EVENT: The UCI Alumni Association is hosting UCI’s 50th anniversary homecoming celebration, which will feature university exploration programs, an Anteater Reunion Corner and a park festival – culminating with a men’s basketball game.

WHEN/WHERE:  Saturday, Jan. 31, in Aldrich Park (grid F8 on campus map), UCI’s Student Center (grid E8, bldg. 113) and the Bren Events Center (grid D6, bldg. 901)

INFORMATION:  Media planning to attend should contact Elizabeth Beach at 949-824-9431 or ebeach@uci.edu. Attendance and parking are complimentary for media who RSVP in advance. Anyone may attend the free homecoming activities, but preregistration is required at www.alumni.uci.edu/homecoming, which also provides a detailed schedule.

HIGHLIGHTS:     

Noon-5 p.m., Exploration programs: Experience exciting innovations and activities as UCI’s schools and departments showcase top programs and host lectures and receptions. Take a tour of the new Paul Merage School of Business building, learn about advances in medical research, rediscover the arts, and much more. Locales include UCI’s Student Center and school departments.

2-6 p.m., Homecoming festival: Enjoy live music and performances, the Hotel Irvine Beer Garden (offering a specially brewed Anteater Ale on tap), popular food trucks, a Disneyland Resort Family Fun Zone and guest appearances by Peter the Anteater, the 2015 homecoming court and more. The festival takes place in Aldrich Park.

2-6 p.m., Anteater Reunion Corner: Alumni are invited to reconnect with friends and classmates from years past in an alumni-only VIP lounge in Aldrich Hall with complimentary specialty refreshments.

7 p.m., Homecoming men’s basketball game: A sold-out crowd of Anteaters will assemble at the Bren Events Center to cheer on the men’s basketball team as UCI hosts UC Santa Barbara in Big West Conference play. The Newkirk Alumni Center will live-stream the game for alumni without tickets.

BACKGROUND:  Being held for the first time in Aldrich Park, UCI’s homecoming 2015 is a 50th anniversary celebration event. More than 4,000 Anteaters near and far return to campus every year to be a part of this tradition.

The UCI men’s basketball team entered the 2014-15 season as the 2014 regular-season Big West champions. The Anteaters were picked as the preseason favorite to win the conference again in 2015. The squad this year boasts two 7-foot-plus players and five others standing at least 6-foot-8. With the team’s elevated status, the homecoming game against UC Santa Barbara is expected to draw a full house.