UCO to Celebrate ‘Once Upon a Homecoming,’ Sept. 19-26
Sept. 17, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the 109th Homecoming with a week of activities, Sept. 20-26.
This year’s theme, “Once Upon a Homecoming,” celebrates the rich history of Homecoming stories, bringing together UCO students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community to commemorate the university
“Homecoming is a time when we celebrate what makes Central special, including the traditions that connect generations of Bronchos and the people who continue to shape our Broncho community,” said Chloe Clinton, coordinator of Student Engagement.
“This year’s ‘Once Upon a Homecoming’ theme invites everyone to come together, create new memories and celebrate the stories that make UCO home.”
The week of events will culminate Saturday, Sept. 26, with the Homecoming Festival, tailgating and the Broncho Football game.
The festival begins at 3 p.m. on the west side of Chad Richison Stadium, in Parking Lot 47. The festival will feature free activities for children, face painting, inflatables, food trucks and more.
The Alumni Engagement Tailgate will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 47, with spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Bronchos will take on Northwest Missouri at 7 p.m. in the annual Homecoming Football game at Chad Richison Stadium.
Additional activities include:
- Central 5K, 8 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, Business building: UCO faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to walk or run in the Central 5K. Entry for UCO students is free, children 12 and under are $10 and all others are $15. Register at go.uco.edu/Central5K.
- Broncho Legacy Reunion Brunch, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, Nigh University Center Ballrooms: Central State University alumni who graduated from the university in 1976 or prior are invited to attend. This year, members of the 1890 Legacy Society will also be honored.
- Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, Nigh University Center Ballrooms: Join UCO Alumni Engagement as they honor this year's recipients of the highest award given to Central alumni. To purchase tickets, visit www.centralconnection.org/daa.
- YELL, 9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, Hamilton Field House: Student organizations compete at the sixth annual YELL as they demonstrate their Broncho Pride with their best chants.
- The Homecoming Stroll Down, 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, NUC, Constitution Hall: The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at UCO will showcase their pride, culture and unity through friendly competition. Each chapter will bring its best for a chance to win a scholarship to support their organization. Purchase a ticket to support the NPHC.
- Bronchtoberfest, 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, The Barlor, 26 W. Hurd St., Edmond: An opportunity for alumni and friends to network during a spirited Homecoming happy hour. Register at www.centralconnection.org/bronchtoberfest.
All alumni Homecoming events are sponsored by MidFirst Bank. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.uco.edu/homecoming.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the 109th Homecoming with a week of activities, Sept. 20-26. The week of events will culminate Saturday, Sept. 26, with the Homecoming Festival beginning at 3 p.m., alumni tailgating beginning at 4:30 p.m., and the Broncho Football game at 7 p.m.
