The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Returns with Week of Tradition, Pride and Star Power

The Ultimate Homecoming Experience at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) from Friday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, bringing a week packed with tradition, pride and star-powered entertainment.

This year's line-up features some of the biggest names in music and comedy.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m., the Gospel Concert will raise the roof at McDougald-McLendon Arena with performances by Imani Joi, JJ Hairston, Melvin Crispell III and Ricky Dillard. The concert will be hosted by Will Johnson and Choir Rehearsal with Friends.

Then, on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m., get ready for laughs and beats at the Comedy and Hip-Hop Concert featuring Zeddy Will, DC Young Fly and G Herbo in McDougald-McLendon Arena.

And that is just the beginning. Here's a look the week's signature events:

Friday, Oct. 17:

• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Countdown, 10:30 p.m. to midnight, McDougald-McLendon Arena

Saturday, Oct. 18:

• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Parade, 9 a.m., Fayetteville Street
• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Health Fair, 1-4 p.m., L.T. Walker Physical Education and Recreation Complex

Monday, Oct. 20:

• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Coronation of Miss and Mister NCCU, 6-8 p.m., McDougald-McLendon Arena

Tuesday, Oct. 21

• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience 10:40 Break, 10:40 a.m. - noon, Library Bowl

Wednesday, Oct. 22

• Pepsi HBCU Tailgate Tour, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Annie Day Courtyard
• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Chicken Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., W.G. Pearson Dining Hall

Thursday, Oct. 23

• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Old School Greek Stroll-Off, 10:40 a.m. - noon, Library Bowl
• All Class Reunion Dinner and Presentation of Gifts, 7 p.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 4700 Emperor Blvd.*
• Back at the Nest Young Alumni Meetup, 8 p.m., Houston's Bar & Lounge, 108 E. Main St., Suite 201*

Friday, Oct. 24

• 78th Annual Founder's Day, Class of 1975 Induction in Society of Golden Eagles, 9 - 11 a.m., McDougald-McLendon Arena
• Wreath Laying Ceremony, 11 a.m., James E. Shepard Administration Circle
• D-9 Alumni and Friends Eagle Alley Tent Party, 1-6 p.m., Outdoor Track and Field*
• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Step Show, 7-10:30 p.m., McDougald-McLendon Arena*
• The Soarée: An Elevated NCCU Homecoming Experience, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 4700 Emperor Blvd.

Saturday, Oct. 25

• NCCU vs. Delaware State Football Game, 1 p.m., O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium*
• The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Post-game Social, 4-6 p.m., Library Bowl

Campus Guidelines

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable Homecoming.

• Parking and Transportation: On-campus parking for Oct. 24-25 is reserved for faculty, staff and students; no general visitor parking is available. A limited number of ADA-accessible spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. Additional parking is available at Durham Station (downtown) and Durham Technical Community College, with shuttle service provided for a minimal fee per rider. Golf carts and motorcycles are not permitted on campus.
  
• Tailgating & Closures: Tailgating ends by 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, except in designated RV lots. The campus will close by 7 p.m. All campus buildings will be closed to visitors, with security personnel monitoring entrances.
  
• Event Entry & Security: Attendees at McDougald-McLendon Arena or O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium will be screened by metal detectors. The clear bag policy will be in effect. Permissible bags must be clear and smaller than 12" x 12" x 6". Exceptions apply for medical and baby needs. Small clutches or wristlets (under 4.5" x 6.5" x 1") are allowed.

Ticket & Media Information

• *Homecoming event tickets will be available for sale at the  NCCU Ticket Office or online at nccu.edu/homecoming.
• Media credential requests can be submitted here.
• Artist photos can be viewed here.

General Information
For a complete schedule of events, visit nccu.edu/homecoming.