UT Arlington Homecoming returns to fall this year and features a parade and party on Pecan Street on Friday, Nov. 16, men's basketball vs. OU, reunions and a Maverick Speakers Series lecture by Saturday Night Live favorite Seth Meyers.

Festivities include The Party on Pecan at 4:30 p.m. Friday with the Homecoming 2012 Parade and Pep Rally beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tipoff for the men's basketball game against the University of Oklahoma is at 7 p.m. at College Park Center.

Reunions are planned Saturday for alumni of Arlington State College, a UT Arlington predecessor, and for alumni of Greek organizations.

Visit www.uta.edu/homecoming for a full listing of Homecoming 2012 events and links to registration and ticketing sites. Many events are open to the public.

"We've got more than 100,000 alumni living in North Texas, and we want them all back for reunions, our street festival and our volleyball and basketball games,' said Jim Baker, UT Arlington director of intercollegiate athletics. "We have a lot to celebrate this year in the College Park District, and we want to make a strong showing of support for our teams at College Park Center.'

The UT Arlington women's volleyball team plays Louisiana Tech at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 at College Park Center. The women's basketball team takes on Oral Roberts University at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.

Tickets are available online at www.utatickets.com or through the College Park Center box office at 817-272-9595. Group seating may be arranged by calling Brian Lukas at 817-272-6319 or email [email protected].

Student groups are expected to be out in force for Homecoming 2012, said Frank Lamas, vice president for student affairs. The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime during the men's game Friday.

"We plan to set attendance records for our 2012 Homecoming games and events, and we are calling on all of our students to show everyone what Maverick pride is all about,' Lamas said.

After Friday's game, the party continues on Pecan Street with a fireworks show, live music and food from the College Part District's eclectic mix of new restaurants.

The 20-acre, residential and retail district includes Vandergriff Hall, The Lofts at College Park apartments and restaurants including Pie Five Pizza Co. and Coolberry Frozen Yogurt.

Other Homecoming events open to the public are:

• A 5K Run and Walk at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Maverick Activities Center. Register online at www.uta.edu/campusrec/homecoming5k/.
• The annual Step Show featuring fraternity and sorority members from UT Arlington and area organizations beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Texas Hall.
• The 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 Maverick Speakers Series lecture by SNL's Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers at College Park Center. Tickets are free beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at www.utatickets.com. Preferred seating with reserved parking is available for $25 per person.

The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of more than 33,200 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more.