N.C. A&T Launches 100-Day Countdown to Centennial Edition of Homecoming

In 1926, a young, growing Greensboro college launched its own version of a tradition that has since become a mainstay on campuses across America: homecoming. Just 35 years old at the time, the school did not yet have a large contingent of alumni — but what it lacked in numbers, it more than made up for in enthusiasm, with raucous crowds ringing the field at the homecoming football game. One hundred years later, that upstart college — North Carolina's first public college for African Americans — has grown into the largest historically Black university in America: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

On July 17, 2026, A&T leaders kicked off a 100-day countdown to the centennial edition of what is now widely known as the Greatest Homecoming on Earth (GHOE) with a virtual media availability that drew numerous news organizations and hundreds of alumni spectators. The milestone celebration is set for Sunday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 1, with events scheduled at scores of locations around Greensboro. What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a weeklong spectacle that now draws at least 150,000 attendees for top-tier concerts, a sprawling pep rally, an enormous alumni dinner and concert, dozens of community parties and, of course, the big game.

“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 dates and deadlines rolling out over the next month. Aggies and fans should mark their calendars:

“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 Relations Associate Vice Chancellor Crystal W. Boyce ’07, ’15 added, “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.”

The impact of GHOE reaches far beyond campus. In 2024, homecoming week drew a documented 132,000 attendees, and last fall it fueled nearly 175,000 homecoming-weekend visits to downtown Greensboro restaurants, bars and businesses. Organizers expect attendance to surpass 200,000 this fall — a major economic boost for the Piedmont Triad heading into the winter holidays. To keep the excitement building, A&T also unveiled an online trivia contest, “100 Days ’til Homecoming,” testing fans' knowledge of the university's history and milestones.

For HBCU Connect's community of students, alumni and supporters, the A&T centennial is a celebration of what our institutions represent — legacy, excellence, and unbreakable community. Whether you are an Aggie or simply love HBCU culture, this fall's Greatest Homecoming on Earth promises to be one for the history books. Links to the Centennial Store, trivia contest, hotel blocks, tickets and vendor and parade applications are all available at www.ncat.edu/homecoming/100. Media inquiries can be directed to Jackie Torok, media relations director, at jtorok@ncat.edu.