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 JJ Hairston, Ricky Dillard and Melvin Crispell III. The concert will be hosted by Will Johnson of Choir Rehearsal with Friends. Advance tickets are $30; tickets at the door are $40.
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. Advance tickets are $45; tickets at the door are $60.
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. Tickets are $85.
- 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. General admission is $59. Tables are $129-$137.
- *The Ultimate Homecoming Experience Step Show, 7–10:30 p.m., McDougald-McLendon Arena. Advance tickets are $30; tickets at the door are $50.
- The Soarée: An Elevated NCCU Homecoming Experience, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 4700 Emperor Blvd. (Sold Out)
Saturday, Oct. 25
- *NCCU vs. Delaware State Football Game, 1 p.m., O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Reserved bleacher seats are $64; general admission is $54; and lawn seats are $30.
- 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 are 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.