★ ★ ★ A BIG BLUE TRADITION
THE HOMECOMING
PARADE
Tennessee State University’s Homecoming celebration takes to the streets—bringing together alumni, students, organizations and the Nashville community.
PLAN YOUR MORNING
ROUTE & KEY TIMES
Know where to check in, when to stage and when the Big Blue Parade begins.
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center parking lot at 14th Avenue North and Jefferson Street.
All approved entries must be in their assigned staging location so the procession can be organized.
The TSU Homecoming Parade starts promptly and proceeds continuously along the published route.
Performing entries receive a maximum of 60 seconds when signaled by a Parade Assistant.
Ready to Participate?
Four Steps to Join
Complete every step. Incomplete applications and applications without an entry design will not be reviewed.
Complete the Application
Submit one complete application. Only one car or one float per organization may participate.
Email Your Entry Design
Draw the theme-related entry design on a separate 8½ × 11 sheet and email it to parade@tnstate.edu.
Allow Time for Approval
Please allow up to 14 business days after submission for the committee’s review and approval.
Pay by September 29
Fees are due no later than September 29, 2026. Keep all payment receipts on file.
Choose Your Position
Parade Placement Tiers
Placement is purchased by tier. Within each tier, procession order is determined by purchase date.
Spots 1–20
$375Spots 21–40
$275Spots 41–60
$175Spots 61–80
$75Fees may be paid by check, money order, online payment or cash at the TSU Bursar’s Office in the Ned Ray McWherter Administration Building.
BE READY. BE SAFE. SHOW YOUR BIG BLUE PRIDE.
PARADE RULES AT A GLANCE
Select any topic to review the requirement. Approved entries must follow all committee and parade-day instructions.ENTRY TYPES & CAPACITY
Traditional floats: Provide your own pulling mechanism and transportation. Only one motorized pulling vehicle; maximum 30 people on or around the float.
Walking/non-motorized entries: Maximum 60 people on foot or person-powered vehicles. No animals.
DECORATION & THEME
Car and float entries must be at least 75% decorated and incorporate the Homecoming theme. Failure to comply may result in removal without a refund.
CHILDREN 12 & UNDER
Entries that include children ages 12 and younger must maintain a ratio of at least one adult for every ten children.
ALCOHOL, SUBSTANCES & ADVERTISING
No alcoholic beverages, illegal substances or related containers are allowed. Alcohol and tobacco advertising may not be displayed on an entry.
STAGING & VEHICLES
Arrive at the assigned staging location no later than 7:45 a.m. Do not bring non-permitted vehicles into the staging area; they may be towed at the owner’s expense.
PERFORMING ENTRIES
Parade Assistants will signal when it is time to perform. Each performing entry receives a maximum of 60 seconds, and the procession must continue moving.
FLOAT COMPETITION
A panel of students, faculty, staff and community leaders will judge competing floats. One float will receive Best of Show for fulfilling the requirements of TSU Spirit.
CONDUCT & RIGHT TO DENY ENTRY
Unsafe, offensive or disorderly conduct may result in immediate removal without a refund and the loss of parade eligibility for one year.
MAKE YOUR MARK ON HOMECOMING