Hay Street Goes Blue as FSU Brings Homecoming 2025 to the Heart of the City Oct. 11

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -  The countdown is nearly over. Fayetteville State University will come alive as Homecoming 2025, “All About the Blue,” kicks off Oct. 5. For eight days, students, alumni, and the Fayetteville community will gather for concerts, step shows, reunions, and the signature Homecoming Parade, all leading up to the Broncos’ football game against Livingstone College on Oct. 11.

“Homecoming is one of Fayetteville State University’s most cherished traditions,” said Naadiya Hopkins, Ed.D., assistant vice chancellor for Student Engagement and Student Leadership. “It’s a moment when our campus comes alive with the energy of our students, the pride of our alumni, and the support of our community. Each year, this celebration affirms the values and spirit that define the Bronco experience.”

Where Fayetteville Turns Blue

This year brings a historic change to one of Homecoming’s longest-running traditions. For the first time in years, the Homecoming Parade will leave campus and move downtown, stepping off along Hay Street on Oct. 11, at 9 a.m. The shift is designed to ease campus congestion while opening the event to more of the Fayetteville community. Marching bands, floats, and student groups will turn the heart of the city into a sea of blue. 

Later that afternoon, Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium becomes the centerpiece of the celebration as the Broncos face the Livingstone Blue Bears, with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. Fans can also enjoy tailgating, food vendors, and a stadium packed with Bronco pride.

Throughout the weekend, the FSU Planetarium will welcome visitors for special showings of “The Dark Side of the Moon,” scheduled for Oct. 11 at 11 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. These events are open to the public and add a unique educational element to the Homecoming lineup. For tickets visit Etix.

Bronco Spirit on Full Display

The Student Activities Council is at the heart of the action, planning events that reflect the creativity and spirit of FSU students. The week kicks off with the Geeks vs. Jocks Homecoming Countdown on Oct. 5 at Butler Amphitheater, where students gather late into the night to launch the celebration.

On Oct. 6, Founders’ Quad becomes a hub for wellness and connection during the All About the Blue and You Wellness Bash, an afternoon filled with games, giveaways, and activities designed to refresh the mind and body. That evening, students head to Lily Gymnasium for the Rep Your Region Headphones Party, a high-energy dance where the soundtrack pumps through wireless headphones.

Bronco in Blue Jazz Ensemble will bring blended music and laughter on Oct. 7 in the Rudolph Jones Student Center lobby and end with the Homecoming Comedy Concert at Seabrook Auditorium, where Bunna B. and Darren Brand take the stage. Did we want to add events for October 8th?  By Oct. 9, alumni and students come together for the Matriculation Alumni Panel inside RJSC followed by the regal Homecoming Coronation at Felton J. Capel Arena, a tradition that crowns the university’s Homecoming royalty.

The pace doesn’t slow on Oct. 10, when horses and riders gather for the Ultimate Bronco Tailride at the RJSC amphitheater for a vibrant mix of heritage, food, and community. That night, Capel Arena will fill again for the Homecoming Step Show, one of the week’s most anticipated performances, as the FSU-National Pan-Hellenic Council takes the stage. 

The student lineup concludes on Oct. 11, with the Homecoming Center Stage and the Greek Plots on Founders’ Quad, where music and talent carry the celebration into the evening. 

A Time to Reconnect

The National Alumni Association will also host a slate of events that blend tradition and reunion. On Oct. 9, graduates can gather at the Embassy Suites for Welcome Home Broncos, then enjoy Wine Down at Dusk and the official Fayetteville State University National Alumni Coronation and Awards Ceremony at SpringHill Suites. The evening also features Hangout Thursday at Main Event.

The night of Oct. 10 belongs to the Bronco House Party, featuring DJ Rayn at the Embassy Suites, followed by an alumni gathering on Oct. 11 at the Alumni Tent in front of the basketball courts. After the game, the Embassy Suites will host Broncos on the Ground with DJ Complex.

The celebration closes on Oct. 12, with the Bronco Unity Fellowship and Memorial Service at the Embassy Suites, featuring guest speaker James R. McPherson, followed by the Miss FSU Alumnae Queens’ Legacy Tea.

What to Know Before You Go

Guests should plan ahead to make the most of Homecoming. A clear bag policy will be in effect at all major events, including the football game, and step show. Only transparent bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches are permitted, along with small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.

With the parade moving downtown to Hay Street, attendees should prepare for road closures and limited parking on Saturday morning. A full parade route map is available here. Shuttle services will run from designated off-site lots to campus throughout the week, and fans are encouraged to arrive early for the football game. Tailgating and vendor spaces must be reserved in advance through FSU Athletics. 

For More Information

For the complete parking adjustments, shuttle services, and game tickets, visit uncfsu.edu/homecoming.