A gridiron battle with Notre Dame will launch a season of football frenzy and alumni events this fall, highlighted by Homecoming, Buzz Bash and Family Weekend.

"We have set the dates alumni will want to put on their calendars for this fall," said Kara Allen, director of Events for the Georgia Tech Alumni Association.

The Yellow Jackets open the 2006 football season hosting the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame Sept. 2. A tailgate party open to everyone in the Tech community is planned for the Tower lawn.

About 2,000 parents and families of students are expected to visit campus Oct. 5 to 7 for Family Weekend featuring seminars, tours and the Georgia Tech vs. Maryland football game.

Homecoming will be held Oct. 26 to 28, with milestone reunions for the classes of 1981, 1966 and 1956 along with the Old Gold celebration and the popular Buzz Bash for all other classes. The Yellow Jackets play Miami in the Homecoming game.

The Alumni Association is also sponsoring bus trips to the Clemson game on Oct. 21 and the Georgia game on Nov. 25.