Gardner-Webb Homecoming 2023 Welcomes Alumni and Celebrates Students

Full Weekend Includes Food, Football and First Brinkley Amphitheater Concert with Ricky Skaggs

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Homecoming 2023 at Gardner-Webb University features three days of festivities Oct. 27-29 to welcome alumni and celebrate the GWU student-experience. The events will also usher in a new era with the first concert in the Gardner-Webb Brinkley Amphitheater on Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. Headlined by Grammy award-winner Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, the performance will launch a venue that will host a variety of arts and entertainment for years to come.

“This year’s celebration of Homecoming will make for a very full weekend,” asserted Director of Alumni Relations Leah Clevenger. “We will introduce a new tradition with Bo’s Battle ‘QUE, host a huge picnic for alumni and friends, cheer on our Runnin’ Bulldogs for the big game, open the Brinkley Amphitheater with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and wrap up the weekend with Worship at The Webb. We hope that families will make plans to take in the festivities and enjoy the special moments that will stick with them for a lifetime!”

Friday’s schedule includes a golf outing, Bo’s Battle ‘QUE, backyard barbecue competition, and Hall of Fame Gala. Registration is required by Oct. 20 for all three events.

Saturday offers a Bulldog BBQ picnic for alumni and friends (registration required by Oct. 20), tailgating and the traditional parade. The Gardner-Webb Student Government Association has a patriotic theme planned this year. Floats will line up on Memorial Drive, turn left onto College Avenue, right onto South Main, cruise through the tailgating in the LYCC’s parking lot, drive by the Bulldog BBQ and then right onto Stadium Drive.

The football game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. when the Runnin’ Bulldogs take on UT-Martin in Spangler Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Skaggs concert follows the game, and the opening act—the very first person to perform on the Brinkley Amphitheater’s stage—is Cleveland County native and GWU student, Lindy Bryson. She is followed by Will Jones, who grew up in Virginia listening to the twangs of mandolin, banjo and fiddle played by his dad. This concert is made possible in part with a grant from the Town of Boiling Springs TDA. WNCW 88.7 FM is a media sponsor. Tickets are available here.

On Sunday morning, Worship at the Webb begins at 10 a.m. in the Brinkley Amphitheater. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. The service includes welcome and opening prayer by GWU President Dr. William M. Downs, a testimony by Bri Bryant, a message by Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott and music by the GW Gospel Choir and Bryson. Justin Tolleson will read the scripture, and Teresa Davis will close in prayer.

The complete Homecoming schedule, along with registration information can be found here.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

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. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.