MILWAUKEE – Starting this school year, basketball is set to play a significant role in Homecoming at the university, with the annual celebration culminating with a Milwaukee men's game against North Dakota at UWM Panther Arena.
 
The festivities are planned to run from Nov. 5-10, 2018. Events will include the "Panther Bash" fan tailgate prior to the game Nov. 10 as well as the Milwaukee Athletics Bud K. Haidet Hall of Fame induction ceremony scheduled for the evening of Nov. 9.
 
In past years, Homecoming has coincided with Family Weekend, the Panther Prowl 5K Run/Walk and the Alumni Awards Evening in the Fall. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee typically welcomes over 3,500 alumni, friends and families back to campus for a spirit-filled week of activities and events.
 
The move intends to align the traditions of "Homecoming" with Milwaukee Athletics events, as is more customary and traditional at many college campuses across the country.
 
The main objective of the event will not change. However, the initiatives will now be driven by the Milwaukee Athletic Department and centered around the Homecoming Men's Basketball Game against the Fighting Hawks on Saturday of that week.
 
"We look forward to taking an active and larger role in the Homecoming festivities at UWM," Milwaukee Director of Athletics Amanda Braun said. "We look to instill and build school spirit and pride in all members of the Panther Family. Engaging alumni, students, families and faculty around Milwaukee Athletics and a Panther basketball game will help us make great strides in reaching the goals we hope to achieve with our involvement."
 
Many events are also being planned for around campus, including "Pounce Fest".
 
More information will be made available on MKEPanthers.com as the event approaches.