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Please don’t call it a comeback. Call it “Thee Comeback.” Jackson State University is hosting Homecoming 2021 from Oct. 9-16 in the capital city. JSU Tiger fans, friends and alumni should expect a fun-filled week while adhering to updated and modified COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols for all university-sponsored homecoming events and activities.
“We recognize that Tiger Pride cannot be denied or contained, and we have many reasons to celebrate as a university. So our homecoming committee worked long and hard to find equitable and safe ways for us to host homecoming this year,” said Thomas K. Hudson, president of Jackson State. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves but in a safe environment, and we are committed to making sure that happens.”
Among highly anticipated happenings is the football matchup between JSU and Alabama State University at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Thee Comeback will also include fan favorites such as street jam, yard fest and the homecoming parade.
After two years of navigating through challenges, JSU’s Homecoming 2021 is returning with a sense of excitement and thrill,” Dr. Susan Powell, associate vice president for Student Affairs, said. “Thee Comeback reflects the tenacity and persistence of our students here at Jackson State. We are ready to celebrate and commemorate our accomplishments.”
Students also can look forward to the homecoming concert, which will feature two-time Grammy-nominated artist Lil Durk. In December, the Chicago rapper released his sixth studio album, “The Voice,” and recently made a guest appearance on Kanye West’s long-awaited album “Donda.”
Alabama native Flo Milli will also make an appearance. Milli inked a record deal with RCA after going viral on the social media platform TikTok. She was also nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Student tickets are on sale now in the campus bookstore for $30. Students are allowed to purchase only one ticket with their ID. A limited amount of non-student tickets will be available beginning next week for $55. All tickets purchased the day of the concert are $60.
Powell emphasized that COVID-19 protocols are in place for all homecoming festivities.
“We are taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being for all who plan to attend,” Powell said.
COVID-19 protocols include:
- Masks are required at all times.
- Monday and Tuesday night events are for currently registered JSU students only.
- JSU students and external guests may attend the concert and step show.
- Individuals attending the concert or step show must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result that was administered 72 hours before both events, even if you are fully vaccinated. Campus testing will be available only to current students living in residence halls. Individuals will not be allowed to enter either event without a negative test result. To enter, IDs will be required with the test results.
- COVID-19 tests will not be administered to guests and off-campus students. Individuals are encouraged to get tested at an off-campus healthcare facility.
“We as a student body are excited to experience homecoming this year,” Tyra McCormick, president of the Student Government Association, said. “This will be the first homecoming for the classes of 2024 and 2025, so we are anticipating a memorable experience for them. This pandemic has not been easy for any of us, so we are looking forward to ‘Thee Come Back.’ This is a time for our alumni to return and see the progress of our university, and for all of us to make memories while having good, safe fun.”
Concert tickets can be purchased only at the JSU Campus Store and the JSU Division of Business and Finance. For a detailed list of homecoming events, visit the homecoming website at www.jsums.edu/homecoming and follow JSU on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to use the official homecoming hashtag #JSUHomecoming.