Homecoming 2019 celebrates what it means to be a Ram
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is celebrating what it means to be a Ram with Forever Red: Homecoming 2019, Oct. 27-Nov. 3.
The weeklong celebration includes concerts, reunions, a step show, coronations, parades, the big game, and new Halloween-themed community event, the Ram-O-Lantern.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Homecoming kicks off with SU’s Best: WSSU Musical Extravaganza at 4 p.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium. The WSSU Gospel Choir, alumni, and choirs from the Winston-Salem community will be performing. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. Tickets: WSSU's ticket office.
This event will be followed by the official lighting of the Homecoming sign outside the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center at 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, Oct. 28
Get ready for the 2019 Homecoming Comedy Show, at 7 p.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium with Tony Roberts, Billy Sorrells, B-Daht and DJ Diesel. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets: WSSU Ticket Office.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Enjoy a night of pageantry when the 80th Miss WSSU and the 46th Mr. WSSU will be crowned during Coronation: The Enchanted Courtyard of Dreams beginning at 7 p.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium. The coronation is free and open to the public. The Royal Ball will follow at 9 p.m. in McNeil Ballroom in the Anderson Center.
Thursday, Oct. 31
In celebration of Halloween and Homecoming, join WSSU for the Community Ram-O-Lantern starting at 4 p.m. on WSSU’s campus (rain site: Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center). The free event will include games, activities, mascots, candy and craft stations, and the Greasy Red Spoon Vendor’s Fair, with more than 60 food and merchandise vendors. Attendees are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes (no masks). All youth must be accompanied by an adult; a wristband is required for entry.
Friday, Nov. 1
This day will open with the Wreath Laying Ceremony, honoring WSSU founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins at 8:45 a.m. at the S.G. Atkins Statue (rain site: K.R. Williams Auditorium) followed by Founder’s Day Convocation at 9:45 a.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium.
The Greasy Red Spoon Vendor Fair will resume from 12:30-8 p.m. The Ram Rave-Mini Parade, Pep Rally and Day Party will run from 2-7 p.m. at the Pedestrian Mall and clock tower. The mini-parade will include appearances by the nationally-ranked Red Sea of Sound marching band and the Powerhouse of Red and White cheerleaders.
That evening, join the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities as they showcase their step teams during a Halloween-themed Step Show starting at 7 p.m. in K.R. Williams Auditorium. Tickets: WSSU Ticket Office.
WSSU’s men’s basketball team will square off against North Carolina in an exhibition game at the Smith Center starting at 7:30 p.m. Ram fans can catch all the action and cheer on their team at an outdoor Basketball Watch Party at the clock tower. The event is free and open to the public.
Homecoming moves downtown after the game, with the WSSU National Alumni Association’s (NAA) Royal Ram Soiree and the Ram Pre-Homecoming After Party II at the Benton Convention Center.
Saturday, Nov. 2
WSSU’s Homecoming Parade moves through downtown Winston-Salem starting at 10 a.m. The parade starts at Poplar Street NW and Fourth Street, and ends on Cromartie Street on the WSSU campus.
The Homecoming Game against the Bears of Shaw University begins at 1:30 p.m. at historic Bowman Gray Stadium. Tickets: WSSU Ticket Office. WSSU’s new clear bag policy will be in place.
Back on campus, the Greasy Spoon Vendor’s Fair resumes at 4 p.m. and continues with Return to the Yard Block Party starting at 5 p.m. The free event will include a DJ and food trucks and conclude with fireworks at 7:45 p.m.
The party continues downtown with the NAA’s Legendary II, which includes parties at the Benton Convention Center Ballroom and the Embassy Suites Ballroom hosted by B-Daht, Sport E. Odie and DP the MC. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Homecoming closes out with the Third annual 4th Quarter, a student-alumni basketball game at the C.E. Gaines Center starting at 2 p.m.
