100 Years of Coming Home

How A&T Homecoming Became a Greensboro Tradition

In 1926, North Carolina A&T began a Homecoming tradition that would eventually become one of the university's most recognizable celebrations.

A&T was only 35 years old. The university's archival research indicates that the first Homecoming centered around football, with the Aggies facing Hampton. While many details of that first celebration have been lost, the university recognizes 1926 as the beginning of its Homecoming tradition.

Over the decades, Homecoming grew far beyond football.

Parades, concerts, coronations, alumni gatherings, student activities and celebrations throughout Greensboro became part of the experience. Generations of Aggies began making the annual journey back to their alma mater.

Today, Homecoming extends throughout Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad. A&T reported 132,000 documented attendees in 2024, while Downtown Greensboro recorded nearly 175,000 Homecoming-weekend visits in 2025. The university estimates that Homecoming generates more than $50 million in annual regional economic impact.

In 2026, A&T celebrates its centennial Homecoming.

One hundred years of football.
One hundred years of music.
One hundred years of friendships and reunions.

And most importantly, 100 years of Aggies coming home.

Part of 100 Years of Aggie Stories on GHOEGuide. GHOEGuide.com is an independent, unofficial guide and is not affiliated with North Carolina A&T State University.