The University of South Alabama's Homecoming festivities from Feb. 10-19 will feature a comedy show featuring Bruce Bruce, athletic events, parades and a step show.

The theme for this year's homecoming events is "Battle of the Claws."

Kicking off the festivities, the Lady Jags basketball team will take on New Mexico State on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

Homecoming elections will be held Feb. 10-11 amid the traditional window painting competition at the USA Student Center.

On Feb. 12, students and alumni will tackle community service projects. A Sidewalk Step Show will be performed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council on Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 12:15 - 1 p.m. at the Student Center Amphitheater.

On Thursday, the African-American Student Association will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Student Center Lobby. That night, the men's basketball team takes on New Orleans at 7:05 p.m. at the Mitchell Center.

Bruce Bruce, a winning comedian and improv artist, will entertain the community at an 8 p.m. concert. Tickets, which are on sale now, are $10 for USA students, $12 for faculty/staff/alumni and $21 for the general public. Bruce received the highest ratings ever as the host of BET's 10th "Comic View" for two seasons. He returns to the network as host of the highly rated "Coming to the Stage."

During his early career as a barbeque chef and Frito-Lay salesman, Bruce entertained his coworkers and customers. After performing at Atlanta's Comedy Act Theater, he auditioned for BET's "Coast to Coast" program, ultimately appearing on the show three times. In 1993, he debuted on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam," which led to his big break in a 1994 appearance on "Showtime at the Apollo" hosted by comedian Steve Harvey.

His career also has included appearances in music videos and feature films.

On Homecoming Day, Feb. 19, the Jaguar baseball team takes on Texas A&M as part of the 20th annual Coca-Cola Classic. That evening at 7:05 p.m., the men's basketball team takes on the Florida International Panthers. Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during halftime.