The Yard Is Purple, Orange, and Packed. And Every Tiger Comes Home.
There is a particular kind of pride that comes from being part of the oldest. Not the biggest, not the most famous — the oldest. The one that was there first, when there was almost nothing else. That is the pride every Edward Waters University Tiger carries, because Edward Waters is Florida's oldest Historically Black College or University — founded in 1866, just one year after the Civil War ended, by newly freed Black Floridians and the African Methodist Episcopal Church who refused to wait for permission to educate themselves.
Every October, that legacy comes home to Jacksonville. Alumni return from across Florida and beyond, the Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium fills with purple and orange, and for one electric week, the campus on Kings Road becomes the center of Black Jacksonville.
That is Edward Waters University Homecoming. And in 2026, the Tigers host Clark Atlanta University for the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 24, 2026 — the anchor of a full week of alumni, family, and community celebration in Jacksonville, Florida.
🐯 Get Your Edward Waters Homecoming Tickets
What Makes Edward Waters Homecoming Unlike Any Other
Homecoming exists at every HBCU. But Edward Waters brings three things to the table that few other schools can claim.
First, the history itself. Edward Waters University was founded in 1866 — making it not just Florida's oldest HBCU, but the first independent institution of higher education of any kind in the state of Florida. Coming home to Edward Waters means standing on ground that predates almost every other Black institution in the South.
Second, Jacksonville itself. Florida's largest city by land area brings warm late-October weather, a growing Black professional and business community, historic neighborhoods like LaVilla — once known as the "Harlem of the South" — and an easy drive to the Atlantic beaches. The city gives Homecoming weekend room to breathe.
Third, the intimacy of a small HBCU homecoming. With roughly 1,200 students, Edward Waters Homecoming does not feel like a stadium concert — it feels like a family reunion. You will run into the same people at the tailgate, the gospel concert, and Sunday brunch. That closeness is the whole point.
The History: Edward Waters University & Its Homecoming Legacy
Edward Waters University was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church to educate formerly enslaved men and women and their children — making it the first historically Black college in Florida and the first independent institution of higher learning of any kind in the state. It survived the devastating Great Fire of Jacksonville in 1901, which destroyed its original campus, and rebuilt on Kings Road in the historic Durkeeville/New Town area, where it stands today. In 2021, the college officially became Edward Waters University, reflecting its growth while carrying forward its motto: "Emerging Eminence."
The Tigers' notable alumni reflect that legacy of resilience and service: A. Philip Randolph, the labor and civil rights giant who organized the 1963 March on Washington, attended Edward Waters. Buck O'Neil, the beloved Negro Leagues legend and the first Black coach in Major League Baseball, is a Tiger. Nat Glover, the first Black sheriff of Jacksonville since Reconstruction, is a Tiger. Homecoming at Edward Waters is, in a real sense, a reunion with that entire lineage.
Why Edward Waters Homecoming Matters
Edward Waters Homecoming matters because the institution itself is a story of survival. Founded a single year after emancipation, rebuilt from ashes in 1901, and still standing 160 years later as Florida's oldest HBCU, Edward Waters represents what Black Floridians built for themselves when nothing was given to them. Every alumnus who walks back onto that Kings Road campus in October is participating in the continuation of that story.
For visitors who are not alumni, Edward Waters Homecoming offers something increasingly rare: an HBCU homecoming that still feels like a neighborhood celebration rather than a festival brand. It is a chance to experience Black Jacksonville, Black Florida history, and HBCU culture at a human scale.
Why You Should Attend Edward Waters Homecoming 2026
You do not need a Tiger Pride sweatshirt to enjoy Homecoming weekend in Jacksonville. The tailgate at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, the gospel and step-show energy, and the warmth of a close-knit HBCU community are open to any visitor who wants to feel it firsthand.
Pair it with a Jacksonville getaway — beaches, riverfront dining, and Black history sites are all within a short drive — and Homecoming weekend becomes a full Florida trip, not just a football game.
Come see why Florida's oldest HBCU still throws one of its warmest homecomings.
✈️ Plan Your Edward Waters Homecoming Trip
What to Expect: Day by Day
Edward Waters and its Alumni Association release the official minute-by-minute Homecoming schedule closer to the date. Based on the confirmed Homecoming football game and typical HBCU Homecoming week programming, here is what to generally expect:
- Early Week — Coronation & Kickoff: Homecoming court coronation and opening alumni mixers traditionally kick off the week on campus.
- Midweek — Gospel Concert & Step Show: Expect a gospel celebration and a Greek step show — Divine Nine chapters bring energy to campus grounds.
- Thursday/Friday — Pep Rally & Parade: A Homecoming parade and pep rally typically move through the surrounding Durkeeville neighborhood, drawing local families and alumni chapters.
- Saturday, October 24 — Tailgate & Football Game (Confirmed): The Tigers host Clark Atlanta University at 2:00 PM at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium. Tailgating fills the lots hours before kickoff.
- Sunday — Closing Brunch: Alumni chapter brunches and worship services traditionally close out the weekend before everyone heads home.
Career & Networking Opportunities
Homecoming week is prime time to connect with the EWU Alumni Association and Jacksonville's Black professional community. Jacksonville is home to a growing base of Black-owned businesses, major employers like CSX and several regional health systems, and civic leaders — including Edward Waters alumnus and former Sheriff Nat Glover — who remain closely tied to the university.
- EWU National Alumni Association events — local and regional chapters host receptions and meet-ups throughout Homecoming week; check ewualumni.com for chapter contacts.
- Jacksonville's Black business community — the Jacksonville Regional Chamber and local Black Chamber networks are active around campus-adjacent events during Homecoming season.
- Campus tours & admissions events — Homecoming weekend often overlaps with prospective-student and family engagement, a good entry point for education-focused networking.
Social Events & Parties
Homecoming weekend energy spreads well beyond the Kings Road campus. Local promoters and Jacksonville nightlife venues typically program Homecoming-adjacent parties throughout the week, especially the Friday and Saturday nights surrounding the football game. Expect Greek-life mixers, alumni chapter socials, and late-night gatherings in Jacksonville's downtown and Riverside/Avondale entertainment districts.
As with most HBCU homecomings, the biggest unofficial night out is Saturday after the game — plan transportation in advance since downtown Jacksonville fills up fast.
Where to Eat: Jacksonville's Best for Edward Waters Homecoming
- Sweet Mama's Southern Homestyle Cookin' — A Jacksonville soul food staple serving classic Southern plates — fried chicken, collards, and mac and cheese done right.
- The Southern Grill — A go-to spot on Flagler Avenue for Southern comfort food favorites, popular with locals and visiting families alike.
- Millers Soulfood Kitchen — A neighborhood soul food kitchen known for hearty, made-from-scratch plates.
- Uncle Gene's Soul & Seafood — Combines Southern soul food with fresh seafood — a true taste of Jacksonville's coastal-meets-Southern identity.
- Indulgence Southern Bistro — A downtown Jacksonville bistro putting an elevated spin on Southern classics, good for a sit-down Homecoming dinner with the family.
- Soul Food Bistro — A Lenox Avenue favorite for comfort-food classics after a long day of tailgating.
What to Do in Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Beaches — Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach are a short drive from campus — a perfect way to unwind before or after Homecoming festivities.
- The Jacksonville Riverwalk — A scenic walk along the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, with restaurants and river views.
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens — A well-regarded zoo and botanical garden, a good family option during Homecoming weekend.
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens — Riverside art museum with beautiful formal gardens overlooking the St. Johns River.
- Museum of Science & History (MOSH) — A downtown riverfront museum, good for families traveling with kids for Homecoming.
Black History & Cultural Sites in Jacksonville
- Ritz Theatre and Museum — Located in the LaVilla Historic District, the Ritz preserves the history of Jacksonville's Black community and the neighborhood once nicknamed the "Harlem of the South." A must-visit during Homecoming week.
- LaVilla Historic District — Once a thriving center of Black business, music, and culture in Jacksonville, home to figures connected to the Harlem Renaissance-era jazz and blues scene.
- Edward Waters University's Historic Campus — The Kings Road campus itself, recognized for its historic significance as the anchor of Florida's oldest HBCU.
- Kingsley Plantation — Part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, this National Park Service site tells the difficult and essential history of enslaved Black Floridians on a sea island plantation.
- American Beach — About 45 minutes northeast on Amelia Island, this National Register of Historic Places site was founded in 1935 as one of the few beaches where Black Americans could safely vacation during segregation. Worth the drive if your schedule allows.
Recommended Places to Stay
Downtown and riverfront Jacksonville hotels fill up during Homecoming week. Book early.
Premium
- Omni Jacksonville Hotel — A downtown riverfront landmark, close to the Riverwalk and easy access to campus. Estimated from $250–$300/night during Homecoming week.
- Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront — Riverfront views and downtown convenience. Estimated from $220–$270/night.
Mid-Range
- Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95 — Reliable and centrally located, a short drive from the Edward Waters campus. Estimated from $150–$190/night.
- Residence Inn Jacksonville Downtown/Southbank — Extended-stay comfort with kitchenettes, good for groups and families. Estimated from $160–$200/night.
Budget & Group
- Airbnb in Springfield Historic District — A historic Jacksonville neighborhood minutes from the Edward Waters campus, with full-house rentals ideal for alumni groups. Estimated from $90–$140/night.
🏨 Find & Compare Jacksonville Hotels for Homecoming →
BTN Travel Tip: Your Edward Waters Homecoming Itinerary
- Thursday — Arrive & LaVilla: Check in, spend the afternoon at the Ritz Theatre and Museum in LaVilla. Evening alumni mixer.
- Friday — Parade & Pep Rally: Catch the Homecoming parade near campus, then rest up for game day.
- Saturday, Oct 24 — Tailgate & Football: Arrive early to Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium for the tailgate, cheer the Tigers against Clark Atlanta at 2:00 PM, then head downtown for the Saturday night social scene.
- Sunday — Brunch & Beach: Closing brunch with your chapter or crew, then an afternoon at Jacksonville Beach before heading home.
Mark Your Calendar
Edward Waters University Homecoming 2026
📅 Homecoming Week of October 19–25, 2026 | Homecoming Game: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2:00 PM
📍 Edward Waters University, 1658 Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209
🐯 Homecoming football game vs. Clark Atlanta University at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium — ewutigerpride.com
⚠️ Full Homecoming week schedule (coronation, step show, parade) is released closer to the date by the EWU Alumni Association — check back for updates.
🐯 Get Edward Waters Homecoming Tickets →
How to Stay Connected
- Official Website: ew.edu
- Athletics & Tickets: ewutigerpride.com
- Alumni Association: ewualumni.com
- Edward Waters University Instagram: @ewc_tigers
- Hashtags: #EWUHomecoming2026 #EmergingEminence #TigerPride
- BTN Coverage: Follow @myblacktravelnow for Homecoming guides and Jacksonville travel tips
