
Cougar Days
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!
SAVE THE DATE!
Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 | Cougar Days 2023 will include:
- Family Weekend
- 25th and 50th Class Reunion Events (class of 1998 and 1973)
- Milestone Class Reunion Events for classes ending in three
- Choir Reunion
- Alumni Achievement Awards Celebration
- Hall of Fame Banquet
- Homecoming Game and Festivities
- Athletic and Fine Arts Events
Below is the 2022 schedule of events. Come back soon to see the 2023 schedule.
Find an Event for you!
Alumni
Friday, September 23
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | 50th Class Reunion Brunch | Mears Library
Take a walk down memory lane with old friends. Join the class of 1972 for brunch as they reminisce and share some laughs over wonderful memories made at Sioux Falls College. ($15)
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Historical Campus Tours | Mears Library
Join USF alumnus Jon Hiatt '97 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.(complimentary)
11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch in the Salsbury Dining Hall ($10)
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.(complimentary)
2 - 3 p.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! Get your bearings for the fun-filled weekend ahead while learning more about campus life. See what's new, what's improved and what's just as you remembered it! (complimentary)
2 - 3 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal | First Baptist Church
Catch the USF Concert Chorale as they prepare to contribute to worship at USF Sunday. (complimentary)
3:15 p.m. | Outdoor Band Concert | Salsbury Science Center Plaza (weather permitting)
Join the USF Music Department for an instrumental music concert in the beautiful plaza between the Jeschke Fine Arts Center and the Salsbury Science Center. (complimentary)
4 - 5 p.m. | Homecoming Cornhole Tournament | Quad
Come play in our first homecoming cornhole, beanbags, bags, — or whatever you call it — tournament and compete for the first place prize during this single-elimination tournament! (complimentary)
4 - 6 p.m. | Faculty and Alumni Art Receptions | Jeschke Fine Arts Center Gallery
Join the Art Department for an exhibition celebrating the artwork of our faculty and alumni! Be sure to stop by and enjoy some incredible artwork and tasty refreshments. (complimentary)
5:30 - 8 p.m. | Alumni Achievement Awards Celebration & Dinner | Washington Pavilion
Celebrate all things USF at this high-spirited dinner and program. Represent your class, groove to music from the decades, and celebrate the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award recipients. Cash bar available. Semi-formal dress recommended. Social Hour 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program 6:30-8:00 p.m. ($30)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Hall of Fame Banquet | Washington Pavilion
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. ($30)
Saturday, September 24
8:30 - 10 a.m. | Cougar Days 5K Run/Walk | Cherry Rock Park
All are welcome to join the fun in this family-friendly run/walk. Each participant will receive a USF track and field shirt and can race to win prizes in various divisions! All proceeds from the event will support USF Track and Field. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. ($25)
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Morning Milestone Mingle | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Enjoy a casual breakfast and reminisce wonderful memories with old classmates. Stop by to hang out, relax, and catch up with milestone classes and their families! ($15)
10 - 10:30 a.m. | Campus Visit | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Future Cougars are invited to tour the University of Sioux Falls! Start off with a presentation from an admission counselor followed by a student-led campus tour. (complimentary)
10:30 - 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! Get your bearings for the fun-filled weekend ahead while learning more about campus life. See what's new, what's improved and what's just as you remembered it! (complimentary)
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. (complimentary)
1:00 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | USF Sports Complex
Come cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! 2022 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 30. (tickets required)
6 - 7:30 p.m. | Cheerleading Reunion Dinner | Holiday Inn
All former cheerleaders and coaches are invited to attend an evening of reminiscing about the days of coo spirit, poms and all things purple. Cash bar available. Entrance to the All-Class Bash is included with registration to this dinner. ($20)
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | All-Class Bash| Holiday Inn
This USF party features food, live music, dancing, games, door prizes and more! All alumni are invited to attend and we'll recognize the milestone classes with reunion class photos. Cash bar available. ($10)
Sunday, September 25
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. (complimentary)
Family Weekend
Friday, September 23
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Historical Campus Tours | Mears Library
Join USF alumnus Jon Hiatt '97 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. (complimentary)
11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch in the Salsbury Dining Hall. ($10)
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. (complimentary)
2 - 3 p.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! Get your bearings for the fun-filled weekend ahead while learning more about campus life. See what's new, what's improved and what's just as you remembered it! (complimentary)
2 - 3 p.m. | Choir Rehearsal | First Baptist Church
Catch the USF Concert Chorale as they prepare to contribute to worship at USF Sunday. (complimentary)
3:15 p.m. | Outdoor Band Concert | Salsbury Science Center Plaza (weather permitting)
Join the USF Music Department for an instrumental music concert in the beautiful plaza between the Jeschke Fine Arts Center and the Salsbury Science Center. (complimentary)
4 - 5 p.m. | Homecoming Cornhole Tournament | Quad
Play in our first homecoming cornhole, beanbags, bags - or whatever you call it - tournament and compete for the first place prize during the single-elimination tournament! (complimentary)
4 - 6 p.m. | Faculty and Alumni Art Receptions | Jeschke Fine Arts Center Gallery
Join the Art Department for an exhibition celebrating the artwork of our faculty and alumni! Be sure to stop by and enjoy some incredible artwork and tasty refreshments. (complimentary)
5 - 6:30 p.m. | Dinner at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner in the Salsbury Dining Hall. ($10)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Fall Fest | Quad
Our first Fall Fest at USF will include dunk tanks, carnival games, snacks, candy apples, music, lawn games and good family fun!
Saturday, September 24
8:30 - 10 a.m. | Cougar Days 5K Run/Walk | Cherry Rock Park
All are welcome to join the fun in this family-friendly run/walk. Each participant will receive a USF track and field shirt and can race to win prizes in various divisions! All proceeds from the event will support USF Track and Field. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. ($25)
10 - 10:30 a.m. | Campus Visit | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Future Cougars are invited to tour the University of Sioux Falls! Start off with a presentation from an admission counselor followed by a student-led campus tour. (complimentary)
10 - 11 a.m. | Morning Yoga | Jeschke Patio
Get your mind and body in sync during this session that will combine breath and movement to relax and strengthen you for the rest of the weekend festivities ahead. (complimentary)
10:30 - 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! Get your bearings for the fun-filled weekend ahead while learning more about campus life. (complimentary)
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. (complimentary)
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Brunch at the Caf | McDonald Center, Salsbury Dining Hall
Enjoy brunch in the Salsbury Dining Hall. ($10)
1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | USF Sports Complex
Come cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! 2022 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 30. (tickets required)
8 - 10 p.m. | USF's Got Talent | Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Meredith Auditorium
From across campus, 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! (complimentary)
Sunday, September 25
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. (complimentary)
General
Friday, September 23
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Historical Campus Tours | Mears Library
Join USF alumnus Jon Hiatt '97 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. (complimentary)
2 - 3 p.m. | Campus Tours | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
If you haven’t been on a tour of campus, here’s your chance! Get your bearings for the fun-filled weekend ahead while learning more about campus life. (complimentary)
3:15 p.m. | Outdoor Band Concert | Salsbury Science Center Plaza (weather permitting)
Join the USF Music Department for an instrumental music concert in the beautiful plaza between the Jeschke Fine Arts Center and the Salsbury Science Center. (complimentary)
4 - 6 p.m. | Faculty and Alumni Art Receptions | Jeschke Fine Arts Center Gallery
Join the Art Department for an exhibition celebrating the artwork of our faculty and alumni! Be sure to stop by and enjoy some incredible artwork and tasty refreshments. (complimentary)
5:30 - 8 p.m. | Alumni Achievement Awards Celebration & Dinner | Washington Pavilion
Celebrate all things USF at this high-spirited dinner and program. Represent your class, groove to music from the decades, and celebrate the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award recipients. Cash bar available. Semi-formal dress recommended. Social Hour 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Program 6:30-8:00 p.m. ($30)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Hall of Fame Banquet | Washington Pavilion
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. ($30)
Saturday, September 24
8:30 - 10 a.m. | Cougar Days 5k Run/Walk | Cherry Rock Park
All are welcome to join the fun in this family-friendly run/walk. Each participant will receive a USF track and field shirt and can race to win prizes in various divisions! All proceeds from the event will support USF Track and Field. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and race starts at 9 a.m. ($25)
10 – 10:30 a.m. | Campus Visit | McDonald Center, Ward Lobby
Future Cougars are invited to tour the University of Sioux Falls! Start off with a presentation from an admission counselor followed by a student-led campus tour. (complimentary)
10:30 – 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! Get your bearings for the fun-filled weekend ahead while learning more about campus life. (complimentary)
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. (complimentary)
1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | USF Sports Complex
Come cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! 2022 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 30. (tickets required)
Sunday, September 25
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. (complimentary)
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 5K Run/Walk | All are welcome to join the fun in this family-friendly run/walk. Each participant will receive a USF track and field shirt. All proceeds from the event will support USF Track and Field. ($25)
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, September 24
1 p.m. | Homecoming Football Game vs. MN Duluth | Cheer on your Cougars as they take on the Bulldogs! Stream here!
Sunday, September 25
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!
Friday | 2 p.m. | Women's Soccer vs. Minnesota State Moorhead
Saturday | 1 p.m. | Football vs. Augustana University
Sunday | 1 p.m. | Women's Soccer vs. Northern State University
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.-6 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
Downtown Sioux Falls
Holiday Inn City Centre | (605) 339-2000 | Book early and mention “University of Sioux Falls Rate” for $99 per room/per night (subject to change based on availability)
Country Inn & Suites | (605) 373-0153 | Mention “USF Rate” for 25% off
Hilton Garden Inn | (605) 444-4700 (Ext. 2) | Mention “Corporate rate with the University of Sioux Falls” for 15% off (subject to availability)
Near Campus
Home2Suites | (605) 332-5461 (ext. 0) | Book by 8/22 and mention "USF Homecoming block" for a rate of $149 per room per night.
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).