The football game between the University of West Georgia Wolves and the Valdosta State Blazers isn't until Saturday, but there will be plenty for community members and alumnito doin the days leading up to the game.

Director of Public Information for the university Lisa Matheson said this week is "chock full of spirited fun" for the entire West Georgia community as UWG prepares for the game.

Homecoming weekend will start off with the Capture the Square event, UWG's annual pep rally at the Amp on Adamson Square. Capture the Square will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. UWG cheerleaders and the marching band will perform, with family-friendly band, The Velcro Pygmies, as the featured musical act.

Capture the Square is planned to last from 7 p.m. to midnight, with the Velcro Pygmies (back by popular demand) taking the stage at 8 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Student Activities Council, UWG Alumni and Carrollton Main Street.

"Homecoming is a wonderful way for UWG friends and students – old and new – to show their school spirit," said Frank Pritchett, associate executive director of Alumni Relations.

Also on Friday, the university's annual Run for UWG one-mile walk/run and 5K will start at 5:45 p.m., with registration starting at 4 p.m. The one-mile walk/run will start at 5:45 p.m., with the 5K starting at 6:15 p.m. Registration is $20 per individual, $15 for UWG students.

The tradition of homecoming will also include the annual parade that begins at Westover Square on Maple Street and ends at University Stadium. The parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Alumni looking to interest their high school children in UWG should take advantage of campus walking tours Saturday morning starting at Mandeville Hall on Front Campus Drive. Tours will start every 30 minutes from 9 to 11 a.m.

Also at 9 a.m. Saturday, join Dr. Beheruz Sethna at the Coliseum for the President's Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast is complimentary, but reservations are appreciated. Register for this and all events by going to www.westga.edu/alumni and clicking on the Homecoming 2012 link.

Racing fans will enjoy the Aflac NASCAR Experience, where fans can explore Aflac's interactive racing truck before the 2 p.m. game against Valdosta State at University Stadium. The Aflac truck will be parked near the alumni tailgate in front of the stadium at 11 a.m.

Closing out the weekend's events will be a step show put on by the National Panhellenic Council at the Coliseum starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

"It's so terrific to see such support for the Wolves," Pritchett said. "We're so thankful to the community and our alumni. They help us provide UWG students with the best experiences and opportunities possible."

For more information on the homecoming schedule, contact the UWG Alumni House at 678-839-6582. For more information on tailgating, contact the athletic department at 678-839-6533.