Blue and gold. Fried chicken and Thursday. Homecoming and fall. Some things just belong together. In that spirit, Georgia Southwestern State University plans to move Homecoming from spring to fall.

Homecoming festivities will be held Monday, September 19 – Saturday, September 24, culminating with a Tailgate Block Party and GSW’s Family Weekend.

The decision to move Homecoming to the fall was a collaborative effort between Alumni Affairs, Athletics, the Office of the President, Student Engagement and Success, and University Advancement. 

One of the primary reasons for the change was the weather. The fall offers more comfortable weather compared to the cold, windy conditions usually felt with Homecoming in February. Tailgates are well-attended when the weather is more enjoyable for outdoor activities. This is also the traditional time during which Homecoming is celebrated.

Improved weather conditions, combined with other strategic efforts from Alumni Affairs and Student Engagement and Success, are expected to increase attendance for the Saturday Homecoming events.