Pacific Roars Back, the reimagined and vastly expanded Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities to celebrate the University of the Pacific community and our return from the pandemic, is now projected to be the largest Pacific Homecoming in 25 years.

A week before the start of the Oct. 8–10 festivities, there already were 2,277 alumni, family, friends and community members registered for Homecoming, more than 500 for the Orange and Black Ball annual fundraiser for Pacific Athletics and nearly 4,000 for a special Commencement ceremony for the classes of 2020 and 2021.

“This will be a weekend like no other,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “We have so much to celebrate on the 170th anniversary of California’s first university.”

Dozens of new events and activities have been added to traditional favorites. Here is a sampling of some of the activities.

The Hidden Treasures of Pacific: Archives Exploration
Want to see what President Callahan found hidden away in the basement of Burns Tower? This special exhibit features items found in a long-forgotten safe and the opportunity to explore the history of California’s first university. Come early to tour the bright and modern spaces of the newly renovated library, including The Cube and Innovation Commons.

When: Friday, Oct. 8, 3:00 p.m. (library tour); 4:00 p.m. (archives exhibit)
Where: William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center
Admission: Free; no registration required.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back 

Tiger Tasting: Craft Beer Fest
Join two of Pacific’s resident craft beer experts, Vice President for Enrollment Strategy Chris Ferguson and McGeorge School of Law Associate Professor Dan Croxall, who have traveled throughout the state to bring you some of the finest craft beer California (and the world) has to offer.
Featured breweries: Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, Humble Sea Brewing Company, Urban Roots Brewing, Moonraker Brewing, Morgan Territory Brewing and El Segundo Brewing Company.

When: Friday, Oct. 8, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Baxter Walkway, near the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House
Admission: Registration and purchase required; limited availability.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

Orange & Black Ball
Hundreds of Pacificans and Tiger Athletics supporters will gather for a gourmet dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. This great night out is the major fundraiser for the Pacific Athletic Foundation, which supports our student-athletes in Pacific’s 17 intercollegiate sports programs.

When: Friday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Janssen-Lagorio Gymnasium
Admission: This event is sold out.
Learn more: Pacific Athletic Foundation

5K Tiger Dash/Cub Run/Pack Walk
This race on the beautiful campus has something for everyone. From the 1/2-mile Cub Run for kids, to the timed and certified 5K Tiger Dash, to the casual 5K Pack Walk for strollers and pets on leashes.

When: Saturday, Oct. 9, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Baxter Walkway, near the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House
Admission: Registration and purchase required.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

Food Truck Frenzy
This Homecoming favorite offers tastes from some of the area’s best food trucks. Mingle with students, alumni and enjoy great food, a Kid’s Cub Zone, student games, giveaways and more.

When: Saturday, Oct. 9, noon–2:30 p.m.
Where: Parking Lot 2, near Chris Kjeldsen Pool and the Pacific Aquatics Center
Admission: Registration and purchase required.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

School/College Open Houses
Find out what is happening at our schools and colleges with interactive events and an opportunity to meet the faculty and deans.

When: Saturday, Oct. 9, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free; no registration required.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

Women’s Volleyball
Come watch and cheer on your Pacific Tigers as the women’s volleyball team takes on visiting Loyola Marymount in the Alex G. Spanos Center.

When: Saturday, Oct. 9, noon
Where: Alex G. Spanos Center
Admission: Free; no registration required.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

Taste of Pacific: Wine Tasting
Celebrate all things orange and black at Pacific’s own block party with tastings from alumni vintners, paired with gourmet food and music. A Homecoming tradition you won’t want to miss.
Featured wineries include: 1851 Tiger Vines, Barsetti Vineyards, Broaken Wines, Canihan Family Cellars, d’Art Wines, Fields Family Wines, Galante Vineyards, GlenLyon Vineyards, Good Mills Winery, John Anthony Wine, Klinker Brick Winery, Lange Twins Family Winery, Loos Family Winery, Markus Wine Co., Reynolds Family Winery, St. Amant Winery and Tierra Luna Cellars.

When: Saturday, Oct. 9, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Baxter Walkway, near the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House
Admission: Registration and purchase required; limited availability.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

Tigers Got Talent
A high-energy experience and time-honored tradition for all Pacific Tigers, featuring a spectacular showcase of lip sync performances and more.

When: Saturday, Oct. 9, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Don and Karen DeRosa University Center Lawn
Admission: Free; no registration required.
Learn more: Pacific Roars Back

Commencement
Celebrate the classes of 2020 and 2021 as we recognize their achievements with family and friends. Students will be in full regalia as we confer their degrees at this special milestone celebration.

When: Sunday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.
Where: Knoles Lawn
Admission: Free; registration required.
Learn more: pacific.edu/commencement 

Visit pacific.edu/pacific-roars-back to learn more about these events and all the other activities taking place during Pacific Roars Back, Oct. 8–10. Planning to attend and want to tell your friends? Spread the word with Pacific Roars Back social media banners and backgrounds. 

Note: Some events will require attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative rapid or PCR test within 72 hours of the event.