Sept. 28, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus, Gretta Cohoon, Sam Cox, Reagan Manis and Kolden Lam
This weekend, thousands of alumni will join the University of Missouri community to connect with friends, introduce new generations to campus traditions and cheer on the Tigers.
Mizzou Homecoming dates back 115 years, when former football coach Chester Brewer famously called on alumni to come home for a football game against a certain rival to the west.
Today, Homecoming celebrates Tiger pride through creativity, service and school spirit.
Take a closer look at the little things that bring the festivities to life.
Before the pomp, parade and pageantry of Homecoming today, there was football. In 1911, Brewer asked alumni to return to campus for the Tigers’ game against kU. More than 9,000 fans answered the call, launching a tradition that would spread to campuses across the country.
By 1920, a pregame parade had become a hallmark of Mizzou Homecoming. Today, more than 150 entries, including student organization floats, marching bands, classic cars and community groups, navigate the streets of downtown Columbia. And there’s one rule every parade participant must follow: Candy can’t be tossed; it has to be handed directly to spectators.
Mizzou has been shaking up Homecoming for decades. The Pom Pom Girls made their debut at the 1965 Homecoming game, and today, Mizzou Cheerleaders and the Golden Girls keep that game-day energy going from kickoff to the final whistle.
Homecoming shines after dark, too. When the lights go down, Tigers light up the night and turn up the spirit at the Homecoming Spirit Rally.
The crown comes with nearly 90 years of Mizzou history. Mizzou crowned its first Homecoming queen in 1937. Forty years later, the court was expanded to include a king. Today, Homecoming royalty candidates represent student clubs and organizations at various events before a queen and king are crowned at halftime.
A 350-member band. One unmistakable sound. Marching Mizzou puts in hours of rehearsal to provide the soundtrack to Homecoming, from the parade route to Memorial Stadium.
Homecoming spirit doesn’t stop at the edge of campus. Students transform downtown storefronts and fraternity and sorority lawns with decorations and towering displays, inviting the entire Columbia community to join the celebration.
Ten minutes onstage takes hours behind the scenes. For the Homecoming Talent competition, student groups write, direct and perform original skits featuring a song, two choreographed dances and a surprise element, then rehearse the lights, sound cues and choreography before the curtain ever goes up.
Tigers put some serious weight behind serving Missouri. Last year, Tiger Food Fight — a Mizzou Homecoming service project since 2009 — collected more than 132,000 pounds of food, setting a new record while supporting The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.
At Mizzou, Homecoming spirit is in our blood. Since 1983, Tigers have rolled up their sleeves for a Homecoming tradition that has grown into one of the nation’s largest student-run blood drives, helping thousands of patients each year.
Come home to Mizzou and be part of the tradition. Join us for Homecoming festivities, including the parade and game on Saturday, Oct. 3. See a full list of Homecoming activities and events.
