The sun rises over Tent City at WVU, a student-organized Homecoming Week activity.
The fourth annual Tent City is making a comeback this week in celebration of West Virginia University Homecoming and the Mountaineer’s first 2017 Big 12 Conference football season home game. WVU students will begin erecting tents Tuesday (Oct. 10) at 8 a.m. on the Mountainlair Plaza and will camp until noon on Friday (Oct. 13) in anticipation of the 2017 Homecoming football weekend.
The Mountaineers will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium with official kickoff time at noon.
“We are excited to bring back one of WVU’s most exciting homecoming events,” Chris Skinner said. “I believe Tent City has become an integral part of building spirit for the Homecoming football game.”
Skinner, a sophomore marketing major from West Grove, Pennsylvania, is the lead organizer of this year’s Tent City. Jake Ilgenfritz, a sophomore environment and energy resources management major also from West Grove, is assisting Skinner with event preparations.
“I helped my brother, Tommy, plan a very successful 2016 Tent City and I am looking forward to providing another fun and exciting experience for my fellow students,” Skinner said. “Jake and I are also encouraging participants to donate to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief.”
“Tent City will be a fun way to support our Mountaineer football team while helping people in hurricane-affected areas recover and get back on their feet in the challenging months ahead,” Skinner added.
In past years, Tent City raised more than $2,000 for Empty Bowls Monongalia, a local charity that raises money and public awareness of those who suffer from food insecurity in the county.
“Tent City, an alcohol-free environment, has become a Homecoming tradition that I hope continues at WVU,” said Thanh Le, executive director for Student Engagement and Leadership. “The event gives our students an opportunity to show their school spirit in a fun and safe environment in the week leading up to Homecoming weekend, while raising money for others in need."
Music will be provided by WWVU-FM.
The annual Homecoming Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on High Street Friday (Oct. 13).
For information, contact Skinner at ncs001@mix.wvu.edu, or follow @WVUTentCity on Twitter.
-WVU-
ta/10/6/17
CONTACT: Thanh
Le, Student Engagement and Leadership
thanh.le@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.4397