The third annual Tent City will make an official comeback the week of WVU Homecoming as WVU students camp on the Mountainlair Plaza from 8 a.m. Monday, Sept., 26 until 12 p.m. on Friday Sept., 30 in anticipation of the 2016 Homecoming football weekend.

 

The Mountaineers will take on the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Milan Puskar Stadium with official kickoff time at 3:30 p.m.

 

“We are excited about coming back for a third year. This event has had great success in the past and I am glad it has culminated into something that students wait for every year,” said Tommy Skinner.

 

Skinner, a second year graduate student in the MBA/MSIR dual degree program from West Grove, Pennsylvania, is the lead organizer of this year’s Tent City. His brother Christopher, a freshman marketing major, and Andrew Osborne, a senior geography major from Cicero, NY, are assisting Skinner with event preparations.

 

“Everyone has a great time and it’s a great way to support our Mountaineer football team while helping those in need,” Skinner said.

 

Last year, Tent City raised $1,520 for Empty Bowls Monongalia, a local charity that raises money and public awareness of those who suffer from food insecurity in the county. Skinner is encouraging all participants to donate again this year. In addition, signature Tent City T-shirts will be sold with two-thirds of all proceeds benefiting the local charity.

 

Skinner added, “I highly suggest students buy their camping supplies soon as most stores ran out before last year’s Tent City began.”

 

“Tent City is an alcohol-free environment, providing our students with a safe and positive opportunity to show their school spirt and celebrate upcoming Homecoming events,” said West Virginia University’s Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students Corey Farris. “I am also proud of our students for raising more than $1,000 last year for a great organization and continuing to recognizing that food insecurity does exist in our community.”

 

Music will be provided by WWVU-FM and food with be provided by WVUP All Night and other local sponsors throughout the week.

 

The annual Homecoming Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on High Street Friday evening, Sept 29.

 

For information, contact Tommy Skinner at tommy.skinner@mail.wvu.edu, like Tent City on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WVUTentCity or follow @WVUTentCity on Twitter.