WSSU’s ‘Forever Red Homecoming’ website is live with key updates
In less than two months, alumni, students and friends will converge on Winston-Salem State University’s campus for Homecoming 2026.
Starting today, Rams near and far can begin planning their homecoming experience by visiting WSSU’s Forever Red Homecoming website, the official hub for everything there is to know about the big event.
From the homecoming parade and Lighting of the Sign to Founder’s Day Convocation, the football game, parking information and more, it’s all on the website, with additional details added as homecoming approaches.
Homecoming 2026 takes place Nov. 1-7, with highlights including:
- Lighting of the Sign
- Step Show and Concert
- Founder’s Day Convocation
- Coronation and Royal Ball
- Community Parade
- Homecoming Football Game against the Fayetteville State University Broncos at Bowman Gray Stadium
This year, Rams should take note of changes to two longtime homecoming traditions. The homecoming parade will be held Nov. 1, the Sunday before the homecoming game. The Lighting of the Sign ceremony will be held after the parade at Bowman Gray Stadium.
With thousands of alumni and visitors expected to return to Winston-Salem for homecoming, planning ahead will be key, especially when it comes to parking. The festivities will generate significant traffic around campus and the surrounding community, particularly because WSSU’s homecoming is the last among the state’s historically Black colleges and universities this year. Guests should plan ahead, arrive early, use designated parking areas, and follow all posted signs and instructions from parking personnel.
Parking and shuttle information- Innovation Quarter satellite parking: Free parking at 611 North Research Parkway, Winston-Salem, with 373 spaces in parking area 6 (P6) and 396 spaces in parking area 8 (P8)
- Continuous shuttle service will operate between Innovation Quarter and the stadium area.
- WSSU parking locations will use digital payment procedures. Parking fees will be paid at the parking lot. Cash will not be accepted at the listed WSSU parking locations.
- Parking passes will be available for purchase at the entrance gates on homecoming Game Day, subject to parking availability.
Additional parking staff
WSSU will deploy 50 temporary parking personnel to support the homecoming operation. Staff will assist with traffic direction, lot entrances and exits, capacity monitoring, pedestrian crossings, shuttle areas, ADA assistance, directional signage and customer service.
- Follow temporary directional signs and parking staff instructions at all times.
- Do not park on residential streets, block driveways or disregard barricades and cones.
- Emergency access routes must remain clear.
- Allow additional travel time because of homecoming traffic and road restrictions.
- Guests requiring accessible parking should select an ADA-designated location and follow accessibility signage.
