Thanks for joining us!

Homecoming and Family Weekend

Oct. 16 — 18, 2026
 

Welcome back, Hornets!

Homecoming is a cherished annual tradition, a unique opportunity to rekindle old ties, reminisce about your time on campus, and build lasting relationships within the University of Lynchburg community. This year, we're thrilled to combine Homecoming with our Family Weekend, inviting alumni, current students, parents, donors, friends, faculty, and staff to celebrate the strong bonds that define us. We've planned a multitude of events to ensure a fun, and memorable experience for everyone.

Tailgating at the University of Lynchburg during Homecoming and Family Weekend is an opportunity for all members of the Lynchburg community to gather in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. 

The University-sanctioned tailgating area is specifically designated as the parking lot behind Hopwood Hall, extending from the front of the Psychology Building to the side of Carnegie Hall and into part of the Dell. This is the only area on campus where tailgating activities are permitted.

During the tailgating event, attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, beverages, grills, chairs, and pop-up tents. You can park your car, van, or truck in your assigned 8.5-by-15-foot parking space. Recreational vehicles, trailers, and other similar large vehicles are not allowed in the tailgating area.

Each spot costs $125. Buy a spot in the lot with friends! Classes will be assigned together, so you can easily find your friends. Got a group of friends/cars that want to be together? Let us know when you register. Parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis when registering and paying.

Tailgate Spot Contests

  • Best Food: Judged on flavor and presentation
  • Best Spirit: Decorate your spot with Lynchburg red, decorations, and plenty of flair!

We hope you’ll take part in these contests, judged by members of the Lynchburg Alumni Board. We’ll even have prizes for the winners! The Fretwell Band will provide live music.

Definition

Tailgating is defined as parking in a designated area and/or setting up non-permanent facilities, such as tables and chairs, to consume food and beverages. For individuals of legal age, alcohol may be permitted on the premises outlined below.

The University of Lynchburg does not sanction the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by underage persons; nor does it sanction the violation of federal, state, local law, or campus policy.

Overview

Tailgating is an opportunity for all members of the Lynchburg community — alumni, students, parents, donors, friends, faculty, and staff to gather during Homecoming in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.

Per University Policy and Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority regulations, the parking lot behind Hopwood Hall, from the Psychology Building to Carnegie Hall and into part of the Dell, has been designated as the University-sanctioned tailgating area. Activities in this designated area may include the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons who are 21 years of age or older only. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the University of Lynchburg campus property is subject to Virginia statute and University policies and regulations. All members of the Lynchburg community and campus visitors are expected to obey all laws and regulations.

The following tailgating policies are designed to promote a fun and safe atmosphere for Homecoming and are intended to ensure the safety of all those in attendance. Those with reserved tailgating parking spaces, as well as any other attendees, are expected to ensure that all policies are followed. To ensure the appropriate environment is maintained, the University reserves the right to revoke the tailgating privileges of any individual(s) for reasons of safety, disruption of the peace, or failure to adhere to policies and regulations. Students may also be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in The Hornet student handbook.

Important Note: Violators are subject to the provisions of Virginia law and removal from the University of Lynchburg property. Campus Safety and Security officers and the Lynchburg City Police Department will maintain an active presence during all tailgating activities and will respond accordingly to any violations or emergencies.

Regulations

Location & Times
  • University-sanctioned tailgating activities are only permitted on Saturday of Homecoming & Family Weekend from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Because the tailgating event is an all-day event, people who have reserved a parking space must enter the tailgating area between 10 and 11 a.m., and the lot is open to all attendees from 11 a.m.  to 5 p.m. Those with a parking spot MAY NOT remove their vehicle from the tailgating area until 5 p.m. If you are staying for the late athletic game, you may remain in your parking spot, BUT at 5 p.m., you must pack your tailgate supplies up and place them in your vehicle. Vehicles may only leave outside of that time frame for an emergency, at which point they’d need to contact the Office of Alumni & External Engagement staff.
  • The University-sanctioned tailgating area is the parking lot behind Hopwood Hall, which extends from the front of the Psychology Building to the side of Carnegie Hall and into part of the Dell. This is the ONLY space on campus where tailgating activities are permitted.
  • Alumni, guests of alumni, faculty, staff, registered attendees, and current students will be allowed to attend the tailgating event without reserving a parking space.
  • Emergency access lanes must be maintained at all times. Do not block these areas.
  • Tailgate parking in the designated lot is assigned and only those who purchased a spot are allowed to park in the designated spots. Parking is prohibited in grassy areas, on parking lot islands, medians, and shoulders of streets.
  • Tailgating parking spots are available for purchase at $125 per spot on a first-come, first-served basis. They are available for purchase via the Homecoming registration webpage.
  • For 2026, we will have a limited number of grass tailgate spots available between Hopwood Hall and Carnegie Hall. These spots are $50 per spot. These spots will not be allowed any tents, grills, or cars. These are only meant for chairs, coolers and food not requiring open flames. The same ABC rules and regulations apply to these spots. We cannot accommodate group requests for the grass spots. If you would like to be grouped with others purchasing tailgate spots, please purchase a normal $125 spot.  We will do our best to accommodate space requests, but cannot guarantee requests. 
  • Reservations for Tailgating spots will go live at the end of July. 
  • Each spot is measured at 8.5 x 15 ft. Please note that a 10 x 10 ft tent requires two spots (and tents are only available in parking spots, not grass spots). Tailgate parking spots are assigned, and only those who purchased a parking spot are allowed to park in the designated spots.
  • One parking pass will be issued per Tailgate parking spot. The pass must hang from the rearview mirror and be visible at all times.

The Tailgate Pass Holder shall become the Social Host and, therefore, will be responsible for the behavior and safety of his or her guests during and after the Homecoming Tailgate. The Tailgate Pass Holder will acknowledge acceptance of the Agreement at the time of purchase of the Tailgate Spot for 2026.

The Social Host will:

    • oversee everyone and everything he or she brings into their tailgate spot and assures their health and safety at all times. 
    • inform his or her guests of the University’s Tailgating Policy.
    • coordinate all activities in their Tailgate spot, which may include supplying food, beverages, and alcohol to their guests. 
    • regulate the consumption of alcohol and behavior of their guests in compliance with the regulations and statutes of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC).
  • The Social Host may not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone other than his or her guests. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires a license before a person can sell, trade or give away alcoholic beverages. A violation of this law is a felony.
  • No underage consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in the Tailgate spots.
    • Individuals under the age of 21 found to be in possession of and consuming alcoholic beverages will have their and their Social Host’s Tailgating privileges revoked indefinitely. Their group will also be asked to leave the premises immediately.
    • Any underage Lynchburg student found in possession of and consuming alcoholic beverages will be subject to disciplinary action via The Hornet Student Handbook as well as any federal, state, or local laws. On top of this, their and their Social Host’s Tailgating privileges will also be revoked indefinitely.
  • All persons of legal drinking age (21 or older) will have wristbands placed on their arm to identify that they are of legal drinking age.
  • No alcohol may be sold on the premises.
  • No student organization or unauthorized group may distribute alcohol.
  • Individuals consuming alcohol can be asked to provide legal identification and proof of age to University staff and/or law enforcement at any time for any reason. 
  • Individuals without proper identification are subject to penalty and will be asked to leave the tailgate.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages on any other part of campus outside of the designated tailgating area, including but not limited to campus buildings, part of the Dell that is outside of the designated area, city streets, athletic fields or stands, etc., is prohibited.
  • Drinking games and the use of devices intended to accelerate the consumption of alcohol (including but not limited to funnels or beer bongs) are prohibited. This includes table games such as flip cup, beer pong, beer die or any other game that accelerates or encourages excessive drinking. 
  • Common source containers of alcohol meant for transporting, sharing, serving, and/or mixing alcohol in large quantities are prohibited. These containers include but are not limited to kegs, mini kegs, etc.
  • Open source alcohol containers or any receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverage that is open or has a broken seal are prohibited. 
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Commonwealth drinking and driving laws will be enforced in and around the tailgating area as well as the entire campus.

 

The Social Host must make sure that food and non-alcoholic beverages are also available at their tailgate spots. 

  • Fires are only allowed in above-ground, enclosed containers (only in parking lot spaces, not grass spots).
  • After grilling, extinguish all flames and coals before leaving the tailgating area at the end of the last athletic event.
  • Do not dispose of coals or ashes in a dumpster or garbage cans — ash disposal cans will be available and clearly marked in the tailgating area.
  • Open flame fires and bonfires are prohibited.
  • Keep your areas clean at all times, especially after you pack up. 
  •  
  • Individuals are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times. Individuals acting in a manner that is disrespectful, disruptive, or disorderly will be asked to leave the premises or be subject to citation or arrest.
  • Noise levels for personal music (either coming from a car stereo or portable speakers in the tailgating area) must be kept at a reasonable volume.
  • Any current Lynchburg student found to be acting in a disruptive manner may be subject to disciplinary action via The Hornet student handbook as well as any federal, state, or local laws.
  • The tailgate spots are a non-smoking zone. Smoking and vaping or the use of e-cigarettes are only permitted outside of tailgating area.
  •  
  • Transportation of people in the backs/beds of trucks is prohibited. Nor should people be allowed to stand in or on top of vehicles.
  • Food will be available for purchase during the tailgating event. 
  • Keep your tailgating festivities to your designated areas and please ensure that neither you nor your things will obstruct high traffic areas around you.
  • For the safety of all in attendance, the use of recreational items such as bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, in-line skates, and motorized vehicles such as scooters, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, and golf carts are prohibited within the tailgating area.
  • Recreational vehicles, trailers, and other similar large vehicles are not allowed in the tailgating area.
  • Animals are permitted in the tailgate spots, but must be leashed to, in control of, and with the owner at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
  • The safety and security of personal property is the sole responsibility of its owner and, as such, do not leave any personal property unattended. The tailgate area is a non-smoking zone.
  • Contact Campus Safety and Security (434.544.8100) for all emergencies. Also, notify the Office of Alumni and External Engagement at the alumni tent.

FAQs

Children are welcome at the tailgate.

However, if you are looking for a family-friendly event without alcohol, we are pleased to announce that this year’s Homecoming will coincide with the Parents and Family Weekend celebration, which will be happening on the other side of the campus.

Please remember that parents must supervise their children at all times and comply with the regulations and statutes of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) regarding alcohol consumption. The parking spot pass holder or the social host is responsible for informing their guests about this rule.

You can attend the tailgate without having a spot of your own. However, you still need to check in to enter the tailgate and must comply with all the regulations and statutes of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). Parking spots for the tailgate are sold and assigned in advance, so it is highly recommended that you register to attend this event. You must have your government-issued photo ID with your birthdate to enter.

Yes, to enter the tailgate area, you must check-in. At check-in, you will be asked to show proof of age. Please bring your government-issued photo ID with you to be scanned at check-in.

If you want to buy a spot, you must register through our online form, which will become available in July. Once you have paid for your spot and acquired a pass, this automatically designates you as a social host. A social host is defined as a person who coordinates the activities at the tailgate spot and is responsible for alcohol consumption, behavior, and safety of his/her guests during and after the tailgate event.

You do not need to register if you want to attend the tailgate without a spot.

For $125, you can buy a spot for the day. Bring your vehicle, food, beverages of choice, a tent, coolers, etc. You may use the 8.5-by-15-foot tailgate spot with or without a car. A 10-by-10-foot tent does not fit in one parking spot.

The tailgate at Lynchburg is during Homecoming. It’s a time to celebrate classes in reunion, connect with fellow Hornets, and come together on campus. The tailgate occurs at the Hopwood Hall parking lot on Oct. 17th, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food, beverages of choice, tent, coolers (no kegs or open-source containers), grills, pop-up chairs, etc.

Common-source containers of alcohol meant for transporting, sharing, serving, and/or mixing alcohol in large quantities are prohibited. These containers include but are not limited to kegs, mini kegs, etc.

Open-source alcohol containers  and any receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverage that is open or has a broken seal are prohibited.

If you bought a tailgating spot, you must park in your assigned spot. For all other vehicles, please park at the Hobbs-Sigler and the Thompson Hall lots (see a campus map for locations). Recreational vehicles, trailers, and other similar, large vehicles are not allowed in the tailgating area.

All alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Lynchburg are welcome.

Sponsorships

Interested in being a part of Lynchburg’s Homecoming festivities and gaining exposure for your business at the same time?
Sign up to be a Homecoming sponsor!

We anticipate having 2,000 alumni, parents, and friends on campus throughout the weekend’s festivities, giving you ample opportunities to promote your business and connect with the Hornet family. 

  • $2,500+: Free tailgate spot, and goodie bag; company logo on the University of Lynchburg Homecoming website, signage at Homecoming, displayed on the scoreboard, and a play-by-play announcer mention.
  • $1,000-$2,499: Free tailgate spot and goodie bag;  company logo on the University of Lynchburg Homecoming website and signage at Homecoming.
  • $500-$999:  Company logo on the University of Lynchburg Homecoming website and signage at Homecoming

Book your hotel room early! Rooms fill up fast, as many activities take place during this weekend in Lynchburg. See the list below of area hotels to help in your planning of attending Homecoming!

Hotel Address Contact Info Miles From Campus
Acorn Hill Lodge 2134 Old Forest Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434.528.0983 1.1
Baymont by Wyndham Lynchburg 2815 Candlers Mountain Road
Lynchburg, Virginia 24502
434.509.4094 3.2
Bella Vista Hotel & Suites 2900 Candlers Mountain Road
Lynchburg, Virginia 24502-2212
434.237.6333
866.510.6333
4.2
Cloverlea Farmhouse
Claytor Nature Center
1650 Cloverlea Ln.
Bedford, VA 24523
[email protected] 23.7
Craddock Terry Hotel 1312 Commerce St.
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434.455.1500 4.1
Hampton Inn & Suites 3600 Liberty Mountain Dr.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.608.1224 6.8
Holiday Inn Express 5600 Seminole Ave.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.237.7771 3.7
La Quinta Inn & Suites Lynchburg 3320 Candler’s Mountain Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.847.8655
800.753.3757
4.8
Lynchburg Grand Hotel
(former Holiday Inn Downtown)
601 Main St.
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434.528.2500 2.8
Microtel by Wyndham 5704 Seminole Ave.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.239.2300
800.466.1589
3.5
Quality Inn & Suites 5604 Seminole Ave.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.237.2704 3.5
Residence Inn Lynchburg 2630 Wards Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.237.2704 3.8
SpringHill Suites Lynchburg 15171 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.616.4000 6.8
The Virginian Hotel 712 Church St.
Lynchburg, VA 24504
434.329.3200 2.8
Wintergreen Resort Route 664
Wintergreen, VA 22958
434.325.2200 55

This event will be photographed/videoed. By attending, you grant University of Lynchburg permission to use photographs and/or audio-visual recordings in which you appear, now and in the future, for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, and trade, or any other purpose. If you do not want to be photographed, please notify a member of the media team at the event.

Have a question?

Contact

Headshot of Tom Burrowes

Tom Burrowes ’93, ’21 MA

434.544.8431
Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations
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