Come Home to Gardner-Webb: Homecoming 2026 Offers Something for Every Bulldog

Annual Celebration Features Reunions, Athletic Events, Family Activities and Weeklong Bulldog Cares Food Pantry Collection Drive

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University’s Homecoming 2026 will combine celebration and service as alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends gather Nov. 6-8 for athletic events, reunions, worship opportunities and longstanding campus traditions. Leading up to the weekend, the campus and community will also have the opportunity to support the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry.

“One of the things I love most about Homecoming is seeing Bulldogs of all generations come together,” said Shannon Hovis, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. “From reconnecting with old friends to making new memories with family, there truly is something for everyone. We hope every Bulldog will find a reason to come home and celebrate with us.”

Bulldog Cares Collection Drive Kicks Off Homecoming Week

As part of Homecoming, Gardner-Webb will host a Bulldog Cares Food Pantry Collection Drive Nov. 2-7. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and pantry essentials to support students facing food insecurity.

Donations will benefit the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, which provides free food and household necessities to currently enrolled students. Collection locations and a list of needed items will be available through Bulldog Cares.

The weekend’s events begin Friday and continue through Sunday, providing opportunities to reconnect with classmates, cheer on the Runnin’ Bulldogs and participate in longstanding campus traditions. For registration information, event details and updates, visit gardner-webb.edu/homecoming.

Homecoming 2026 Schedule

Click here for a map and visitor information.

Friday, Nov. 6

• Bo’s Battle ‘Que Cook Team Competition
  Practice Soccer Field | Begins at 1 p.m.
  Teams will compete throughout the weekend in Gardner-Webb’s annual barbecue competition, with winners announced during Saturday’s football game. Registration ends Nov. 1.

• Gardner-Webb Volleyball vs. Radford
  Paul Porter Arena | 6-8 p.m.

• Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame Gala
  Tucker Student Center (semi-formal attire)
  6:30 p.m. – Reception and Red Carpet
  7:15 p.m. – Dinner and Hall of Fame Recognition
  The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be officially inducted during the annual gala celebration. Honorees include Kaylee Wacaster, softball; Dobson Collins, football; and Collin Thacker, baseball. More information about these outstanding Runnin’ Bulldogs coming soon. Registration for the event ends Nov. 1.

Saturday, Nov. 7

• Dawg Day
  Tucker Student Center | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  An opportunity for prospective students and their families to tour campus and learn about GWU’s academic offerings.

• Alumni & Friends Tailgate
  Practice Soccer Field | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Guests can enjoy lunch, fellowship and People’s Choice barbecue sampling. Homecoming T-shirt pickup will also be available. Registration ends Nov. 1.

• Student Engagement and HOPE Community Activities
  Practice Soccer Field | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Interactive games, music, prizes and family-friendly activities will be offered throughout the afternoon.

• Tailgate Alley
  Intramural Field | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  The popular pregame gathering will feature food trucks, inflatables, student organizations, academic displays, giveaways and more.

• Dawg Walk
  11 a.m., The Runnin’ Bulldogs football team will travel from Tucker Student Center through Tailgate Alley to Ernest W. Spangler Stadium, giving fans an opportunity to welcome the team before kickoff.

• Homecoming Parade
  Noon. The annual parade will begin near the University apartments, travel past Ernest W. Spangler Stadium and the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, and conclude at the Practice Soccer Field.

• All Veterans Team Skydiving Exhibition
  Ernest W. Spangler Stadium | 1:16 p.m.
  A team of retired Golden Knights will parachute in with the game ball and give to GWU President Nate Evans.

• Homecoming Football Game
  Gardner-Webb vs. Lindenwood
  Ernest W. Spangler Stadium | 1:30 p.m.
  Halftime festivities will include recognition of the Homecoming Court, Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and the announcement of the Bo’s Battle ‘Que winners. Game admission is free for faculty, staff and students with a valid University ID. The first 150 students through the student gate will receive a free pair of sunglasses or a pom-pom, while supplies last.

• Class Reunions
  Tucker Hall | 5:30 p.m.
  The Class of 1981, along with alumni from the classes of 1979-1984, will celebrate a 45th reunion. The Class of 2016, along with alumni from the classes of 2014-2018, will celebrate a 10th reunion.

• Gardner-Webb Volleyball vs. High Point
  Paul Porter Arena | 6-8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 8

• Worship at the Webb
  Dover Memorial Chapel | 10 a.m.
  Alumni, students and guests are invited to gather for a special time of worship and fellowship.
  
• Big South Conference Championship Tournament
  Time TBD, Men’s soccer will host the semi-finals for the conference championship tournament.

• The Chosen Season 6 Premiere Viewing
  Tucker Student Center | 7 p.m.
  Attendees will have an opportunity to watch the first episode before its public streaming release.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.