As time has gone by, Cougar Days has become the overarching title for many activities and celebrations taking place around USF Homecoming. Make plans to come home again and celebrate Cougar Days with friends, family and fellow classmates! It will be a full weekend of events that you will not want to miss!

Oct. 17-20 | Cougar Days 2024 will include:

  • Milestone Class Reunion Events for classes ending in four
  • Family Weekend
  • Alumni Achievement Awards Celebration
  • Hall of Fame Banquet
  • Homecoming Game and Festivities
  • Athletic and Fine Arts Events

Below is the 2024 schedule of events.

Find an Event for you!

Alumni

Thursday, October 17

10 a.m. | Homecoming Chapel | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Join us for Homecoming Chapel with a guest speaker and worship led by the USF Wind Ensemble and Concert Chorale.

6 p.m. | USF Volleyball vs. Minnesota State | Stewart Center
Dig into homecoming excitement with the Cougars as they serve up a great match against the Mavericks!

6 p.m. | Alumni Achievement Awards Dinner & Celebration | Country Club of Sioux Falls
Celebrate all things USF at this high-spirited dinner and program as we honor the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award and Perisho Award recipients. The celebration will begin with a social at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar available. Semi-formal dress recommended.

Friday, October 18

12 - 1 p.m. | Class Reunion Lunch | McDonald Center Conference Room
Take a walk down memory lane with old friends. Enjoy lunch with classmates from all the milestone reunion classes ending in '4' and reminisce and share some laughs over wonderful memories made at "the COO". 

1 - 2 p.m. | Back to Class | Various Classrooms
Reconnect with the reason you first came to USF — learning! Choose from a variety of classes.

2 p.m. | Succulent Planting | Salsbury Student Union, Cooper's Cafe
Cacti and succulents – dig into the latest craze captivating the world of plants! Learn basic growing and care techniques of these long-lasting green plants and make your very own succulent planter. Materials will be provided. No green thumb required! All skill levels welcome.

3 p.m. | Historical Campus Tours | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby 
Join USF alumni and special guests for a historical walking tour of campus. Learn about the unsung heroes of the University's history, pranks and traditions and the many pervasive urban legends of campus.  

4 - 6 p.m. | Faculty & Alumni Art Reception | Jeschke Fine Arts Center Gallery & Mears Library Gallery
Join the Art Department for two exhibitions celebrating the artwork of our faculty and alumni! Be sure to stop by both galleries and enjoy some incredible artwork and tasty refreshments.

4:30 p.m. | Succulent Planting | Salsbury Student Union, Cooper's Cafe
Cacti and succulents – dig into the latest craze captivating the world of plants! Learn basic growing and care techniques of these long-lasting green plants and make your very own succulent planter. Materials will be provided. No green thumb required! All skill levels welcome.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Hall of Fame Banquet | Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown
Celebrate the newest inductees of the University of Sioux Falls Athletics Hall of Fame. Join us as we honor those who left indelible marks at USF. Cash bar available. Semi-formal dress recommended. Social and Dinner 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Program 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

7 p.m. | USF Women's Soccer vs Minnesota State | USF Sports Complex
Join the Cougars as they kick off homecoming with a women's soccer game against the Mavericks!

7:30 p.m. | USF's Got Talent | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Talented USF students will share a variety of acts ranging from singing, dancing, comedy, magic, stunts and more to compete to be named the next USF's Got Talent winner!

Saturday, October 19

10 - 10:30 a.m. | Campus Visit | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Future Cougars are invited to hear more about becoming a student at the University of Sioux Falls! Start off with a presentation from an admissions counselor and learn more about all USF has to offer.

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Campus Tours | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
If you haven’t been on a tour of campus in a while (or ever!), here’s your chance!

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Tailgate and Family Carnival | USF Sports Complex
Outdoor fun for all ages – enjoy a casual environment with food trucks, inflatables, lawn games and more! Food and beverage available for purchase.

1:00 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | USF Sports Complex
Come cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized and Homecoming Coronation will take place at halftime. Tickets can be purchased at www.usfcougars.com/tickets after August 1.

5 p.m. | USF Volleyball vs Augie | Augustana Elmen Center
Cheer on the Cougars as they serve up a great match against the Augustana Vikings at this "away" matchup just across the street!

7 p.m. | Instrumental Concert | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Join the USF Music Department for an instrumental music concert featuring the band and string ensembles.

Sunday, October 20

9:00 & 10:30 a.m. | USF Sunday | First Baptist Church
The USF Concert Chorale will contribute to worship at First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls at both services. Traditional service held at 9:00 a.m. Contemporary service held at 10:30 a.m.

1 p.m. | USF Women's Soccer vs Augie | USF Sports Complex
Score the perfect ending to homecoming with the Cougars women's soccer game agains the Augustana Vikings!
 

Family Weekend

Thursday, October 17

10 a.m. | Homecoming Chapel | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Join us for Homecoming Chapel with a guest speaker and worship led by the USF Wind Ensemble and Concert Chorale.

6 p.m. | USF Volleyball vs. Minnesota State | Stewart Center
Dig into homecoming excitement with the Cougars as they serve up a great game against the Mavericks!

Friday, October 18

11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch in the Salsbury Dining Hall.

1 - 2 p.m. | Back to Class | Various Classrooms
Put yourself in your student's shoes and experience a college course! Choose from a variety of classes. 

2 p.m. | Succulent Planting | Salsbury Student Union, Cooper's Cafe
Cacti and succulents -- dig into the latest craze captivating the world of plants! Learn basic growing and care techniques of these long-lasting green plants and make your very own succulent planter. Materials will be provided. No green thumb required! All skill levels welcome.

3 p.m. | Historical Campus Tours | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Join USF alumni and special guests for a historical walking tour of campus. Learn about the unsung heroes of the University's history, pranks and traditions and the many pervasive urban legends of campus. 

4 - 6 p.m. | Faculty & Alumni Art Reception | Jeschke Fine Arts Center Gallery and Mears Library Gallery
Join the Art Department for two exhibitions celebrating the artwork of our faculty and alumni! Be sure to stop by both galleries and enjoy some incredible artwork and tasty refreshments.

4:30 p.m. | Succulent Planting | Salsbury Student Union, Cooper's Cafe
Cacti and succulents – dig into the latest craze captivating the world of plants! Learn basic growing and care techniques of these long-lasting green plants and make your very own succulent planter. Materials will be provided. No green thumb required! All skill levels welcome.

5 - 6:30 p.m. | Dinner at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner in the Salsbury Dining Hall.

7 p.m. | USF Women's Soccer vs Minnesota State | USF Sports Complex
Join the Cougars as they kick off homecoming with a women's soccer matchup against the Mavericks!

7:30 p.m. | USF's Got Talent | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Talented USF students will share a variety of acts ranging from singing, dancing, comedy, magic, stunts and more to compete to be named the next USF's Got Talent winner!

Saturday, October 19

10 - 10:30 a.m. | Campus Visit | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Future Cougars are invited to hear more about becoming a student at the University of Sioux Falls! Start off with a presentation from an admission counselor and learn more about all USF has to offer.
 
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Campus Tours | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
If you haven’t been on a tour of campus in a while (or ever!), here’s your chance!

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Tailgate and Family Carnival | USF Sports Complex
Outdoor fun for all ages – enjoy a casual environment with food trucks, inflatables, lawn games and more! Food and beverage available for purchase.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Brunch at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy brunch in the Salsbury Dining Hall.

1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | USF Sports Complex
Come cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized and Homecoming Coronation will take place at half-time. Tickets can be purchased at www.usfcougars.com/tickets after August 1.

5 p.m. | USF Volleyball vs Augie | Augustana Elmen Center
Go cheer on the Cougars as they serve up a great match against the Augustana Vikings in this "away" matchup just across the street!

7 p.m. | Instrumental Concert | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Join the USF Music Department for an instrumental music concert featuring the band and string ensembles.

8 p.m. | Bowling | Eastway bowl
Students and families are invited to enjoy casual and competitive bowling!

Sunday, October 20

9 & 10:30 a.m. | USF Sunday | First Baptist Church
The USF Concert Chorale will contribute to worship at First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls at both services. Traditional service held at 9:00 a.m. Contemporary service held at 10:30 a.m.

1 p.m. | USF Women's Soccer vs Augie | USF Sports Complex
Score the perfect ending to homecoming with the Cougars women's soccer match against the Augustana Vikings!

General

Thursday, October 17

10 a.m. | Homecoming Chapel | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Join us for Homecoming Chapel with a guest speaker and worship led by the USF Wind Ensemble and Concert Chorale.

6 p.m. | USF Volleyball vs. Minnesota State | Stewart Center
Dig into homecoming excitement with the Cougars as they serve up a great match against the Mavericks!

6 p.m. | Alumni Achievement Awards Dinner & Celebration | Country Club of Sioux Falls
Celebrate all things USF at this high-spirited dinner and program as we honor the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award and Perisho Award recipients. The celebration will begin with a social at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar available. Semi-formal dress recommended.

Friday, October 18

4 - 6 p.m. | Faculty & Alumni Art Reception | Jeschke Fine Arts Center Gallery and Mears Library Gallery
Join the Art Department for two exhibitions celebrating the artwork of our faculty and alumni! Be sure to stop by both galleries and enjoy some incredible artwork and tasty refreshments.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Hall of Fame Banquet | Holiday Inn - City Centre
Theater Celebrate the newest inductees of the University of Sioux Falls Athletics Hall of Fame. Join us as we honor those who left indelible marks at USF. Cash bar available. Semi-formal dress recommended. Social and dinner 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Program 7:30-8:30 p.m. 

7 p.m. | USF Women's Soccer vs Minnesota State | USF Sports Complex
Join the Cougars as they kick off homecoming with a women's soccer matchup against the Mavericks!

7:30 p.m. | USF's Got Talent | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Talented USF students will share a variety of acts ranging from singing, dancing, comedy, magic, stunts and more to compete to be named the next USF's Got Talent winner!

Saturday, October 19

10 - 10:30 a.m. | Campus Visit | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Future Cougars are invited to hear more about becoming a student at the University of Sioux Falls! Start off with a presentation from an admission counselor and learn more about all USF has to offer.
 
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Campus Tours | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
If you haven’t been on a tour of campus in a while (or ever!), here’s your chance!

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Tailgate and Family Carnival | USF Sports Complex
Outdoor fun for all ages – enjoy a casual environment with food trucks, inflatables, lawn games and more! Food and beverage available for purchase.

1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | USF Sports Complex
Come cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized and Homecoming Coronation will take place at half-time. Tickets can be purchased at www.usfcougars.com/tickets after August 1.

5 p.m. | USF Volleyball vs Augie | Augustana Elmen Center
Go cheer on the Cougars as they serve up a great match against the Augustana Vikings in this "away" matchup just across the street!

7 p.m. | Instrumental Concert | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
Join the USF Music Department for an instrumental music concert featuring the band and string ensembles.

Sunday, October 20

9 & 10:30 a.m. | USF Sunday | First Baptist Church
The USF Concert Chorale will contribute to worship at First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls at both services. Traditional service held at 9:00 a.m. Contemporary service held at 10:30 a.m.

1 p.m. | USF Women's Soccer vs Augie | USF Sports Complex
Score the perfect ending to homecoming with the Cougars women's soccer matchup against the Augustana Vikings!

Students

Check your campus email for the line-up of homecoming events and registration info. We hope your family will join us during Cougar Days - click the dropdown above to see the list of Family Weekend events.

Virtual Offerings

Anytime

Virtual Campus Tour | If you haven't been on a tour of the campus in a while (or ever!), here's your chance to learn more about campus life.

Saturday
1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game | Cheer on your Cougars! Stream here!

Sunday
9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. | USF Sunday | The USF Concert Chorale will contribute to worship at First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls at both services. Traditional service held at 9 a.m. Contemporary service is held at 10:30 a.m. Stream here!

USF Athletic Events

Cheer on the USF Cougars!

Thursday | 6 p.m. | Volleyball vs Minnesota State
Friday | 7 p.m. | Women's Soccer vs. Minnesota State Moorhead
Saturday | 1 p.m. | Football vs. Minnesota Duluth
Sunday | 1 p.m. | Women's Soccer vs. Augustana

Get Tickets

Cougar Central

The official bookstore of USF.
Save 20% on the latest USF Cougars t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, blankets and more.

Cougar Central Hours
Friday | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday | 9-11 a.m. & at the football game

Shop online

Cooper's Cafe

Starbucks Coffee Shop in the Student Union
Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday | 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Lodging

USF has many hotel partners with discounted rates

Hotel Recommendations

Parking

Cougar Days guests are able to park in any main campus parking lot throughout the weekend for free. Parking at the USF Sports Complex for the Homecoming Football Game is $5 (cash only).