Join ‘Mission: Homecoming 2026’ to explore the fun, excitement of UAH traditions, competitions

Countdown to “Mission: Homecoming 2026” is underway at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System. The annual celebration of Charger spirit and traditions blasts off Wednesday, Feb. 18, and runs full throttle through Sunday, Feb. 22.

The Office of Student Life, in partnership with the UAH Alumni Association and UAH Athletics, invites family and friends to join students, alumni, faculty and staff in this showcase of Charger campus culture and achievements.

Two special treats initiated at Homecoming 2025 return to highlight this year’s festivities on Feb. 20 and 21:

• Lip Sync Battle, Friday, 8 p.m., Spragins Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m.
• “The Sideline at the Slab” Tailgate Experience, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Slab.

“The second annual lip sync contest is sure to be an exciting and vibrant part of Homecoming 2026,” says Megan Wilkinson, director of Student Life. “Participants will take the stage to deliver a lip-sync performance to their favorite songs, ranging from pop hits to iconic ballads – all tied into the Homecoming theme.”

Two UAH alums are back: Allen Bailey to host and DJ Papa Rooster to keep the music flowing.

Along with giving contestants a chance to shine, Wilkinson says, the Lip Sync Battle is “an opportunity for the community to come together in support of one another, all while enjoying a night filled with music, laughter and unforgettable moments.”

After the Battle, the UAH Student Government Association will host a bonfire at 9 p.m. behind Spragins Hall. Hot cocoa and cider will be available.

Igniting “The Sideline” celebration of Charger pride on Saturday is another UAH alum, DJ New Era, says Kelly Myers, director of Alumni Relations and Special Events.

“We will have hot dogs from Weiner Von Braun, and the College of Business will be serving Bubba’s hamburgers and beer,” she says. “There will be plenty of lawn games, activities for students and some really great giveaways!”

Expressions of Charger spirit will launch the five days of “Mission: Homecoming” fun on Feb. 18 with three events:

• Charger Blue Bash celebrates the beloved Charger Blue mascot in a traditional UAH style – lunch at Charger Café on Fried Chicken Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cake and giveaways add to the festivities.
• Paint the Town Blue happens all around campus as student organizations and university departments create giant outdoor murals on temporary structures.
• ACE (Association for Campus Entertainment) screens “Space Jam” in a drive-in format on the east side of Charger Union Theater at 7:30 p.m.

UAH Athletics plays a big role with a series of contests Feb. 19-22:

• Women’s and men’s basketball take on Auburn Montgomery on Thursday at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and the University of Montevallo on Saturday at 2 and 4 p.m.
• Women’s lacrosse plays Florida Southern on Thursday at 7 p.m. and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise on Sunday at noon.
• Baseball and softball go up against Lee University in two doubleheaders, Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at noon.

During halftime of the men’s basketball game on Thursday, UAH Athletics will celebrate “4.0 Night” by recognizing the academic achievements of 124 student-athletes with perfect GPAs in the spring and/or fall 2025 semesters.

The UAH Homecoming Court will be presented during halftime of Saturday’s men’s basketball game.

Saturday’s full day of activities begins early with Homecoming Service Saturday. Participants meet in the Charger Union breezeway by 8:45 a.m.

The Charging Home Pump and Run 5K starts at 9:15 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m.

The ChargerCon Gaming and Technology Expo happens Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. in Charger Union. The free annual gaming convention is open to all ages, but parents must be on hand to supervise minors. The event features video game tournaments, an arts festival, a cosplay contest, workshops and panels, a video game indie alley, and free play areas.

In keeping with the gaming vibe, ACE will screen gaming-themed movies throughout the day in Charger Union Theater.

Visit the Homecoming page on the UAH website for a full schedule and updates.