Students, alumni, and community members gathered at Tennessee State University (TSU) for an exciting celebration ahead of the annual Homecoming 2025. This year’s festivities began with the Roar on the Yard pep rally, transforming Hale Stadium into a vibrant display of blue and white, embodying the spirit of Tiger pride.
Homecoming 2025: A Family Reunion
For many participants, TSU Homecoming is more than just a celebration; it feels like a family reunion. Martez Moore, a member of the TSU Alumni Association, emphasized the sense of unity, stating, “We’re all brothers, we’re a big family and we support each other.” The emphasis on community was further highlighted during the event.
Partnerships Celebrating Black Excellence
This year, TSU collaborated with SiriusXM and Pandora to host the HBCU Pop Out celebration. Swaggy Sie, the event host, remarked on the importance of celebrating Black culture and community. He stated, “Connecting on the ground with the people who are moving it is significant.”
- Martez Moore and his fraternity contributed to TSU by presenting a scholarship check.
- The event aimed to give back to the university, reflecting on the support received during their education.
Annual TSU Homecoming Parade
The festivities continue on Saturday morning with the annual TSU Homecoming Parade, starting at 9 a.m. The parade route travels west on Jefferson Street, concluding at the university campus. To facilitate the event, several road closures will be implemented:
- Jefferson Street from 10th Avenue North to the TSU campus will close at 7:30 a.m.
- I-40 west exit ramp at Jefferson Street will close at 8:30 a.m.
- John A. Merritt Boulevard from 28th to 33rd avenues will also be closed.
Additional streets such as 12th, 14th, and 16th avenues, as well as Meharry Boulevard and Phillips Street, will see closures between 12th and 16th avenues. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a better experience.
Honoring Distinguished Alumni
An essential part of Homecoming is acknowledging alumni achievements that reflect the legacy of TSU. This year’s grand marshals include:
- Frank Pillow Sr. (Class of 1967) – Former Tiger football player
- Ted “The Hound Dog” McClain (Class of 1971) – TSU Sports Hall of Fame member
Additionally, several distinguished alumni will be honored, including:
- Don Hardin (’90) – CEO of Don Hardin Group
- Dr. Katie Kinnard White (’52) – Retired educator
- Dwight L. Beard (’74) – Founder of Beard Property Maintenance
- Kevin W. Williams (’83) – President and CEO of GAA Manufacturing Global
An honorary recognition will also be given posthumously to Anthony McClain (’97), celebrated for his service both in the U.S. Air Force and the Nashville Police Department.
Game Day Information
The homecoming football game between TSU and Howard University kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at Nissan Stadium. Fans are advised to plan their arrival, as parking will be limited due to ongoing construction. All prepaid parking passes for the stadium are sold out.
Metro Police will deploy over 90 officers to assist with traffic management around the stadium. Attendees are encouraged to use rideshare options or park downtown to ease congestion.
- Rideshare locations include:
- Interstate Drive between Woodland Street and Shelby Avenue
- Crutcher Street at South 2nd Street
This year’s Homecoming promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the spirit of TSU alumni and their contributions to the community.
