Homecoming and Family Weekend

Children are welcome at the tailgate.

However, if you are looking for a family-friendly event without alcohol, we are pleased to announce that this year’s Homecoming will coincide with the Parents and Family Weekend celebration, which will be happening on the other side of the campus.

Please remember that parents must supervise their children at all times and comply with the regulations and statutes of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) regarding alcohol consumption. The parking spot pass holder or the social host is responsible for informing their guests about this rule.

You can attend the tailgate without having a spot of your own. However, you still need to check in to enter the tailgate and must comply with all the regulations and statutes of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). Parking spots for the tailgate are sold and assigned in advance, so it is highly recommended that you register to attend this event. You must have your government-issued photo ID with your birthdate to enter.

Yes, to enter the tailgate area, you must check-in. At check-in, you will be asked to show proof of age. Please bring your government-issued photo ID with you to be scanned at check-in.

If you want to buy a spot, you must register through our online form, which will become available in July. Once you have paid for your spot and acquired a pass, this automatically designates you as a social host. A social host is defined as a person who coordinates the activities at the tailgate spot and is responsible for alcohol consumption, behavior, and safety of his/her guests during and after the tailgate event.

You do not need to register if you want to attend the tailgate without a spot.

For $95, you can buy a spot for the day. Bring your vehicle, food, beverages of choice, tent, coolers, etc. You may use the 8.5-by-15-foot tailgate spot with or without a car. A 10-by-10-foot tent does not fit in one parking spot.

If we haven’t answered your question, please email us at alumni@lynchburg.edu or call 434.544.8293.

The tailgate at Lynchburg is during Homecoming. It’s a time to celebrate classes in reunion, connect with fellow Hornets, and come together on campus. The tailgate occurs at the Hopwood Hall parking lot on Oct. 18, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m.

Food, beverages of choice, tent, coolers (no kegs or open-source containers), grills, pop-up chairs, etc.

Common-source containers of alcohol meant for transporting, sharing, serving, and/or mixing alcohol in large quantities are prohibited. These containers include but are not limited to kegs, mini kegs, etc.

Open-source alcohol containers  and any receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverage that is open or has a broken seal are prohibited.

If you bought a tailgating spot, you must park in your assigned spot. For all other vehicles, please park at the Hobbs-Sigler and the Thompson Hall lots (see a campus map for locations). Recreational vehicles, trailers, and other similar, large vehicles are not allowed in the tailgating area.

All alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Lynchburg are welcome.