Middle Tennessee State University's Homecoming 2026 falls on Saturday, November 7, with the Blue Raiders hosting WKU at Floyd Stadium. This year the week also brings something new: a ticketed concert at Murphy Center headlined by country star Bailey Zimmerman, the first show in MTSU Athletics' Live at MTSU series.
Homecoming Theme and Dates
MTSU's Student Government Association lists the 2026 theme as "Boro Bound Road Trip." Homecoming week begins Monday, Nov. 2, and ends with the game on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The Game: MTSU vs. WKU, Nov. 7
The Blue Raiders host in-state rival WKU at 2:30 p.m. at Floyd Stadium, with the game on ESPN platforms, according to Conference USA's schedule release. See the game listing, the Floyd Stadium guide and the full MTSU football schedule.
Before kickoff, the Homecoming edition of Party in the Grove starts at noon in Walnut Grove.
MTSU enters October at 1-1 in its last two games. The Blue Raiders beat Nevada 27-20 on Sept. 19 and lost 23-13 at Jacksonville State in the Conference USA opener on Sept. 26, WGNS reported. Remaining home games include Delaware on Oct. 13, Kennesaw State in a Halloween-themed game on Oct. 28, WKU on Nov. 7 and New Mexico State on Nov. 28.
Homecoming Parade Route
According to the SGA, the parade starts on East Main Street at Maney Avenue, continues along East Main, turns left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard, and ends before Greenland Drive. The SGA says the best viewing spots are before Faulkinberry Drive. The parade start time had not been posted as of Sept. 27; the SGA says its Homecoming rule book is coming Oct. 1.
Live at MTSU: Bailey Zimmerman and Waka Flocka Flame, Nov. 5
MTSU Athletics announced the Live at MTSU concert series on Sept. 8, produced with Nashville promoter NVRDUL. The first show is Thursday, Nov. 5, at Murphy Center, with:
- Bailey Zimmerman
- Waka Flocka Flame
- Miller Holler
- Dee Jay Silver
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m., according to MTSU Sidelines. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. See the concert listing and the Murphy Center guide.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said planned renovations to Murphy Center and Floyd Stadium "will make these venues even more attractive for such events," according to MTSU News.
Ticket Prices Draw Student Pushback
MTSU Sidelines reported on Sept. 24 that tickets range from $85.80 to $182.15, and that students will not get free tickets or a student discount. That is a change from the two free concerts a year that MTSU's student-run Raider Entertainment hosts for enrolled students.
Deputy athletics director Lee De Leon told Sidelines that organizers believe the prices are affordable given current concert prices and the costs of competing in today's concert market. He said the show is the official Homecoming event and that organizers aim to sell 9,600 tickets.
"It should be a lot of fun for our students, and hopefully we'll have alumni come back and take part in all the homecoming festivities," De Leon said.
Student reactions were mixed. "Honestly, the ticket prices aren't bad; I'm not mad at all. They're about what I expect," student Shawn Billingsley told Sidelines, while student James Bogle said, "I do think $180 is a little bit steep."
Planning a Homecoming Visit
Returning alumni can find places to eat near campus in the best restaurants guide, places to stay in the Murfreesboro hotels guide, and more about the university in the MTSU guide. The following Saturday, Nov. 14, the first Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade starts at MTSU and heads down Main Street to the Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is MTSU Homecoming 2026?
MTSU Homecoming 2026 is Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Blue Raiders host WKU at 2:30 p.m. at Floyd Stadium. Homecoming week starts Nov. 2.
What is the MTSU Homecoming 2026 theme?
The MTSU Student Government Association lists the 2026 theme as "Boro Bound Road Trip."
When is the Bailey Zimmerman concert at MTSU?
Bailey Zimmerman headlines Live at MTSU on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at Murphy Center with Waka Flocka Flame, Miller Holler and Dee Jay Silver. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
How much are Live at MTSU tickets?
MTSU Sidelines reported ticket prices from $85.80 to $182.15, with no student discount.
What is the MTSU Homecoming parade route?
The parade starts on East Main Street at Maney Avenue, follows East Main, turns left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ends before Greenland Drive, according to the SGA.
Sources: MTSU News: MTSU Athletics launches concert series, MTSU Sidelines: Live at MTSU sparks mixed reactions, MTSU SGA: Homecoming, Conference USA 2026 game times via GoBlueRaiders and WGNS: Blue Raiders fall 23-13 in conference opener.