100-Day Countdown to Centennial Edition of Homecoming Begins

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 17, 2026)  ̶  In 1926, a young, growing Greensboro college launched its own version of what has become a mainstay on campuses across America: homecoming. Just 35 years old, the college didn’t have a large contingent of alumni, but what they lacked in numbers, they more than made up in enthusiasm, with raucous crowds that ringed the field at the homecoming football game.

One hundred years later, that upstart college – North Carolina’s first public college for African Americans – has evolved into the largest historically Black university in America: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Its annual homecoming tradition has grown into what is widely known as the Greatest Homecoming on Earth, a weeklong celebration that now draws at least 150,000 attendees to Greensboro to enjoy top-tier concerts, a sprawling pep rally, an enormous alumni dinner and concert, dozens of major community parties and, of course, the big game.

In honor of the centennial edition of homecoming set for this fall, N.C. A&T leaders kicked off a 100-day countdown to the Greatest Homecoming on Earth today with a virtual media availability that drew numerous news organizations and hundreds of alumni spectators. The big celebration is set for Sunday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 1, with events scheduled at scores of locations around Greensboro.

“Homecoming is special at every college and university, but A&T homecoming is in a league of its own,” Chancellor James R. Martin II told attendees. “This year’s homecoming parade, football game and the homecoming hip-hop concert will all take place on Saturday, Oct. 31 – Halloween – taking the excitement to a whole new level.”

Organizers shared a cascade of important homecoming dates and deadlines coming over the next month, including the opening of A&T room blocks in area partner hotels to the general public and alumni July 27, the Aug. 3 sale date of individual football game tickets to homecoming vs. Elon University and other Aggie home games and the pending announcements of the entertainer lineups for alumni and student events, to be determined.

“To honor 100 years of excellence at A&T, this year’s homecoming celebration will not be limited to a week of events throughout the Piedmont Triad, but will feature additional events and activities through the end of the calendar year,” said Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Tamara Michel Josserand.

Alumni leaders shared links to the online Centennial Store, that will contain branded A&T homecoming gear, including new high-end Aggie luggage, and deadlines for vendor applications for on-campus sales and entries in the homecoming parade.

“You only turn 100 once, and we plan to make the most of it this fall. As we celebrate a century of memories, achievements, and Aggie pride, we look forward to bringing generations of Aggies together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ”said Alumni Relations Associate Vice Chancellor Crystal W. Boyce ‘07, ‘15.

Organizers also unveiled an online trivia contest, “100 Days ‘til Homecoming,” that will test fans’ knowledge about the history and milestones of A&T. Links to the contest and all of the items noted above are available at www.ncat.edu/homecoming/100.

A&T leaders said that as special as homecoming is to Aggies, it’s every bit as meaningful to the rest of the Greensboro community, especially businesses that serve the legion of Aggies who travel in for the week.