MTSU Blue Raiders are finding their way to ‘Camp Blue’ for Homecoming 2026

MTSU Blue Raiders are finding their way to ‘Camp Blue’ for Homecoming 2026

Kennedy Garrett MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dust off those hiking boots and grab some s’mores, because the Blue Raiders are headed to camp. Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Government Association and Alumni Association have planned a full week of events and activities for Homecoming 2026. This year’s theme, “Blue Raider Country: Meet me at Camp Blue,” promises a rustic good time. “I am incredibly excited to welcome our students, faculty, staff, alumni and entire Blue Raider community to Homecoming,” said Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett. “Homecoming is a time to celebrate our traditions, create new memories and welcome our alumni back home. Most importantly, it is a celebration of what brings us together as one Blue Raider family.” Homecoming will culminate in MTSU’s Blue Raiders facing off against their notorious rivals, the WKU Hilltoppers, in Floyd Stadium at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. A slew of Camp Blue events will lead up to game day, including time-honored traditions like the alumni picnic and new events like a spooky haunted house. “You can expect a cook-off, Camp Blue Bash full of games, crafts and a haunted house, themed events, and of course the Saturday fun with the parade, Party in the Grove and the rivalry football game,” said Kae Sigler, SGA’s homecoming and assistant events director. Ginger Freeman Camp Blue Bash’s haunted house in the James Union Building, adjacent to Walnut Grove, is a collaboration between Engage, Unions, Housing, College of Liberal Arts and Student Programming and Raider Entertainment, or SPARE. “It’s always special to welcome our alumni and community back to campus,” said Ginger Freeman, director of alumni relations. “Homecoming is a time to come together, reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and celebrate True Blue pride and spirit.” For further details and event registration information, visit the Alumni Association and Student Government Association webpages. Middle Tennessee State University’s Band of Blue keeps the beat going every year at the Homecoming Parade. The 2026 Homecoming parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, on East Main Street at Maney Avenue, before turning left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ending before Greenland Drive. (MTSU file photo by James Cessna) Homecoming Week Lineup Monday, Nov. 2 • Paint the Halls Blue | 1-4:30 p.m. | Around CampusAll departments and facilities are “strongly encouraged” by the Student Government Association to deck the halls Camp Blue-style for Homecoming week. Entry forms are due by noon Oct. 30 and judging begins Nov. 3. • Camp Blue Bash | 5-8 p.m. | Walnut Grove and JUB A Homecoming party featuring music, dancing, games and activities in Walnut Grove, with a spooky experience at the JUB Haunted House. Tuesday, Nov. 3 •  Lightning’s Campfire Cookoff | 5-7 p.m. | Student Union CommonsUniversity departments and student groups are invited to participate in the annual chili and mac and cheese cookoffs. Register by noon, Oct. 30, to compete. Wednesday, Nov. 4 • Kickback on the Sun Deck | 6-9 p.m. | Campus Recreation CenterBring blankets or camp chairs for an outdoor movie and activities at the Rec Center. Thursday, Nov. 5 • Horseshoe Pursuit | All day | Across campus via InstagramFollow @MTSUhomecoming on Instagram to participate in a campus-wide scavenger hunt. • Live at MTSU Concert Series | Doors open at 6 p.m. | Murphy CenterThe inaugural Live at MTSU concert features Bailey Zimmerman, Waka Flocka, special guests Miller Holler and Dee Jay Silver. Tickets for the show, which is sponsored by MTSU Athletics, are available here. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. • Weaving History Strand by Strand | 4:30 p.m.  | Walker Library, Room 444  This informative talk on the history of Victorian hair work features independent researcher and practicing hair artist Jody Johnson of Oaklands Mansion. Johnson will also give live demonstrations of traditional wirework and table-braiding methods. Middle Tennessee State University’s color guard marches past the Alumni House during a previous year’s Homecoming parade. The 2026 Homecoming parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, on East Main Street at Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro, Tenn., before turning left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ending before Greenland Drive. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli) Friday, Nov. 6 • National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show | 7 p.m. | Student Union BallroomMTSU’s NPHC Homecoming Step Show brings together all active Divine Nine fraternities and sororities on campus to celebrate culture, unity and the art of the step. Tickets are $10 and will be available here when sales go live. • Golden Raiders Reunion | 9:30 a.m. | Sam Ingram BuildingThe MTSU National Alumni Association will honor the Class of 1976 with an induction lunch and ceremony.Golden Raiders who graduated prior to 1976 and have yet to be inducted are also invited to participate. Past inductees are encouraged to share in the induction of the newest class. Purchase ticketshere.• Alumni Awards Reception | 4 p.m. | Sam Ingram BuildingA reception recognizing the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards and True Blue Citations of Distinction. • Social Work 50th Anniversary | 5-7 p.m. | MTSU Academic Classroom BuildingMTSU’s Department of Social Work reception will recognize alumni, faculty and community partners in celebration of the department’s 50th anniversary. See details here. • Blue Raider Sports Hall of Fame Induction | 6 p.m. | Floyd StadiumRegister here for the ceremony to honor this year’s Blue Raider Sports Hall of Fame inductees. • Alumni Homecoming Party | 8 p.m.-midnight | James Union Building Hosted by the MTSU Black Alumni Society. Tickets are available here and include complimentary bar and appetizers. Middle Tennessee State University’s Homecoming court members from years gone by wave to parade-goers along Middle Tennessee Boulevard. The 2026 Homecoming parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Starting on East Main Street at Maney Avenue, the parade turns left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ends before Greenland Drive. (MTSU file photo by Andy Heidt) Saturday, Nov. 7 • Mixer on Middle Parade Watch Party | 9:30 a.m. | 2259 Middle Tennessee Blvd.MTSU’s annual Alumni Association watch party offers prime parade views with music, souvenir photos and bounce houses. Middle Tennessee Electric will serve grilled cheese sandwiches from their electric griddle. No reservations needed, camping chairs are recommended and parking is available in the back Ingram lot. • Homecoming Parade | 10 a.m. | Main Street to Middle Tennessee Boulevard  MTSU’s most iconic tradition marches down East Main Street starting at Maney Avenue, turns left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ends before Greenland Drive. Community members, groups and businesses are welcome to join the parade lineup by registering here. • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Luncheon | 11 a.m. | The Boulevard Bar and GrilleSAE alumni and guests will gather to celebrate MTSU’s Homecoming after the parade. •Alumni Tailgate BBQ Lunch | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Walnut Grove TentPurchase tickets to MTSU Alumni Association’s annual Homecoming lunch here and join family, friends and fans for Slick Pig in Walnut Grove immediately following the parade. • Social Work 50th Anniversary Lunch | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Walnut Grove TentCelebrate 50 years of social work at MTSU right next to the Alumni Association tent and enjoy Slick Pig with family, friends and fans immediately following the parade. Purchase tickets here. • SBCME Alumni Homecoming Bash | noon-2 p.m. | Bragg BuildingScott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment alums are invited back to Bragg for an exclusive pregame gathering featuring appetizers, music and time to reconnect before kickoff. RSVP here. • Party In the Grove | 11:30 a.m. | Walnut Grove This year’s Homecoming tailgate features independent singer-songwriter Grace Leer, whose time on the television show “American Idol” launched her into the spotlight. Her 12:30 p.m. performance is bookended by Raider Walk at noon and the Follow Me to Floyd march at 2 p.m. • Blue Raiders vs. Hilltoppers | 2:30 p.m. | Floyd StadiumCheer on MTSU’s Blue Raiders as they take on notorious rivals, the WKU Hilltoppers, for Homecoming 2026. — Cat Curtis Murphy (cat.curtismurphy@mtsu.edu) In this file photo, Middle Tennessee State University’s spirit program, including mascot Lightning, marches in Raider Walk during tailgating tradition Party in the Grove on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. This year’s Homecoming tailgate features independent singer-songwriter Grace Leer at 12:30 p.m. Her performance is bookended by Raider Walk at noon and the Follow Me to Floyd march at 2 p.m. (MTSU file photo by Cat Curtis Murphy)