Winthrop University: Homecoming FAQs
Contact Information
Alumni Association
304 Tillman Hall
Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA
803/323-2145
803/323-1452 (Fax)
800/578-6545 (Toll-Free)
alumni@winthrop.edu

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. Please check back for updates as we approach Homecoming and Reunion, Nov. 11-12, 2022. 


Will there be virtual Homecoming opportunities in 2022?

Yes! The Alumni Association will host virtual events in which alumni may participate during the week of Nov. 7-11. Below are just a few examples.

Visit the Homecoming and Reunion website for a full list of in-person and virtual events.


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

There will be something for everyone with a mixture of virtual events and in-person activities on Winthrop's campus and in the surrounding Rock Hill community for alumni, students, and faculty/staff to enjoy! Please view the schedule of events to see what is happening each day. We will be making updates leading up to this year's Homecoming and Reunion celebration, so check back often. 


Where can I celebrate on Friday night? 

At the Homecoming Happy Hour at Slow Play Brewing! Raise a glass to your Winthrop friends, grab some delicious grub from the Cibi Cibi food truck. Cibi Cibi will be there from 4-9 p.m., and the brewery will be open until 11 p.m. Come early for and exclusive brewery tour at 4:40 and 4:45 p.m. Tours are limited to 10 people per tour. Register by Oct. 28 for a brewery tour.

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.

The Departments of Philosophy and Religious StudiesPolitical Science and Model United NationsSociology, Criminology and Anthropology and World Languages and Cultures will have tables on the patio from 5-7 p.m.  


Is there a community service option this year?

Yes! As part of the Campus Beautification Initiative, there will be a landscaping project on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. at Margaret Nance Hall. With the start of the 2021-22 academic year, REVITALING WINTHROP launched a new website and announced the Winthrop Year of Service to spark community engagement and participation. Register to volunteer!


Will there be a Homecoming basketball game in the Coliseum?

Yes! Winthrop Athletics has announced that the men’s basketball team will host a Homecoming basketball game on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the Winthrop Coliseum. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. against Middle Tennessee State University. Homecoming game tickets go on sale Nov. 1. Visit Winthrop Athletics for updates.


Can alumni tailgate before the basketball game?

Yes! Tailgating will be held at the Winthrop Coliseum from 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. Tailgate spots are available for purchase on Thursday, Sept. 8. Visit the Homecoming Tailgate page for details.


Why did costs for parking and tailgating increase from recent years?

The increase helps 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 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?

You will pay to park if you enter before 3:30 p.m. If you are just attending the men’s basketball game and not tailgating, you will not pay to park as long as you enter the parking area after 3:30 p.m.


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!


Will there be any food trucks on site for tailgating/game day?

Yes! Food trucks are being confirmed, stay tuned for more details!


Are there any kid's activities planned?

Yes! Come by the Alumni Association tent, located near the family friendly area, for corn hole, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, coloring books and a bounce house!

 

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.

 

Last Updated: 1/31/23