Alumni | Events | NewsDecember 10, 2025

UAFS 2026 Homecoming Schedule Revealed

Written By: Ian Silvester

Homecoming at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is less than 75 days away.  

There’s something for everyone during the week of Feb. 23-28, 2026, whether celebrating as an alum, student, or friend of UAFS. 

Alumni who register can purchase a special-edition UAFS hooded sweatshirt to show their Lion pride wherever they go. Purchases can be made until Feb. 14. 

New this year, UAFS will start the week with a free pickleball tournament, open to the public, and host a community-wide Homecoming Tipoff. Those attending the Tipoff can enjoy live music, food trucks, an artificial ice-skating rink, and more before concluding with a fireworks show. Homecoming will also feature an updated tailgate on Saturday, Feb. 28, with food, games, and a beer garden for those 21 and older. 

“Homecoming is a great time to grow our impact in the region,” said Dyllan Newell, coordinator of student activities and civic engagement. “We made a lot of changes this year in hopes of reaching more people in the community to showcase student life, and all UAFS has to offer.” 

Smith, director of alumni engagement, said she is more excited than ever about the festivities. 

“I’m so excited for the returning and new slate of events we have planned.” 

Before the tailgate, the annual alumni brunch will start the day with the announcement of this year’s Alumni Award winners.  

“I can’t wait for the awards! We’ve had more nominations from every category than ever before,” Smith said. 

Both men’s and women’s basketball will take to the court following the tailgate, where homecoming competition winners and the homecoming court will be announced.  

A full schedule of Homecoming events is below. An asterisk denotes events open to UAFS alumni and the public. Locations may change based on weather conditions. 

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Monday, Feb. 23 

Homecoming King and Queen Voting 

8 a.m. to Noon, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Fireplace or all day online at NUMALink 

Office Decorating Competition (Departments Only) 

All day, campus-wide 

Pickleball Tournament* 

6-9 p.m., Campus Recreation and Wellness Center 

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Tuesday, Feb. 24 

Homecoming King and Queen Voting 

All day, online at NUMALink 

Homecoming Spirit Vans 

9-11 a.m. and Noon to 2 p.m., meet at Smith-Pendergraft Camus Center 

Jersey Bash 

7-9 p.m. 

Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room 

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Wednesday, Feb. 25 

Homecoming King and Queen Voting 

All day, online at NUMALink 

Coffee with Coaches 

10 a.m. to Noon, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Fireplace 

Battle of the Boxes 

6-7:30 p.m., Campus Recreation and Wellness Center 

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Thursday, Feb. 26 

Print Your Own Gameday Shirt 

11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Fireplace 

Game Day Spirit Competition 

5:30-9:30 p.m., Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center 

Women’s Basketball vs University of Central Oklahoma* 

5:30 p.m., Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center 

**Free and homecoming shirts handed out at halftime 

Criminal Justice Reunion* 

6-8 p.m., Echols Conference Center, 5210 Grand Ave., Fort Smith 

Men’s Basketball vs University of Central Oklahoma* 

7:30 p.m., Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center 

**Free and Homecoming Court announced at halftime 

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Friday, Feb. 27 

Yell Like Hell 

5:30 p.m., UAFS Amphitheater 

College of Business and Industry Reunion* 

6-8 p.m., Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Fireplace 

Homecoming Tipoff* 

6:30-8:30 p.m., UAFS Campus Green 

**Fireworks begin at 8:15 p.m. 

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Saturday, Feb. 28 

Alumni Brunch* 

10 a.m. to Noon, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room 

**Purchase ticket(s)  

Homecoming Tailgate* 

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lot K, 5210 Grand Ave., Fort Smith 

**Beer garden for those 21 and older; ID required 

UAFS 400 

11:15 a.m., Wenderoth Park (Lot K); Trike Race 

Women’s Basketball vs Rogers State* 

1 p.m., Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center 

**Free and Homecoming competition winners announced 

Men’s Basketball vs Rogers State* 

3 p.m., Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center 

**Free and 2026 Homecoming King and Queen crowned 

• Tags:
• UAFS Athletics
• Women's Basketball
• Men's Basketball
• Homecoming
• Alumni