Changes Instituted for 2025 NCCU Homecoming
For HBCUs, homecoming is a very special time.
By Cash Michaels –
Students, parents, and alumni from across the state, nation, and even internationally, come together to enjoy a great football game, parties, concerts, class reunions and celebrate the proud legacy of their alma mater.
But when problems arise that threaten the sanctity and safety of homecoming activities, changes have to be made.
That’s what officials at North Carolina Central University in Durham want everyone who plans to attend Homecoming 2025 festivities to know, scheduled for October 17 to 25, 2025.
Called “The Ultimate Homecoming Experience 2025,” NCCU officials don’t want a repeat of what happened last year when there were two shooting incidents on campus, with four people—including one student—being struck by bullets during Saturday festivities. There was also a problem at last year’s NCCU Homecoming when a Friday night party given by students near Cheek and Hoover Roads caused a traffic jam that forced Durham police to intervene.
“Considering these challenges, and in alignment with best practices observed across higher education institutions, NCCU is proactively implementing changes to help ensure that our celebrations remain safe, organized and enjoyable for all,” NCCU officials said in a statement.
One of the big changes this year will be that NCCU’s campus will be shut down to the public at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18. All music will end at 6:30 p.m. All campus buildings will be closed to visitors.
There will also be no more general visitor parking on campus. All on-campus parking will be reserved for faculty, staff, and students. No golf carts or motorcycles will be allowed on campus or in any of the parking areas.
As for tailgating before the big NCCU homecoming game on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. against MEAC rivals Delaware State Hornets at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, many of the traditional tailgating lots, like Eagle alley, Lincoln Street, Tent City, and Miller Morgan are already sold out. The Vendor Village has been relocated to Nelson Street.
“We’re excited to welcome students, alumni, friends, and partners back to the sloping hills and verdant green—but we want everyone to be informed, prepared, and ready to celebrate responsibly,” NCCU officials say.
For more information, please go to nccu.edu/homecoming.
