The highlights of the opening ceremony were the presentation of the UAAP board of directors, parade of athletes, torch relay, cauldron lighting and free concert.

The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion and Spongecola's Yael Yuzon provided entertainment during the ceremonies.

[2] The torch relay took place prior to the start of the events in the Marikina Sports Park.

The UAAP Season 74 basketball tournament began on July 10, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

* if necessary The UAAP Season 74 beach volleyball tournament began on August 27, 2011 at the sand courts of UE Caloocan.

[6] This year marked the introduction of high school baseball in the UAAP as a demonstration sport.

The UAAP Season 74 softball tournament began on January 11, 2012 at the baseball diamond of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

La Salle won the championship title after beating NU (3–2) in one game last February 21, 2012 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

[8] UST forced a rubber match[9] and obtained the championship title after beating La Salle (3–2) in the second game.

The UAAP Cheerdance Competition was held on September 17, 2011 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The event was covered live by Studio 23 and was hosted by Boom Gonzales and the various UAAP courtside reporters.

The 2nd UAAP Street Dance Competition was held on March 10, 2012 at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum in Pasay.