University of Houston alumni, students, faculty and staff will celebrate the age of Cougar Red at Homecoming Week Oct. 13 – 19.

The theme of this year's homecoming, Welcome to the RED Age, reflects on UH’s progress throughout the years. It also looks to the future as UH takes its place in the new American Athletic Conference and prepares for the coming of major new additions to campus such as the new football stadium in 2014 and the fully transformed University Center in 2015.

Homecoming Week officially kicks off at noon, Oct. 14 in Lynn Eusan Park with a pep rally. The event will feature the Spirit of Houston Marching Band, the Cougar Dolls and free T-shirts. The festivities continue with Go Coogs Day at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 and the Homecoming Block Party at 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17 both at Lynn Eusan Park. It all leads up to the homecoming football game against Brigham Young University at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, when the Cougars will bring the red to Reliant Stadium.

UH alumni, friends and families who signed up for UH Family Weekend Oct. 18 - 19, held for the first time in conjunction with Homecoming Week, can explore the University's growing and evolving campus. Featured events include a family barbecue celebration at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center and the UH Game Day Celebration, sponsored by the Dean of Students Office, at 11:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 in Lynn Eusan Park. Throughout Family Weekend, fans who show their Cougar pride can also get discounts on merchandise at the University Bookstore located in the University Center or the UH Fan Shop located in the UH stadium parking garage.

Fans can also take behind-the-scenes tours of the construction at the University Center. On the tours, fans will get a sneak peak of all the new features available at the UC when the first phase of construction is completed in early 2014. The tours will be available throughout Family Weekend.

For regular updates on homecoming news and events, visit http://www.uh.edu/homecoming/.

By Kristina Michel