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By Crystal Price, University Communications and Marketing

The ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ will celebrate Homecoming Oct. 12-17, as Bulls past and present come together for a weeklong celebration of USF pride. Homecoming, one of USF’s oldest and most treasured traditions, coincides this year with the university’s 70th anniversary. The theme, Forever Green and Gold, honors the enduring connection generations of Bulls share with the university.

The Tampa Bay community is invited to join students, alumni, faculty and staff for the festivities that include a kickoff event, parade and the USF football game on Saturday, Oct. 17, when the Bulls take on the Kent State Golden Flashes at Raymond James Stadium. 

USF’s Homecoming dates back to 1964, one year after the first graduating class. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the impact USF alumni make on the Tampa Bay region and beyond. There are more than 409,000 living USF alumni; approximately 319,000 of them live in Florida and more than 3,000 work at their alma mater.

The following events are open to the community: 

Monday, Oct. 12 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Homecoming Kickoff (Marshall Student Center Amphitheater, Tampa campus) 
Get in the spirit of Homecoming with appearances by President Moez Limayem, Athletics CEO Rob Higgins, Rocky D. Bull, the Herd of Thunder band and USF Spirit Squad. Enjoy activities and food at this free event, which is open to students and the community.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Campus Flea Market (University Student Center Reef, St. Petersburg campus) 
Shop local at the Homecoming Flea Market, where student vendors will showcase and sell their goods and services.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Rocky’s Regatta (Bayboro Harbor & Harborside Lawn, St. Petersburg campus) 
During Rocky’s Regatta, a waterfront Homecoming tradition at the USF St. Petersburg campus, students and faculty will race kayaks and revive the campus’ traditional boat races. Spectators can enjoy music, giveaways and food while cheering on the competitors.

Thursday, Oct. 15 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Homecoming Harvest (Harborside Lawn, St. Petersburg campus) 
The event offers an opportunity to meet and interact with a variety of petting zoo animals, ranging from chickens to goats, to tortoises and even a miniature bull.

Friday, Oct. 16

• • 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Carni-Bull (Parking Lot 29A near USF Alumni Drive & Leroy Collins Boulevard, Tampa campus)
    Carni-Bull features carnival rides, games, food and live performances. Rides and games are free, while food will be available for purchase.
  • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Welcome Home Party (lawn of the USF Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center, Tampa campus) The Welcome Home Party on the front lawn of the Alumni Center is free and open to USF alumni, friends, family and community members.
  • 6:30 p.m. | Running of the Bulls Parade (Watch along Holly Drive, Genshaft Drive and Alumni Drive, Tampa campus) Join Grand Marshal USF President Moez Limayem to take part in this USF tradition and support participating student organizations, local businesses and USF departments. Enjoy watch parties and other festivities along the route, for families and students alike.
  • 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. | NPHC Extravaganza Step Show (Marshall Student Center Ballroom, Tampa campus) The National Pan-Hellenic Council at USF proudly presents the 2026 Extravaganza, featuring teams from across the NPHC competing in high-energy, choreographed step routines. Performances will be judged on creativity, execution, and presentation. Tickets are .

Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. | USF Football v. Kent State Golden Flashes (Raymond James Stadium) 
Head over to Raymond James Stadium to support the USF Bulls as they take on the Kent State Golden Flashes. Tickets are available for purchase . Additional USF Athletics events will be held throughout the week on campus. Complete schedules are available . 

For the first time, limited-edition t-shirts will be available at the USF Bookstore for purchase during Homecoming week, while supplies last. The student-designed shirts feature historical university locations and elements.

A list of all campus events, parking information and more can be found on USF’s Homecoming webpage.