The excitement has been building and the time has arrived. Pull out your red– or in this case maroon — white and blue. It’s Homecoming and “Ace wants you to be America’s team.”

The festivities began Sunday with a soccer game vs. Troy, a volleyball game vs. Florida Atlantic and the start of baseball’s “Blood Series.”

The festivities continue today with False Fortress: an exhibition of paintings by Rebecca Lite. The exhibition lasts from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Bry Art Gallery and continues on until noon on Friday.

A luncheon to introduce the ULM Homecoming court will also be held at 11 a.m. today in the conference center, as well as John Cassidy’s Magic Comedy later on at 7 p.m. in the SUB ballroom.

With so many festivities this week, students struggled to contain their excitement but struggled very little in deciding what they were most looking forward to.

“I’m really excited about the Miss(ter) U.S.A. pageant,” said A’Kai Solmone, a senior mass communication major. “It seems like it’s going to be a fun and just all around entertaining show.”

The Miss(ter) U.S.A pageant, which is sponsored by CAB, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the SUB ballroom.

Along with the pageant, Tuesday will also host the Student Lunch at 11 a.m. in the quad, a Zip Line Interactive Event at noon in Bayou Park and Water Ski Team Ski Show at 5 p.m. at Bayou DeSiard.

Wednesday will host many events, including Human Bowling and Signs at 10 a.m. in the quad, the Business Symposium: Quiz Bowl at 4 p.m. in the SUB and of course the University Mile at 5:30.

Even with all the exciting festivities earlier in the week, students are most looking forward to the later events.

The 3rd Annual Costume Ball starts at 9 p.m. on Thursday and takes place in Brown Gym. Friday consists of many events, including the Parade at 8 p.m., which starts at Brown Auditorium, the Homecoming Pep Rally at 8:45 p.m. in the grove and the NPHC/NPC/IFC unity step show after the pep rally.

Saturday is the big homecoming game. Game day begins early with tailgating starting at 9 a.m. in the grove. And finally the game, where the Warhawks will face off against South Alabama at 6 p.m. at Malone Stadium.

“I’m really looking forward to the game,” said Jhonniece Meeks, a senior mass communication major. “I can’t wait to cheer on my friends Beanee and B.H. and the rest of the Warhawks, on to a victory.”