Virginia State’s ‘College Hill’ Homecoming Brings ESPN, Music and Trojan Traditions to Petersburg
Virginia State University is bringing thousands of Trojans back to the Hill Oct. 3–10 for a week of Homecoming traditions, music, alumni gatherings and football, with a national spotlight joining the celebration this year.
VSU’s 2026 Homecoming, themed “College Hill,” will feature a full week of activities leading into the Oct. 10 Homecoming game at Rogers Stadium. This year, however, one of the biggest events won’t be limited to the university’s traditional Homecoming schedule.
ESPN’s “First Take” will broadcast live from Virginia State on Friday, Oct. 9, as part of the show’s HBCU Tour. Stephen A. Smith and host Shae Cornette are scheduled to bring the nationally televised show to the Hill during one of VSU’s busiest weekends of the year. Additional information about the broadcast location and attendance is expected to be announced by the university.
The week begins with a late-night Pre-Dawn Party on Saturday, Oct. 3. Sunday’s events include a Gospel Concert at Daniel Gymnasium followed by the Lighting of the Stadium at Rogers Stadium.
Events continue throughout the week with a talent show, Day of Fun, Royal Coronation, organization bazaar and Wednesday night Hip Hop Concert. Thursday’s schedule includes a Young Alumni Panel Experience and NPHC Step Show.
Alumni programming expands Thursday with the First Lady’s fourth annual VSU Co-Ed Golf Tournament at Lake Chesdin Golf Club and the VSU Alumni Association’s Homecoming Game Night and Meet and Greet at the Appomattox Event Center in Petersburg. The $35 gathering will feature music, dancing and games including Spades, Bid Whist, Dominoes and Uno, with proceeds benefiting the VSUAA Tuition Assistance Fund.
Friday brings the Vendors Bazaar and pep rally before the Trojan Alumni & Friends Bar Crawl moves into Old Town Petersburg. The day concludes with Bonfire on the Hill from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Homecoming Saturday begins early.
The VSU Homecoming Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, on Chesterfield Avenue in front of Ettrick Elementary School. The route follows Boisseau Street and University Avenue through campus, exits the south gate onto Chesterfield Avenue, turns left onto Grove Avenue and ends at Sycamore and Old streets. VSU advises spectators to arrive early and motorists to plan for temporary road closures and delays.
The President’s Tailgate runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The $55 tailgate supports VSU’s Tuition Assistance Fund. Hospitality spaces open at noon before the Trojans face Livingstone College at 2 p.m. at Rogers Stadium.
The afternoon continues with an HBCU DJ Battle beginning at 4 p.m. on the Foster Hall Back Lawn.
Tickets and the complete schedule of events are available through Virginia State University’s Homecoming website.
Updated Oct. 2, 2026: The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. An earlier version listed 8 a.m. The route has been updated to reflect VSU’s Oct. 1 announcement.
