Oakland University will play host to organizations from the campus community as the university celebrates Homecoming Weekend 2011.

From January 28-30, representatives from various university groups will be on site to provide opportunities for students to get involved in the weekend’s festivities.

Friday

Entertainer Derek Hughes will perform Friday night in the cafeteria in Vandenberg Hall.  Hughes is known for his comedy and magic acts, as well as one-man plays.

The traditional OU Snow Bowl will kick off Friday night, as students participate in an intramural flag football game outside of the Recreation and Athletics Center on Pioneer Drive.

Another OU tradition, Guard the Grizz, will be held at the Grizz statue in front of the RAC, to ascertain that the university mascot remains untouched prior to the homecoming games.

Prior to Saturday games against the Centenary College Cyclones, Coaches Pep Talk on Friday will feature men’s and women’s basketball coaches Greg Kampe and Beckie Francis.

The RAC will also offer a Basketball Pinata Toss and Sparklers Extravaganza to round out the initial day of homecoming activities.

Saturday

To help incorporate the extended OU family, the OU Alumni Association Family Festival will provide activites and food in the lower level of the RAC from 1-3 p.m.  Arts and crafts will be on display for festival-goers to take part in.

A handful of schools and colleges within the university will treat students, alumni and guests to an open house style welcome to the different university departments.  Activities and refreshments will be provided at each as OU further extends the invite to explore campus.

The busiest day of weekend extravaganza is headlined by the homecoming basketball games, beginning Saturday afternoon.  The women’s game begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 6 p.m.  The first 100 fans will receive free admission to both games, and the first 1,000 will be recipients of free giveaways from OU.

OU will hold its first ever tailgate at the OU Student Body Tailgate Party, prior to the evening matches.  To enhance the feel of a true college homecoming, OU encourages students to come and support the teams while indulging in some on-campus fun before the opening tip.

Casino Night in the OC will serve as a finale to Saturday’s schedule.  The night will feature an array of casino-style games along with a prize raffle.  From 8 p.m. through midnight, Casino Night aims to capture the excitement of the homecoming spirit.  Food will be served buffet-style and music acts will perform throughout the night.

Sunday

The Grizzlies Homecoming 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the RAC.  Participants will be divided into age groups in 10-year increments. Ending right where it began, the finish line will be situated near in front of the RAC.Shortly after completion of the race, an awards ceremony will be held in the O’rena.

More information on OU Homecoming 2011 activities can be found at www.oakland.edu/comehome