INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University welcomes alumni, students, their parents and families, faculty, staff, and the community to campus for Homecoming and Family Day 2025 on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The day will feature a variety of fun activities, including tailgating, a family carnival, football, women’s soccer, and a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the Pioneer Athletics Fieldhouse.
“We are so happy to welcome back alumni, families, and community members, along with our students, faculty, and staff, in a fun-filled day to celebrate Homecoming and Family Day,” says Francisco Diaz, associate vice president for student development. “This annual event has grown in the past few years and showcases our Pioneer spirit!”
Admission for alumni and the general public is $10 per person, which includes tailgating, the Pioneer Carnival, the football game, and the women's soccer game. WP students are free.
The day kicks off with tailgating in Parking Lot 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on campus. Alumni and friends are welcome to bring food, drinks, and grills for a traditional tailgate experience. An ID is required. For additional information, view the tailgating guidelines and the campus map.
A Pioneer Carnival will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Practice Field, featuring games, prizes, giveaways, and activities for all ages. The day will include student performances, music, bingo and more! Burgers, snacks, and other tasty bites will be available for purchase at the carnival.
Also, a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Pioneer Athletics Fieldhouse adjacent to Wightman Stadium. Tours of the facility will follow the ceremony.
All events lead to the big Homecoming game, when the Pioneer Football Team squares off against Vermont State University Castleton at 1 p.m. in Wightman Stadium. Attendees are asked to “Orange Out the Stands” by wearing as much orange as possible!
The day concludes with the Pioneer Women's Soccer Team vs. Rutgers-Newark at 5:00 p.m. in Pioneer Soccer Park.
Advanced registration is required for alumni, parents, families, and the general public. WP students (student ID required), faculty, and staff may attend for free; no advance registration is required.
Parking on Homecoming and Family Day is complimentary and available in the Pioneer Parking Garage or in Parking Lots 4 and 5.
For additional information about Homecoming events, visit the website at wpunj.edu/homecoming.
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