Downtown Arlington’s Past, Present and Future in UTA’s Homecoming Traditions

Around this time every November, Downtown Arlington’s streets start to shimmer in the unmistakable hues of blue and orange, signaling the arrival of homecoming season at the University of Texas at Arlington. Downtown Arlington, rich with history and pride, plays a central role in the celebrations and traditions of UTA’s homecoming. These festivities draw together students, alumni and community members in various displays of Maverick spirit every year. 

Old Tradition: Gathering at the Mineral Well 

Long before UTA had its current look and was it was known as Arlington State College, the old Mineral Well in Downtown Arlington was a popular spot where students gathered to celebrate homecoming, said Geraldine Mills, Arlington Historical Society Executive Director at Fielder Museum. The well, known for its healing mineral-rich water, became a symbolic meeting place for homecoming traditions and celebrations. The site became a magnet for generations of UTA students who would make the trek downtown as a symbolic rite of passage. 

“They just surrounded the well and had their cheerleaders and the band and all the good stuff,” Mills said. 

One particularly memorable tradition took place in the post-war era when UTA, then Arlington State College, had a strong ROTC presence. In a unique display of Maverick spirit, cadets would perform a humorous yet challenging “duck walk” from the UTA campus to Downtown Arlington, Mills recalled. The duck walk — a difficult shuffle where participants are in a squat-like position while moving forward — became a fun tradition of the homecoming season. This became a spectator event as students, faculty and locals would line the streets to cheer them on. 

“Their first one after the war was in 1947 when they came back for reunion. And they didn't call it a homecoming, they called it reunion,” Mills said.  

New Tradition: Decorate Downtown 

In recent years, a new and vibrant tradition has emerged that brings UTA students directly to the storefronts of Downtown Arlington’s businesses. Known as “Decorate Downtown,” this activity invites UTA students to paint local storefronts with colorful displays of Maverick pride. From November 1 through November 3, this year’s Decorate Downtown transformed the area into a canvas of blue, orange and UTA’s iconic Maverick symbols — like the Mav Up hand sign. This tradition brings UTA students and Arlington businesses together, fostering a stronger connection between the campus and downtown. 

Local businesses embrace the activity, welcoming students to express their UTA pride, which in turn draws customers and visitors who come to admire the decorations and enjoy our vibrant downtown.  

“Since they started the downtown improvements with more places to go and drink and eat, where before it was only Gilligan's, students really hang out here now,” Mills said. 

Future Traditions 

Traditions are created throughout the years, and a new one can begin at any time. As UTA and downtown’s connection begins to grow, people like Mills have ideas for new traditions. 

Mills’ idea involves the archives of previous UTA homecomings on full display at the Arlington Music Hall during Homecoming Week. 

“We got a great film collection and photo collection at UTA, so put together some clips from past homecomings, different people playing games and whatever they had back then. Put that together and show it on a certain night downtown,” Mills suggested. 

Spreading Maverick Pride with the Downtown Banner Program 

Downtown Arlington’s commitment to UTA’s homecoming doesn’t stop with festive window decorations. The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation has a banner program that further infuses the spirit of Maverick pride throughout the area. Vibrant banners displaying the UTA colors and “Welcome Home Mavericks” adorn the streets. These banners provide a visual reminder of the strong relationship between UTA and downtown, showing just how much pride the community takes in supporting its university. 

Other Festivities 

Mr. UTA Florencio Gobellan and Ms. UTA Jennifer Sanchez, co-presidents of the UTA Ambassadors, will play an active role in downtown’s homecoming events. The two will be front and center at various festivities throughout the week, embodying Maverick pride. 

The homecoming festivities in Arlington culminate with two major events: the announcement of the homecoming king and queen and the annual homecoming parade. The king and queen, to be revealed at Saturday’s men’s basketball game, will join Mr. and Ms. UTA in leading the weekend’s final celebrations. The parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, is a major highlight, as UTA student organizations, alumni, community leaders and President Jennifer Cowley participate in marching down Spaniolo Drive. 

Downtown Arlington’s role in UTA’s homecoming is more than just tradition—it’s a reflection of the powerful connection between the university and the community. The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation is proud to be the game sponsor for this Saturday's homecoming game. We will be accepting the game ball and mingling with attendees at the front of College Park Center. Show your Maverick pride at Saturday’s game and come say “hi” to your Downtown Arlington staff.  

From historical gatherings at the Mineral Well to today’s Decorate Downtown initiative, these traditions are woven into the fabric of downtown, creating a legacy that unites generations of students and residents. As the community prepares to wrap up this year’s Homecoming Week, Downtown Arlington stands proudly as a hub of UTA pride, ensuring that the Maverick spirit continues to shine.