Tournaments are an ideal format for alumni and on-campus events because they naturally foster connection, engagement, and school spirit in a way that feels both inclusive and energizing. Whether it’s a friendly competition between graduating classes, faculty and students teaming up, or alumni returning to campus, tournaments create a fun, structured way for people to come together. They encourage participation from all ages and skill levels, spark casual conversation and connection, and provide a built-in reason to cheer each other on. The competitive element adds enough excitement to keep attendees engaged throughout the event.

Top tournament-style events for student and alumni engagement include activities like cornhole, pickleball, basketball shootouts, and mini golf challenges—fun, approachable formats that encourage participation across generations. To boost turnout and create a memorable experience, consider adding food trucks, campus club booths, music, and a photo backdrop with school branding. You can also incorporate raffles, prize giveaways, or alumni-sponsored awards to build buzz and encourage early registration. These tournaments aren’t just about winning—they’re about reconnecting, making memories, and celebrating your shared campus identity.

Adding a tournament to an existing alumni or campus event is a simple way to add energy, engagement, and participation. Whether it’s a homecoming weekend, alumni reunion, Greek event, or student fair, introducing friendly competition gives attendees a shared activity to rally around. It creates natural moments for connection and school spirit, while also offering great photo ops, sponsor visibility, and opportunities for giveaways or friendly class rivalries. Adding a tournament element is easier than you might think: Start with a way to register teams and sponsors, then you’ll need to build brackets. RecDay makes both super easy.

To get students involved in a tournament, start by spreading the word through posters, digital signage, social media, and outreach to student organizations, residence halls, and athletic teams. Encourage friendly competition by organizing brackets by class year, departments, or clubs, and rally support through alumni networks, boosters, and parent associations. Recruit student volunteers to help plan and run the event—pitching sponsors, managing check-in, coordinating teams, keeping score, or capturing photos and video. When students are actively involved, they’re more likely to promote the event, bring friends, and help create the energy and excitement that makes it a standout experience.

Tournaments naturally create opportunities for networking and member engagement by bringing people together around a shared activity in a fun, relaxed, social setting. Between matches, attendees can mingle, connect with classmates or colleagues, and engage with sponsors or campus groups hosting booths. Consider incorporating name tags, team rosters, or alumni-hosted stations to encourage conversation and help people make new connections while deepening their sense of belonging.

Tournaments create shared experiences that reconnect people and spark nostalgia and school pride, making it easy to introduce alumni to the benefits of joining. Set up a welcome table, offer member perks like team discounts or VIP access, and use the event as a chance to build relationships and invite sign-ups on the spot.