Blazer spirit will take center stage Oct. 12-18 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for Homecoming Week 2025. 

This year’s theme is “Blazers in the Spotlight,” and the week’s star attractions will include UAB’s legendary Gurney Derby, the UAB Homecoming Parade, the Battle for the Bones BBQ Competition and UAB Football vs. Memphis.

Homecoming activities are hosted by the Blazer Spirit Council, UAB National Alumni Society, UAB Athletics, Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, and others. For a full list of Homecoming activities, visit calendar.uab.edu/homecoming.

UAB Homecoming Week 2025 highlights:

Tuesday, Oct. 14

• Blazer Build It spirit decoration competition
• UAB vs. Lakeshore Foundation in the 11th annual wheelchair flag football game, presented by UAB Disability Support Services, 6 p.m., University Recreation Center

Wednesday, Oct. 15

• Gurney Derby, the wildest race on wheels and UAB’s longest-running tradition, noon-1 p.m., 1150 10th Ave. South

Friday, Oct. 17

• UAB Homecoming Parade and Float Competition, noon, starts on 14th Street South and ends on University Boulevard.

Saturday, Oct. 18

• Battle for the Bones, Protective Stadium
• Blazer Village and Blazer Spirit Student Tailgate
• UAB Football vs. Memphis, Protective Stadium, tickets $22-$55, free for students
• UAB Marching Blazers Alumni Band Day, “True Colors” halftime show
• and Ms. UAB Scholarship Competition, winners will be announced at halftime.

Park and ride to the game

The Blazer Express shuttle from the Hill Student Center to the game is free for UAB students and the public. Complimentary parking is available on game days in the 12th Street Parking Deck adjacent to Young Memorial Field.

Gurney Derby

Fast and fun, the Gurney Derby is UAB’s longest-running tradition and the wildest race on wheels. Since 1994, the Gurney Derby has been a UAB Homecoming favorite. Teams of four race down 10th Avenue South, pushing a “passenger” on a real hospital gurney. Prizes go to the speediest teams, the best-dressed gurney, the most creative passenger and the team that finishes dead last.

Mr. and Ms. UAB Scholarship Competition

Each year, the UAB National Alumni Society crowns a new Mr. and Ms. UAB, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship and the honor of representing UAB throughout the year. First alternates receive $1,000 scholarships and join the winners as university ambassadors. It is a celebration of leadership, service and Blazer excellence.

The Battle for the Bones

The Battle for the Bones celebrates the UAB-Memphis football rivalry. A one-meat ribs contest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue society, the competition is open to professionals and amateurs. KCBS Backyard contest rules apply. First prize is $2,000. There will also be a sauce-only competition for individuals and teams who would like to participate. Limited spots are available; sign up. The matchup boasts one of the most talked-about rivalry trophies ever, the Bones, aka “the ribs trophy,” a 100-pound, 2-foot-by-2-foot behemoth. Read more about the Bones from the UAB Reporter: “Smoke ’em if you got ’em: An oral history of barbecue, bones and the baddest trophy in college football.”