Around this time each year, University of Arizona students, staff and the Tucson Fire Department go up Sentinel Peak with 300 flares to light up the big white "A" as a kick-off to the homecoming celebration.
It sounds absurd but our not-so-little college town loves it.
The tradition started about 70 years ago β sometime in the 1940s β as part of the freshman experience.
"Students would go every year up to the mountain and paint [the "A"] white on a Saturday for the annual A Day Celebration. Before the whitewashing could happen, the shrub would be have to be burned off the Friday before," says Jill Hall, Alumni AssociationΒ Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Innovation.
According to Hall, lighting "A" Mountain didn't actually become part of the Homecoming celebration until the 80s when the "A" would be lit at the same time as the bonfire in front of Old Main on Friday night before the Saturday game. That tradition ended when more buildings were built on campus and around Tucson, obstructing the view.
The bonfire tradition continued but the lighting of "A" Mountain didn't.Β
It made its comeback in 2008 whenΒ a member of the Bobcat Senior Honorary, the oldest recognized honorary on campus made up of 13 seniors, proposed bringing it back on a Sunday instead of Friday to signify the start of homecoming.
University of Arizona alum Leslie Rupp and future alum, six-month-old daughter Asha, stands between Wilma and Wilbur to get their photograph taken during a homecoming event before "A" Mountain was lit to start the activities taking place this week.
This Sunday, the Bobcat Senior Honorary and others will make their way up the mountain to light up the "A" with those 300 flares.
You can watch the "A" come to life at the Alumni Association's Lighting of "A" Mountain event or anywhere you get a clear view of the mountain. The event takes place on the top level of the Main Gate Garage, there will be free food and refreshments and an opportunity meet Wilbur, Wilma, The Pride of Arizona and the UA cheerleaders.
Not interested in going to the event? Tyndall Avenue Garage's top level is an option. You can basically watch the "A" light up from most parking garages and most places in and around Downtown Tucson.
Additional information
What: Lighting of "A" Mountain
When:Β Sunday, Oct. 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where:Β Top floor of the Main Gate Garage
