MTSU Homecoming 2026: WKU Game, Parade and Bailey Zimmerman Concert

MTSU Homecoming 2026 is Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Blue Raiders host WKU at 2:30 p.m. The week's headline event is the first Live at MTSU concert on Nov. 5 at Murphy Center with Bailey Zimmerman and Waka Flocka Flame.

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 uses the theme "Boro Bound Road Trip" on its Homecoming page. The SGA's 2026 Homecoming rule book, posted in October, describes the theme as "Blue Raider Country."

The rule book's calendar runs from a Fall Festival in Walnut Grove on Monday, Nov. 2 (5 to 8 p.m.) through the parade and game on Saturday, Nov. 7. Other events that week include:

• Nov. 2: Paint the Halls Blue judging
• Nov. 3: Chili & Mac & Cheese Cook-Off, Student Union Commons, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 4: Kickback on the Sun Deck at Campus Rec, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Nov. 5: Live at MTSU concert at Murphy Center
• Nov. 6: Parade judging and the NPHC Step Show in the Student Union Ballroom, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Nov. 7: Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m.

The Game: MTSU vs. WKU, Nov. 7

The Blue Raiders host Conference USA rival WKU at 2:30 p.m. at Floyd Stadium, with the game on an ESPN platform, according to the Conference USA schedule MTSU Athletics published. 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 is 2-3 after five games, according to MTSU Athletics. The Blue Raiders beat Murray State 38-14 and Nevada 27-20, and lost at Marshall 28-26, at Jacksonville State 23-13 in the Conference USA opener on Sept. 26, and at Kansas 55-0 on Oct. 3. Remaining home games include Delaware on Oct. 13, Kennesaw State 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 SGA's rule book sets the parade start for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, and notes that parade times are subject to change if Conference USA moves the Homecoming game's kickoff.

Live at MTSU: Bailey Zimmerman and Waka Flocka Flame, Nov. 5

MTSU Athletics announced the Live at MTSU concert series on Sept. 8, presented with Nashville concert promoter NVRDUL Events. The first show is Thursday, Nov. 5, at Murphy Center, during Homecoming week, 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 Athletics. The SGA's Homecoming rule book links to Ticketmaster for tickets. Pre-sales opened Sept. 9 for Blue Raider Athletic Association members and season ticket holders and Sept. 10 for MTSU students, with the general public sale starting Sept. 11. See the concert listing and the Murphy Center guide.

"Our planned renovations to Murphy Center and Floyd Stadium, made possible through state and private funding, will make these venues even more attractive for such events," MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said in the announcement. MTSU says Murphy Center renovations are set to begin in 2027.

Athletics Director Chris Massaro said the university is "thrilled to kick things off with one of country music's biggest stars in Bailey Zimmerman during Homecoming Weekend." MTSU and NVRDUL say more concerts and events will be announced.

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. The SGA's Homecoming calendar starts with a Fall Festival on Nov. 2.

What is the MTSU Homecoming 2026 theme?

The MTSU Student Government Association's Homecoming page uses the theme "Boro Bound Road Trip." The SGA's 2026 rule book refers to the theme as "Blue Raider Country."

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 do I get Live at MTSU tickets?

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster. General public sales began Sept. 11, 2026.

What time is the MTSU Homecoming parade?

The SGA's rule book lists a 10 a.m. start on Saturday, Nov. 7, subject to change if the game time moves.

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 Live at MTSU concert series, GoBlueRaiders: Live at MTSU announcement, MTSU SGA: Homecoming, MTSU SGA: 2026 Homecoming Rule Book (PDF), GoBlueRaiders: CUSA announces 2026 game times and TV and the MTSU 2026 football schedule.