Bronco Nation Gets Ready to Go All About the Blue for FSU Homecoming 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Bronco Nation is getting ready to go “All About the Blue” as Fayetteville State University Homecoming 2026 begins Sunday, Oct. 11, launching a week of campus traditions, entertainment, reunions and community celebration that builds toward Saturday’s downtown parade and Homecoming football game.

From students making new Homecoming memories to alumni returning to familiar places, the week brings generations of Broncos together and invites the greater Fayetteville community to join the celebration.

This year’s lineup brings DC Young Fly to campus, puts Greek tradition back in the spotlight and fills Friday with the Bronco Round Up Festival before Homecoming Saturday takes over downtown Fayetteville and Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.

Students can expect nearly a full week of events, with alumni activities beginning Thursday and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 18, for select alumni celebrations.

Here is what Bronco Nation should know before Homecoming begins.

Homecoming Starts with a Countdown

FSU students will kick off Homecoming at 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, with the Homecoming Countdown at Butler Amphitheater, gathering for music and Bronco pride as the celebration rolls into midnight.

Monday brings entertainer, entrepreneur and television host DC Young Fly to campus for two events.

He will first join FSU students for the Homecoming Speaker Series from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Rudolph Jones Student Center Multipurpose Rooms. The student-only event will focus on leadership, career readiness, navigating obstacles and turning transferable skills into long-term success.

Later that evening, DC Young Fly and Tyler Chronicles take the stage at Seabrook Auditorium for the Homecoming Comedy Show from 8 to 10 p.m. The show is open to students and the community. Tickets are $10 for FSU students and $25 for the general public, faculty and staff. Additional fees apply, and prices increase on the day of the show.

The week continues with the Bronco HoCoWell Homecoming Wellness Experience and Homecoming Hypnotist and Magician Show on Tuesday, followed Wednesday by Broncos En Blanc, FSU’s signature all-white student social.

On Thursday, tradition meets celebration inside Felton J. Capel Arena during “Crowned in the Bayou,” the Homecoming Coronation and Casino Night. The event begins at 7 p.m. and celebrates Miss Fayetteville State University, Mr. Fayetteville State University, and the FSU Royal Court before crowning Mr. and Miss Homecoming.

Friday Brings the Festival and Step Show

By Friday, Homecoming will be in full swing.

The Bronco Round Up Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rudolph Jones Student Center Amphitheater and Student Center Lot. The free festival is open to the campus community and will bring together students, faculty, staff and alumni for live performances, food trucks, vendors, student organizations and giveaways.

Friday night, one of FSU Homecoming’s signature traditions returns to Felton J. Capel Arena.

The 2026 FSU Homecoming Step Show begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities will take the stage for an evening of precision, culture, competition and Bronco pride. The event is open to students, alumni, employees and the broader Bronco community.

Downtown Fayetteville Goes Blue Again

Saturday morning, Bronco pride moves beyond campus and into the heart of Fayetteville.

For the second consecutive year, the FSU Homecoming Parade will take over downtown Fayetteville, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

The parade brings together FSU students, alumni, campus organizations and community partners for one of Homecoming’s most visible traditions. Fayetteville residents and visitors are encouraged to line the route, wear their blue and help celebrate the students and alumni who make up Bronco Nation.

For one morning downtown, everyone is invited to be a Bronco.

Participants will assemble near the Cumberland County Courthouse. The route moves from Person Street toward Hay Street, continues down Pittman Street and concludes at Ray Avenue.

Spectators should arrive early and prepare for road closures throughout the downtown area.

Game Day and Center Stage

After the parade, the celebration moves back toward campus as Bronco Nation turns its attention to Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.

The Broncos will face Elizabeth City State University at 1:30 p.m. in the 2026 Homecoming football game.

General admission tickets are $40. Tickets are $35 for senior citizens, FSU faculty and staff and military members with identification. Visiting students and youth ages 4 through 17 can purchase tickets for $25.

Around campus, tailgating, vending and Center Stage will add to the Homecoming atmosphere. Center Stage activities return to the Greek Plots this year, with Homecoming Safety Ambassadors supporting activities throughout the weekend.

All activities at the Greek Plots must begin closing at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with all music, programming and gatherings concluding by 7 p.m. All university-sponsored events on Saturday will also conclude by 7 p.m.

Alumni Come Home

Homecoming is also a chance for Broncos to come back together and reconnect with the university and one another.

The Alumni and Friends Welcome Center will be open Thursday and Friday, giving returning Broncos a place to reconnect as alumni activities get underway.

Saturday’s alumni lineup includes the Classes in Reunion Lunch and Photos from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rudolph Jones Student Center Lobby and Amphitheater for alumni whose graduation years end in 1 or 6.

Later that evening, the Maryland Anne Arundel and Charlotte alumni chapters will host Denim After Dark, A Bronco Affair, beginning at 9 p.m. at The Warehouse in downtown Fayetteville.

Select alumni celebrations continue Sunday, Oct. 18, including the National Alumni Association Unity Fellowship and Memorial Service and the 10th Annual Miss Fayetteville State University Alumnae Queens’ Legacy Tea.

Know Before You Go

Homecoming visitors should plan ahead, particularly for Saturday.

On-campus parking will be reserved for current FSU students, faculty, staff and authorized special guests. Vehicles must display a valid FSU parking permit or have special guest authorization. Temporary daily parking permits will not be accepted Saturday, Oct. 17.

Public parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the FSU parking lot on Washington Drive. Continuous shuttle service will operate between that lot and the main campus.

Visitors may also use public parking in downtown Fayetteville, including the city’s parking decks. Shuttle service will only operate between the Washington Drive lot and campus.

FSU’s enhanced bag guidelines will apply to Homecoming events. Only transparent bags measuring no more than 12 by 6 by 12 inches will be permitted. Diaper bags are allowed when accompanied by a child.

Students attending Homecoming activities should also check Bronco Advantage and the Corq app before arriving. Many student events require advance RSVPs or event passes.

Whether returning home, making a first Homecoming memory, or simply joining the celebration from across Fayetteville, FSU welcomes the community to be part of a week that brings Bronco Nation together.

For the complete schedule, event tickets, parking information, parade route and the latest Homecoming updates, visit www.uncfsu.edu/homecoming.