Image
There's No Place Like Central
Central State University Homecoming 2026
October 7-11, 2026
There's no place like Homecoming! This year, follow the golden brick road all the way back to Central as we celebrate school spirit, community, and the friendships that make this place home. Whether you're a current student, a returning alumnus, or a proud member of our extended family, every path leads right back to where the heart is.
Join us for a magical celebration filled with all the courage, heart, and brains our community is known for. Remember no matter how far you roam, all roads lead to Central!
Schedule of events
TICKETS ON-SALE NOW | CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
MON, OCT. 5
6 p.m.
SGA Inauguration - Paul Robeson, Auditorium
WED, OCT. 7
7 p.m.
CSU Gospel Concert ◆ Paul Robeson, Auditorium
THU, OCT. 8
9 a.m.
Visiting Alumni Day (Campus classrooms)
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Jammin' at Noon (USC lower level)
4–9 p.m.
Greater Dayton Alumni Chapter Fish Fry - CSU Dayton
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Mister & Miss CSU Coronation - Paul Robeson, Auditorium
FRI, OCT. 9
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Athletic Hall of Fame Luncheon ◆ USC, Ballroom
12–2 p.m.
Golden Plus Class Reunion - Marriott at UD
3:30–5:30 p.m.
Homecoming 2026 Kickoff Celebration ◆ - USC, Ballroom
featuring... 2026 Centralian Vanguard Reception and
1887 Legacy Society and Tower Society Members
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Plot with a Purpose - Greek Plots
6 p.m.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Delta XI
75th Celebration - Scene 75
6–9 p.m.
Kappa Alpha Psi / Delta Zeta Foundation Dinner - Marriott at UD
7 p.m.
Step Show ◆ Paul Robeson, Auditorium
7–11 p.m.
NAA Alumni Wine Down Reception ◆- Marriott at UD
TBD
Golden Class (1976) Dinner - Marriott at UD
SAT, OCT. 10
8–8:45 a.m.
Alumni & Friends Scholarship Breakfast ◆ - USC, Ballroom
8:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Tailgate Village - Beacom Lewis Lot
9–10:45 a.m.
NAA Annual Meeting - USC, Ballroom
10:45–11 a.m.
Alumni Memorial Service - Sunken Garden
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Parade (Campus)
1–4 p.m.
Football Game ◆ (McPherson Stadium)
8 p.m.–12 a.m.
Alumni Maroon and Gold Party ◆ (Marriott at UD)
SUN, OCT. 11
2:30 p.m.
Interfaith Homecoming Close-Out Worship (Paul Robeson Recital Hall)
◆ Denotes University Supported Ticketed Events. | BUY HERE
All sales are online and cashless — buy your game day parking in advance CLICK HERE.
Centralian City Vendor Marketplace
Vendor Application
Follow the Golden Brick Road straight to your booth. The Centralian City Marketplace invites small businesses, artisans, makers, food vendors, and alumni entrepreneurs to set up shop along the road home for Central State University's Homecoming. As Centralians, students, and families journey back to campus, there's truly no place like Central — and your booth puts your brand right in the heart of the celebration.
Vendor Sales Date(s): October 9-10, 2026
Applications Open: August 4, 2026
Application deadline: September 26, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MERCHANDISE VENDORS
All vendors seeking to sell merchandise with the Central State University logo, name and marks must have a license issued by the Office of the General Counsel. CLICK HERE to apply for yours today.
Central State University Homecoming FAQs
-
All ticket sales are online and cashless for the following events:
- Football game
- Homecoming parking
- Athletic Hall of Fame Luncheon
- Greek Step Show
- Concert
- Marauder Athletics Homecoming Day Soiree
-
Please leave all bags at home. Backpacks, duffel bags, umbrellas, and large purses are not permitted inside athletic facilities, including McPherson Stadium and Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium. Only clear bags will be allowed. Clear bags are also available for purchase on-site.
-
No, there are no in-and-out privileges for the games or events. Once you exit the stadium or gym, re-entry will not be permitted. Please ensure you have everything you need before entering.
-
No, in-and-out parking privileges are not allowed. Once you leave the parking area, re-entry will require a new payment for parking. Please plan accordingly and bring all necessary items with you.
2026 Hotel Accommodations
One reservation per person. A person with multiple reservations is subject to removal from the block.
BLOCK FULL
Marriott at the University of Dayton (Host)
1414 S. Patterson Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45409
1-888-236-2427
Arrival date: Thursday, Oct. 8
Departure date: Sunday, Oct. 11
Last day to book: Thursday, Sept. 11
Room rate: $165.00
Group rate ID: Central State University Homecoming 2026 attendees
Courtyard by Marriott Dayton-University of Dayton (Overflow)
2006 Edwin C. Moses Blvd. Dayton, OH 45417
937-220-9060 (Ask for Central State Homecoming Rate)
Arrival Date: Thursday, October 8
Departure Date: Sunday, October 11
Last Day to Book: Thursday, September 9
Room Rate: $169.00
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Our sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor this year? CLICK HERE to download and learn how to partner with us.
