Correction: An earlier version of this article erroneously stated that the dance would begin at 9:00 p.m. The Homecoming dance will in fact start at 8:00 p.m.

It is officially Homecoming week at George Mason. For freshmen and new students, the conversation surrounding spirit week and the Homecoming dance may be confusing. For anyone with lingering questions about what’s going down, here’s a guide to help you out.

When is the Homecoming dance?

The Homecoming dance will be held from 8:00 – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 at Mason’s main gym.

Will there be food?

There will be pizza and candy in the cafeteria, while the actual dance will be in the main gym.

“There’s always the group of guys who say ‘I came because it’s a big social event’, so in the cafeteria we set up food,” said Homecoming Committee head Brad McAdam.

Is there a theme for the dance?

Not this year.

“In the last few years, what they do is kind of decorate the gym in a festive way,  but there’s no theme to it anymore, it’s sort of like a night out,” McAdam said.

I see that some people are going as dates to the dance. Do I need a date?

“There’s no requirement to bring a date at all. In fact, I think a lot of people just come in a group of people,” McAdam said.

When is the pep rally?

On Friday, October 21, the annual pep rally will be held in the main gym. This hour of fun games and competitions is a great chance to get excited for the football game and show some school spirit. The homecoming varsity football game against Warren County starts at 7:30 p.m. on the football field. It is encouraged for everyone to go and enjoy some time with their friends and cheer on the team. You also don’t want to miss the homecoming court walking out at halftime and the winners being announced the next day during the dance.

How can I get a ticket to the dance? How much are they?

Tickets will go up for sale Monday, October 17. The deadline to buy tickets will be after the pep rally on that Friday, October 21.

Admission to this year’s dance is $20 but not all of the money goes to dance committee. Five dollars of every person’s purchase goes to a senior scholarship – the Mind, Body, and Character scholarship.

Can I bring someone to the dance that does not go Mason?

Those who want to bring a guest to the dance must turn in their permission slip by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19. This privilege is reserved for juniors and seniors only. This slip can be turned into any administrator: Ms. Curtis, Mr. Hills, Mr. Clark, etc.