Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
At a news conference Wednesday, Tuskegee University leaders shared the latest on their much-anticipated Homecoming activities, and with new safety and security measures in place. “Homecoming 101: The Renaissance” is the theme for this year’s events Oct. 26 through Nov. 2.
Dr. Mark A. Brown ’86, president and CEO, Tuskegee University Police Department Chief Kareem Easley, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Student of Affairs Dr. Rolundus R. Rice III and Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin highlighted the excitement around the annual event and what alumni and friends who attend should expect.
“We are elated to announce our plans for Homecoming 101: The Renaissance,” said Dr. Rice.
“There is no homecoming like a Tuskegee Homecoming,” said Dr. Brown. “None of these changes will stop that joy, but they will be done with security in mind as security will be at the forefront of everything we do.”
Most notable of the changes this year
The entire campus will be closed to visitor vehicle traffic from 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 2 at 7 a.m.
Only students, faculty, staff or All Sports Pass holders with university IDs will be allowed to park on campus during that period.
For those attending events during the weekend, the university is encouraging guests to use complimentary bus shuttle service. The university will provide ongoing shuttle service to and from two pre-paid parking lots located at Tuskegee Institute Middle School (TIMS), 1809 Franklin Rd. (sold-out for Saturday) and Booker T. Washington High School, 3803 W Martin Luther King Hwy.
All event-goers will be subject to the use of metal detection devices while on campus.
“The Tuskegee University Police Department is working with outside law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe homecoming for everyone,” said Chief Easley. “We also remind all visitors that weapons are prohibited on campus and all visitors may be subject to search by either being wanded or passing through a metal detector. We are doing everything possible to make sure everyone has a safe and successful homecoming.”
The university announced a complete overview of scheduled events, requirements for entry, event end times, parking restrictions, and complementary shuttle service, in a Know Before You Go post to their website last week.
Game Day
Tuskegee University welcomes Lane College for the game, which starts at 2 p.m. at Cleve Abbott Stadium.
“We’re excited for everyone coming back, giving back, representing Tuskegee with culture, class and civility,” said Athletic Director Ruffin.
“New this year, the sideline requires a visitor sideline pass or other approved credential to be on the sideline,” he added. “We have added this protocol to protect our student athletes and those student athletes visiting us from Lane College.”
Shuttles to Cleve Abbott Stadium begin at 11 a.m. from the TIMS and BTW lots. Buses will begin a regular return rotation from Logan Hall to return to TIMS/BTW at 11:15 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
“When the game is over, traditionally at Mother Tuskegee, we walk up the hill, we go the Avenue, we go to our favorite spot and we socialize,” said Dr. Brown. “The same thing will happen this year, the only difference is we will stop at 9 p.m.”
The last shuttle for both off-site parking locations will leave campus at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“The old and new will come together, as they always have,” said Dr. Brown who is looking forward to sharing a variety of planned events this homecoming season with alumni, students, faculty and staff.
“Find your favorite part – the pageantry of the royal court, or the full tapestry of our culture on display during the parade, it could be the soulful sounds of the Marching Crimson Pipers marching band, or it might be sharing the authentic joy and laughter of people you haven’t seen for at least year that you can’t wait to get back and see,” he said. “Come prepared to enjoy all of it.”
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