The IIOS in the stands behind the Johnson C. Smith University banner on game day

Home/Homecoming

Homecoming
2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026 · JCSU vs. Lincoln (Pa.) · Irwin Belk Complex. The parade, the halftime, the fifth quarter and the Alumni Band.

Kickoff at Irwin Belk Complex

Bulls on
the Ground

Homecoming Saturday

The Day,
Hour by Hour

The University’s published Homecoming Saturday schedule, with the band’s commitments marked. The IIOS marches the parade in the morning and plays pregame, halftime and the fifth quarter in the afternoon.

7 a.m. Homecoming Tailgaitin’ Tailgate Lot Campus
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Homecoming Parade Lineup begins at House of Prayer The IIOS marches the full route. Band
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Festi-BULL Part II The Block Campus
Kickoff at 2 p.m. JCSU vs. Lincoln Lions Irwin Belk Complex Pregame, halftime and the fifth quarter. Band
3 – 10 p.m. Yardfest on the Ville Humanities Lawn & Plots Campus

Times as published by the University. Band report times are issued by the staff during Homecoming week.

What the band plays

Three Sets,
One Day

The Parade

  • Lineup begins at House of Prayer
  • Steps off at 10 a.m.
  • Full band, drumline and every auxiliary
  • The best place to catch the IIOS up close

Pregame & Halftime

  • Irwin Belk Complex — kickoff at 2 p.m.
  • Tunnel entrance and pregame
  • The Homecoming halftime show
  • Stands tunes through all four quarters

The Fifth Quarter

  • After the final whistle, the band keeps playing
  • Current members and Alumni Band together
  • Stay in your seats — this is the one you came for

Around Campus

  • Tailgatin’ opens at 7 a.m. in the Tailgate Lot
  • Festi-BULL Part II runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on The Block
  • Yardfest on the Ville, 3 to 10 p.m.

Smithites, welcome home

The Alumni
Band

If you served your time in the IIOS and have graduated, Homecoming is your weekend. The Alumni Band marches and plays the fifth quarter alongside the current band, coordinated through the band office by the Alumni Band Coordinator.

Who Can Play

  • Former members of the IIOS who have graduated
  • Not open to currently enrolled undergraduates
  • All sections, including the auxiliaries

How to Register

  • Email the band office to be added to the roster
  • Rehearsal and report times go out to registered alumni
  • Bring your own instrument where you can
Register by Email

Give Back

  • Homecoming is the program’s biggest giving weekend
  • Gifts fund instruments, uniforms, travel and scholarships
  • Sponsorships are arranged directly with the band
Ways to Give

Before you come

Getting Here

Homecoming brings out a crowd and campus parking is limited — the University reserves it for students, staff working events and permit holders.

Getting to Campus

  • The #7 CATS bus runs to campus
  • Carpooling and rideshare are encouraged
  • The CityLynx Gold Line does not operate on Homecoming day
  • Come early, before the parade closes streets

Parking

  • Campus parking is limited and reserved
  • Parking in surrounding neighbourhoods is at your own risk
  • JCSU is not responsible for ticketed, booted or towed vehicles

Tickets

  • Buy Homecoming football tickets in advance
  • The parade and Festi-BULL are free to attend
University Homecoming Page

See You on
the Route

Questions about the parade, the Alumni Band or performing during Homecoming week — email the band directly.

jcsubands@jcsu.edu Full Season