UTA Homecoming 2025
“There’s No Place Like Homecoming”
Parade Registration Rules and Regulations
General Information
The University of Texas at Arlington invites you to join in the celebration of Homecoming by participating in the annual Homecoming Parade!
The 2025 Parade will take place on Saturday, November 15th, at 11:00 AM. The theme for this year’s UTA Homecoming Parade is “The World of The Wizard of Oz,” and our tagline is “There’s No Place Like Homecoming.”
All parade entries must be pre-approved by the Parade Review Committee. It is important that all entries pay close attention to the theme criteria. All participants must decorate their floats in accordance with the parade theme: “There’s No Place Like Homecoming.” Whether you are dressing in The Wizard of Oz style or celebrating your own home and culture, your design should reflect the theme.
Participants must complete the registration form and follow the rules and regulations of the Homecoming Parade set by the Homecoming Committee. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are welcome to enter the parade in one of several categories, including Float, Golf Cart, Walking Entry, or Marching Band/Dignitary.
Awards
Awards will be given to first, second, and third-place winners in two categories: Department/Departmental Organization and Registered Student Organization.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on the design of the float, incorporation of the theme, demonstration of Maverick pride, and enthusiasm shown by members on the float. Participants must provide all decoration materials. Groups are encouraged to play music, hand out prizes, wear costumes related to the parade theme, and display school spirit—they may be judged accordingly.
Only UTA registered student organizations and UTA departments/departmental organizations are eligible to compete.
Entry Fees
An entry fee of $10 is required for all student organizations, departments, or university-related entries that will be walking or providing their own vehicle.
Entries needing to rent a golf cart from the Homecoming Committee will be charged a $15 rental fee in addition to the $10 entry fee.
The entry fee for commercial entries not affiliated with UT Arlington is $10.
Failure to pay the entry fee at the time of registration will result in the cancellation of the registration.
The registration and payment deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, October 31st.
Parade Timeline
Golf carts will be available for decorating in College Park – Park North (First Floor) beginning Thursday, November 13th, at 2:00 PM. All decorations must be in place and in working order by 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 15th.
On Saturday, November 15th, all entries must provide a representative at 11:00 AM to check in and move their entry to the parade line-up area. At this time, the Homecoming Committee and judges will preview the entries for safety and security.
The parade will begin at 11:00 AM and will follow the designated parade route. The parade should finish at approximately 12:15 PM. Golf carts, floats, and all entries must then be thoroughly cleaned and returned to the designated area before 8:00 PM.
General Rules and Regulations
Each entry must be a celebration of UT Arlington spirit. The theme of the parade is “The World of The Wizard of Oz.”You are allowed to interpret this theme, Maverick pride, and UTA in your design, but all interpretations are subject to the approval of the Parade Review Committee.
Groups must clearly display their entry number on the front of the entry, along with a sign containing the organization’s name.
All decorations and materials must be in place and in working order by 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 15th in order to participate in the parade and be considered for judging. Judges will preview the entries at this time.
Decorations must not damage or deface golf carts rented from UT Arlington and the Homecoming Committee. Decorations must be temporary and removable. Items including, but not limited to, paint, glue, screws, nails, or wood may not be used to attach items to golf carts. If such practices occur, your organization will be disqualified and charged for the full cost of repairs or replacement.
Decorations must not interfere with the proper mechanical functioning of the entry vehicle. For example, decorations that excessively weigh down a golf cart or impair tire or steering wheel movement are prohibited.
No more than four (4) people are allowed to ride in each golf cart at any time.
All entries must stay on the parade route and in the assigned order at all times.
No throwing items at parade watchers. Candy or brochures may be handed out to parade attendees on a one-to-one basis.
No standing or walking between entries while they are in motion. No passing other entries at any time. No hitting, bumping, reckless driving, or ramming other entries.
Any harm done to UTA property or any individual will result in disqualification, and the responsible party may be subject to University sanctions.
No stopping or delaying the progression of the parade. Do not stop your golf cart for routines or presentations unless designated by a parade official.
Participants are expected to behave courteously and appropriately at all times.
Any entries or groups with questionable or distasteful costumes, music, or decorations will be asked to remove the item(s) or will not be allowed to participate in the parade.
Commercial entries are subject to the approval of UT Arlington, must not conflict with existing University contracts or agreements, and will be required to comply with UT Arlington policies and procedures.
No abandoning entries or floats along the route. Walk your entry off the parade route if assistance is needed.
Golf carts must be cleaned by 8:00 PM and returned to the designated location on Saturday, November 15th, 2025.
Organizations that do not completely clean their golf carts and properly dispose of all decorations and materials will be charged for cleaning and repair costs.
Float Specifications
● Maximum allowed length of total entry: 30 feet (including tow vehicle)
● Maximum allowed width of total entry: 10 feet
● Maximum allowed height of total entry: 13 feet (from street to top of entry)
All parade vehicles must be street-licensed and able to provide proof of insurance and registration.
All motorized vehicles must have an approved fire extinguisher with a current inspection tag or sticker.
Public space agreement:
Show of your Business at this year's Homecoming Tailgate and Street festival!
Homecoming Tailgate is November 15th From 1-4 pm with set up starting at 8 am.
Homecoming street festival is from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Spaniolo drive November 15th.