GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY

HOMECOMING PARADE 2026

Dear Prospective Parade Participant,

Grambling State University is pleased to invite interested schools, organizations, community groups, alumni, businesses, student organizations, performance groups, and other approved participants to take part in the 2026 Grambling State University Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

This year’s Homecoming celebration is especially significant as Grambling State University commemorates a historic “Multiversary”—a once-in-a-generation celebration honoring three extraordinary milestones in the life and legacy of the institution:

• 125 Years of Grambling State University

• 100 Years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band

• 100 Years of Grambling State University Athletics

These milestones represent more than anniversaries; they reflect generations of excellence, tradition, perseverance, achievement, and Tiger pride. The 2026 Homecoming Parade will serve as a signature moment within this historic celebration, bringing together students, alumni, families, schools, organizations, community members, and supporters from near and far.

We welcome applications from a variety of parade entry types, including:

• High School and Community Bands

• Marching and Performance Groups

• Dance and Cheer Teams

• Floats

• Cars and Specialty Vehicles

• Alumni Groups

• Student Organizations

• Community Organizations

• Civic and Service Organizations

• Businesses and Community Partners

• Other approved parade entries

Application Deadline

All interested participants must submit a completed Homecoming Parade Participation Application no later than September 21, 2026.

Parade participation is limited, and applications will be reviewed based on available capacity, entry type, and compliance with University and parade requirements. Early submission is strongly encouraged.

Please note that the parade is limited to approximately 1,500 total participants, and submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

Band Participants

Qualifying bands approved to participate in the parade will receive two complimentary football game tickets:

• One (1) ticket for the bus driver

• One (1) ticket for a designated chaperone

Tickets will only be provided to qualifying bands that complete the application process by the established deadline and receive official confirmation of parade participation.

All questions and correspondence related specifically to band participation should be directed to:

Ms. Janice Cowan
Executive Assistant to the Director of Bands
Grambling State University
Phone: (318) 274-6157
Email: cowanj@gram.edu

All Other Parade Entries

For questions regarding floats, cars, dance teams, cheer teams, community organizations, student organizations, alumni groups, businesses, specialty entries, and all other non-band parade entries, please contact:

Mr. Craig Johnson
Director of Campus Activities & Student Engagement
Grambling State University
Phone: (318) 274-6115
Email: johnsonc@gram.edu

Parade Confirmation

Once applications have been received and reviewed, approved participants will receive an Official Parade Participation Confirmation by email with additional information regarding:

• Parade lineup time

• Lineup location

• Entry placement

• Arrival and check-in procedures

• Vehicle and float requirements

• Parade route expectations

• Safety requirements

• Football ticket distribution, when applicable

• Additional event-day instructions

Please ensure that a valid and regularly monitored email address is included on your application.

Meals

Groups interested in arranging post-parade meals may contact Sodexo Catering Services at (318) 274-2066. Sodexo Catering Services is located in McCall Dining Hall on the Grambling State University campus.

Vehicle Participation

Please note: A limited number of cars and vehicles will be permitted on the parade route. Vehicle entries are subject to approval and will be accommodated based on available space and the overall parade lineup. Submission of an application does not guarantee vehicle entry.

We invite you to become part of this historic Multiversary Homecoming celebration as Grambling State University honors 125 years of institutional legacy, 100 years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and 100 years of GSU Athletics.

We look forward to welcoming you to Grambling State University for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our history, traditions, and enduring Tiger spirit.

With Tiger Pride,

Grambling State University Homecoming Planning Committee
Favrot Student Union Board
Campus Activities & Student Engagement
World Famed Tiger Marching Band

Homecoming Parade: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Application Deadline: September 21, 2026