get the Panther family pumped for the fun-packed week. 

This year, Homecoming will be bigger and safer than ever as the annual pride-filled week will be taking place for the majority online. The new virtual experience will take place from Oct. 4 through Oct.10 with a series of fun activities anyone can enjoy. 

Everyone can dress-up and flaunt their Panther Pride to the themes of the day, while strutting on campus or spending some quality-time at home.

The FIU community is encouraged to take a photo of their outfits and submit it to share their school spirit. 

Here is the list of some of the notable activities taking place for this year’s new online experience: 

Panthermonium Concert

Kickoff the exciting week with the first-ever online Panthermonium concert. Panthers will be able to experience an epic performance by popular dance music artist Steve Aoki. The event will take place on Oct. 4 and will begin at 7:15 p.m. 

Best of all, the event will be completely free for students, alumni, faculty, and staff. This means anyone can join in on all the fun.

To take part in the concert live stream, viewers must first download the Looped app or create an account using their FIU email address at LoopedLive.com. Afterward, they will be able to claim their free ticket to attend the virtual event. 

Painting with the Panthers

Participants will have the chance to design their very own flags, representing their school spirit. The Homecoming council will be providing flags for participants; students will need to pick them up on campus. Distribution will begin at 10 am on Oct. 5, between the Blue and Gold Parking Garage. 

Taste at the Bay

Taste at the Bay made its initial debut last year, allowing students to choose from a variety of foods showcased by a multitude of vendors.

This year, instead of gathering on campus, students will be able to visit food vendors at their own kitchens at whatever time is best for them.

These restaurants include King Jerk, KC Healthy Cooking, Sweet Delight Cheesecakes, and The Squeeze Juice Bar. Free samples and great discounts will be available all day, so make sure to represent FIU with your gear, masks, and your Panther ID. 

Panthers Got Talent

FIU’s annual talent show will be making its official return this year. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff will be able to showcase their talents; However, attendees can choose to watch the performances in person or to stream them online. 

The event will be structured like a drive-in theater, meaning the FIU community will be watching the performers in the safety of their own car. Those without vehicles will be able sit in assigned sections or can bring lawn chairs or blankets. Guests will be spaced out to maintain their health and safety. 

Panther’s Got Talent will take place on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Gravel Lot next to PG5. 

Roary’s Amazing Race

Roary’s Amazing Race is here to take students on an epic scavenger hunt that will consist of puzzles, such as word search and connect the dots, that will lead you to hidden locations. 

Not taking classes on campus? You can still join in on all the fun. There will be a virtual scavenger hunt for participants who are currently staying home. Hunters will still need to solve puzzles in order to access other locations and access fun activities. 

Those interested in taking part in the in-person or virtual scavenger hunt must register for the event. Students can register here.

The Roar Report

The Roar Report is a talk show event taking place this Homecoming to bring unity among the FIU community, especially during an isolating time like COVID-19. 

There will be live and pre-recorded performances with a series of segments, such as adaptations of popular university traditions, like the Trail of the Torch, DIYs, cooking, and exclusive interviews with remarkable alumni. 

The annual firework show will also take place during this event. 

To watch the Roar Report, make sure to stream it at hc.fiu.edu on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Homecoming Caravan
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff can showcase their student pride by revamping their cars with FIU gear, colors, and decorations for the Homecoming Caravan.

Taking place at the annual Homecoming parade, participants will be able to drive around campus with their decked out cars and celebrate all things FIU. Participants showing off the most school spirit with their vehicles will be entered in a social media competition. The winner will be announced on the official FIU Instagram.

Panthers who would like to participate must register for the Homecoming Caravan event by Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

Homecoming Game
Ending off the incredible week is the annual Homecoming game. This will be the university’s first home-game of the football season. The FIU Panthers will challenge the MIddle Tennessee Blue Raiders on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 pm. Football fans will be able to stream the game on ESPN 3 or ESPN+.

You can check out the full list of activities at the FIU Student Affairs Website.