North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University celebrated its 98th annual homecoming in grand style last month, welcoming a staggering minimum of 131,753 Aggie alums, fans, friends, and supporters to a weeklong series of events. According to organizers, the event has set a new attendance record, which could still be even higher once final figures are calculated.
The impressive turnout of attendees was verified through crowd measures conducted by law enforcement both on the ground and from the air. This accounts for key events such as the homecoming parade, tailgating activities, and the football game against Hampton University. Ticketed events, including the Coronation of the North Carolina A&T royal court and numerous alumni luncheons, also drew large crowds.
Making An Impact On and Off Campus
Crystal W. Boyce, associate vice chancellor, expressed pride in “the Greatest Homecoming on Earth.” She emphasized the celebration’s significant impact on the local economy, generating millions in revenue through lodging, dining, retail purchases, and event ticket sales. With its student body numbering 14,311, A&T remains America’s largest historically Black college or university for the 11th consecutive year.
This year’s festivities saw numerous Greensboro hotels completely booked, with the Koury Conference Center selling out its designated homecoming rooms within just five minutes after reservations opened. The homecoming football game sold out two months before kickoff. In response, the university installed additional bleachers to accommodate an extra 1,500 fans, resulting in an official game attendance of 23,016.
The energy wasn’t confined to the stadium; the homecoming parade and the city’s Aggie Fan Fest, featuring food, music, and retail vendors, attracted tens of thousands of participants. The Fan Fest alone drew around 47,000 visitors over the weekend.
A Time To Celebrate and Give Back
In addition to the celebrations, the homecoming also served as a time of giving. Over 2,100 Aggies participated in the Homecoming Giving Challenge, raising funds for student and academic needs and supporting the 1891 Challenge, which directly benefits student financial aid. Aggies also donated non-perishable food items and made monetary contributions to the Aggie Source to assist food-insecure students.
The anticipation is already building for the 99th annual homecoming, scheduled for October 5-12, 2025.
