Community | Events | FeaturedFebruary 16, 2026

UAFS Homecoming is Around the Corner

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is in the final stages of preparations for Homecoming 2026. With new and returning favorites, there’s a lot to be excited about while celebrating all things UAFS from Feb. 23-28. 

Three days of voting for the Homecoming Court will kick off the week. This year, students will have 10 of their peers to vote for either in person or online at NUMALink to be crowned royalty. 

Candidates are: 

• Daniel Witt 

• Benjamin Broyles 

• Gerrit Standridge 

• Nik Detweiler 

• Braxton Martin 

• Maggie Heppner 

• Ella Kuykendall 

• Jaidyn Walker 

• Katie Grace Cavaness 

• Grace Howard 

Coaches from UAFS athletics will keep students caffeinated coffee at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace on Wednesday morning.  

Students can also vote for Homecoming displays, which will be on the Campus Green throughout the week. Each display will have a QR code directing to a fan-favorite voting poll.  

During the week, 15 offices around campus will also compete in an office decorating contest. Swing by CBI, TRIO, CAS Advising Center, New Student and Family Programs, Respiratory Therapy, Academic Success Center, English, Rhetoric & Writing, and Media Communication, Admissions, CHEHS Advising, Boreham Library, Sebastian Commons, Lion’s Den South, CACE, ROAR First Year Advising, and Vines to see what the offices came up with to show their UAFS pride. 

On Thursday, students, faculty, and staff can make their own gameday t-shirt with live printing at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center fireplace. That evening, shirts can be worn to cheer on both the women’s and men’s basketball teams at the Stubblefield Center. Homecoming Court will be announced during halftime of the men’s game. 

Friday goes out with a bang, literally. UAFS will have fireworks, food, and live music at the first-ever Homecoming Tipoff beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Green. There will also be an ice skating rink and other family-friendly activities. 

Homecoming week comes to a close on Saturday, Feb. 28, but not without another day filled with activities. Alumni can purchase a ticket(s) to the annual Alumni Brunch were this year’s Alumni Awards will be presented. Starting at 11 a.m., fans can begin tailgating in Lot K, 5210 Grand Ave., Fort Smith, where there will be a beer garden for those 21 and older (ID required), food, a live DJ, Lion temporary tattoos, stations to build your own spirit sign or button, and the inaugural UAFS 400 tricycle race. 

Fuel up on food and fun before heading into the Stubblefield Center to watch the women’s and men’s basketball teams take on Rogers State. Fans, family, and friends can celebrate seniors at Senior Day, and snap photos next to the hospitality room on the southeast corner of the concourse, where backdrops will be set up. Competition winners will be announced during halftime of the women’s game, and the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the men’s game. 

Visit the complete Homecoming Week schedule for times, locations, and purchase ticket(s). 

• Tags:
• Homecoming