Somewhere between drinking with the old buddies and reminiscing about the good ole' days when you were too young to drink legally with the old buddies, come check out these 2001 Homecoming events.

Today

Graduated from the Universty of Arizona 50 years ago? Come to the Emeritus Luncheon at the Marriott University Park. Members from the class of 1951 and earlier, as well as their family and guests, are invited to the elegant meal from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Stay for the Alumni Awards and Recognition Banquet from 3-5 p.m.

See where stressed-out UA engineering students live with a tour of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering building from 1:30-3 p.m.

Come to the Bear Down Bash at the Bear Down Gym from 5:30p.m.-8 p.m. This is the Homecoming kick-off event honoring reunion classes and several other student groups. There will be a silent and live auction, raffle prizes, entertainment and all you can eat and drink. Come meet old friends and make new ones. Tables can be reserved. The cost is $20 per person, $15 for tables of eight people or more.

Let's face it, there's nothing better than large fires on the UA campus. Come to the Bonfire Pep Rally from 8p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the west side of Old Main. The bonfire is after the Bear Down Bash, cheer the Wildcats on to victory.

Are you a former athlete pretending to be a golfer? Enjoy the Tucson weather at the Ninth Annual "A" Club Homecoming Golf Tournament, open to all returning Arizona Athletic Alumni. This is a popular event so reserve your spot now. For more information, call 621-9272 or e-mail frankie@u.arizona.edu.

Gained some weight with that degree? Come to the Campus Recreation Center. The cost is $1 to $3 for an all-day pass.

Check out the university library's Special Collections tour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The tour begins between the Integrated Learning Center and the Main Library.

Come celebrate 50 years of the journalism department at the UA with other journalism alumni at the Doubletree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way. The Arizona Daily Wildcat will also be inducting 13 former staff members into its Hall of Fame. The reception and dinner starts at 6 p.m., or visit the department in the Franklin building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on campus. Tickets are $35 each.

Tomorrow

No longer a member of the "Pride of Arizona"? Still play the old tuba? Come to the Alumni Band breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the "Swede" Johnson building. There will be a continental breakfast hosted by the Alumni Band. Join in the parade, and rehearse and perform with the current "Pride of Arizona" marching band at the football game.

Come to the NCAA Western Regional Cross Country Championships at Randolph North Golf Course. The men's 10,000-meter race starts at 9:30 a.m., and the women's 6,000-meter race starts at 10:30 a.m.

See what Homecoming is all about on the UA Mall beginning at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy food and drinks while visiting hundreds of tents representing colleges, fraternities, sororities, clubs and alumni as part of the pre-game celebration.

Love to spend money? Come to the UofA Bookstore's tent on the Mall. There will be discounts on Wildcat clothing, souvenirs and gifts, and face painting and balloons for the kids.

Those health care professionals sure know how to party. Come to the tailgate party at the tent on the Mall hosted by the Arizona Health Sciences Center, featuring alumni from the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health from 1 p.m. to game time.

Dance the salsa, eat some salsa. Check out the UA Hispanic Alumni tent on the Mall featuring a traditional Mexican plate, live music and dancing. Everyone's invited to this annual "Pachanga." The cost is $7 per plate and no reservations are needed.

Check out the "A" CLUB Homecoming Tailgate Party on the UA Mall. The party starts at 2:30 p.m. All 2001-2002 "A" CLUB Members receive two free tickets to the ninth annual event. All returning reunion team members are also encouraged to come to this fun event.

Come see the most popular kids in school! Stay on the Mall for the Homecoming Parade beginning at 1:30 p.m. There are more than 100 entries with floats, bands, spirit groups and the Homecoming royalty. Arizona Sen. John McCain will be on hand as the grand marshal. State Attorney General Janet Napolitano and Rep. Jim Kolbe will also attend the event.

Come see our football team battle for a spot in the Silicon Valley Bowl, with a possible Pacific 10 Conference win No. 2. The game starts at 5 p.m. Stay for the halftime show featuring the Alumni Band, and the 2001 Homecoming royalty presentations. Get tickets while they're still available!