The Road
Every Golden Bull took a different way out of Charlotte. Homecoming is the week the road runs back the other direction.
Johnson C. Smith University
No Place Like Smith: Follow the Golden Road — Johnson C. Smith University Homecoming 2026
One road. One weekend. Every Golden Bull home. Seven days on the Golden Road — the parade, the yard, and the Bulls back at Irwin Belk.
October 11–17, 2026Charlotte, N.C.
Kickoff vs. Lincoln (Pa.) Lions · Saturday, October 17, 2026
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Follow the Golden RoadNo Place Like SmithGolden BullsHomecoming 2026Charlotte, N.C.Beatties Ford Road
The 2026 Theme
There’s no place
like Smith
Homecoming follows the Golden Road home — down Beatties Ford, past the clock tower, onto the yard where it all started. Tradition, pride and Golden Bull spirit, all pointed in one direction.
The House
Biddle Hall has stood on this hill since 1883. Its clock tower is the landmark you look for when you know you're close.
The Gold
Blue and gold on Beatties Ford Road, from the parade route to the yard. You'll hear us before you see us.
The Week
Schedule of Events
October 11–17, 2026. Game day is locked in — the rest of the week is being released as the committee confirms it.
Game Day on the Golden Road
Saturday, October 17- 7:00 AMTailgate
Homecoming Tailgatin'
Tailgate Lot
Grills on at sunrise. Tents, tables and Golden Bull blue take over the lot before a single whistle blows.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMParade
Homecoming Parade
Lineup begins at House of Prayer
Floats, bands, Greeks and the whole West End out on Beatties Ford Road. Find a curb early.
- 11:00 AM – 7:00 PMFestival
Festi-BULL Part II
The Block
Eight hours of vendors, food and live sound on The Block. Part II goes bigger.
- 2:00 PMFootball
JCSU vs. Lincoln Lions
Irwin Belk Complex
Kickoff. The Golden Bulls host Lincoln (Pa.) with the whole house on its feet.
- 3:00 PM – 10:00 PMYardfest
Yardfest on the Ville
Humanities Lawn & Plots
The yard runs until ten. Strolls, sets and the reunion you actually came for.
Be Part of It
Get on the Road
Homecoming isn’t a spectator sport. Sell, sponsor, ride, shoot it — or just get your tickets before they’re gone.
Vendor applications are reviewed first-come, first-served and space is limited.
Plan Ahead
Know Before You Go
Beatties Ford Road gets full. Here’s how to get in, where to park, and what changes on Homecoming Saturday.
Getting to campus
Campus parking is limited and strongly discouraged on Homecoming Saturday. Plan your route before you leave.
- Ride the CATS #7 bus straight up Beatties Ford Road
- Carpool with your line, your class or your crew
- Uber and Lyft drop-offs are the fastest way in
The Gold Line is not running
The CityLynx Gold Line will NOT be operating during Homecoming. Standard CATS bus service continues as normal.
- CityLynx Gold Line — suspended for Homecoming
- CATS bus routes — running as scheduled
- Check CATS for day-of service updates
Park smart
Parking in surrounding neighborhoods or unapproved lots is at your own risk. JCSU is not responsible or liable for ticketed, booted or towed vehicles.
- Use approved lots only
- Do not block neighborhood driveways
- Towing and booting is enforced all weekend
Game day at Irwin Belk
Kickoff against Lincoln (Pa.) is at 2:00 PM. Gates, bag policy and seating follow standard JCSU Athletics game-day rules.
- Kickoff 2:00 PM at Irwin Belk Complex
- Buy tickets in advance through Urban Tix
- Arrive early — the tailgate starts at 7:00 AM
Still have a question?
Call the Homecoming line at 704.378.1000 or grab the parking map before you drive up.
Stay Connected
Join the Stampede
The rest of the week drops soon. Be first to get the full schedule, ticket drops and parade details straight to your inbox.
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