Special Edition – Niner Nation Week
Niner Nation Week: Homecoming 2025 is Coming!
Campus will come alive, Oct. 12-19, for Niner Nation Week: Homecoming 2025 with traditions, spirit and plenty of green and gold. From brunches and awards lunches, to socials and game day traditions, here’s how you can join in the fun and connect with colleagues.
A Message from S.L. Ivey and Isaiah Grayson
It’s that time again — Niner Nation Week: Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner, and we’re turning the whole city green!
S.L. Ivey, the reigning Golden Niner and president of the Graduate and Professional Student Government, and I, Isaiah Grayson, your two-term student body president, are proud UNC Charlotte alums, but Homecoming is NOT just for alumni.
We expect to see you out there at signature events throughout the week, including the football game, Saturday, where S.L. will officially pass the Golden Niner pickaxe.
Hey Charlotte — we see you, we know you’re busy (so are we), but this is your chance to show your spirit and remind everyone: Niner Nation doesn’t just study hard — we show out hard, too. So … are you ready? Because Homecoming 2025 is going to be legendary.
Cheers,
S.L. and Isaiah
KICKOFF: FACULTY AND STAFF
Start Niner Nation Week with a burst of energy and spirit. These events set the stage for a week full of Niner Pride!
- Paint the Campus Green: Kick off Homecoming by covering the campus in green starting at 9 a.m., Monday, Oct. 13. Stop by the Center for Student Involvement to grab supplies.
- ACE Awards and Appreciation Lunch: Celebrate Alumni Campus Employees at this annual recognition event at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 13, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Registration closes Sunday, Oct. 5.
- Staff Decoration Contest: Show off your Niner pride by decorating your office, department or campus vehicle! Sign up for the contest by Wednesday, Oct. 8.
kickoff: students
Start Niner Nation Week with a burst of energy and spirit! From bold campus art to painted pathways and lively gatherings, these events set the stage for a week full of Niner pride!
- Paint the Campus Green: Kick off Homecoming by covering the campus in green starting at 9 a.m., Monday, Oct. 13, across campus. Stop by the Center for Student Involvement to grab supplies.
- Student Homecoming Kickoff Event: Celebrate the start of Niner Nation Week with music, games and free swag at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
college connections
Celebrate your college pride all week! Join fellow students, faculty and staff as colleges host Homecoming pop-ups with giveaways, spirit and plenty of Niner energy.
- College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences Pop-Up is at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, at the Fretwell Building.
- Klein College of Science Pop-Up is at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Klein College of Science Building.
- William States Lee College of Engineering Pop-Up is at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Duke Centennial Hall.
- Cato College of Education, College of Health and Human Services, and College of Computing and Informatics Pop-Ups are at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, in the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
Community connections
Reconnect with colleagues and alumni at social events on campus and around the Charlotte area!
- Niner Nation Social at Suffolk Punch: Raise a glass and kick off Niner Nation Week with colleagues and alumni at 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, at Suffolk Punch in South End.
- Blackfinn Pub Social: Enjoy food, drinks and Niner pride at the alumni-owned Blackfinn Pub at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Ballantyne.
- Faculty and Staff Brunch: Join colleagues for a festive midweek brunch at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Popp Martin Student Union, third floor.
- Cabarrus Brewing Social: Meet colleagues and toast fellow Niners at 5 p.m., Wednesday Oct. 15, at Cabarrus Brewing in Concord.
- Sammy’s Pub Social: Join fellow Niners for food and drinks at this community favorite at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub in Belmont.
- Blood Drive: Show your Niner spirit through service. Donate blood during Homecoming week at 9 a.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at the Cone University Center.
music, games and spirit
Bring the energy, show your pride and join the fun! From music battles to shirt swaps and friendly competition on the field, these events keep the Homecoming spirit going strong.
- CAB Aux Cord Wars: Think you have the best playlist? Battle it out at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Popp Martin Student Union.
- Charlotte Shirt Swap: Trade another school’s shirt for Charlotte gear at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
- UREC Flag Football Tournament: Gather your flag football team and compete under the lights Thursday, Oct. 16, at Jerry Richardson Stadium. More details coming.
friday night lights
Friday will be packed with action! From carnival fun to a big soccer showdown and the always-electric Stroll Competition, the night is all about energy, pride and Niner spirit.
- Homecoming Carnival: Celebrate Homecoming Friday night with carnival games, inflatables, food and music at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
- Men’s Soccer vs. FAU: Cheer on the 49ers in this Homecoming matchup against Florida Atlantic University at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at Transamerica Field.
- NPHC Stroll Competition: Don’t miss this high-energy tradition at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, in the Popp Martin Student Union. This event always sells out; get your ticket while you can!
game day traditions
The biggest day of the week! Get loud, gear up and cheer on the 49ers as campus unites for a Homecoming game day filled with green.
- Charlotte 49ers Football vs. Temple: Wear all green as the 49ers take on the Temple Owls for the 2025 Homecoming Game, Saturday, Oct. 18, at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
- Game Day Spirit Tents: Get your face painted, pick up swag and show your spirit before the game kicks off along 49er Way.
- Alumni Tailgate: All Niner fans are welcome to enjoy food, drinks and camaraderie before the big game, Saturday, Oct. 18, at Hauser Alumni Pavilion.
- Golden Niner and Niner 9: Celebrate peer-nominated student leaders, and see who wields the golden pickaxe at halftime of the game. Nominees will be announced and voting will begin Wednesday, Oct. 8