Eagles Flock Back to the ‘Burg for Homecoming

The University of Mary Washington’s Homecoming 2025 is set to bring school spirit soaring back to Fredericksburg. Alumni, students, families and friends will reunite on Saturday, Oct. 25, for a day of fan-favorite activities, with a week’s worth of events leading up to the big day for current students, faculty and staff.

Crafts, karaoke and the Big Ash Bonfire are planned ahead of Homecoming, which kicks off just steps from the Battleground Athletic Complex with an annual Pregame Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. Guests can enjoy a hearty brunch buffet and drinks. Lawn games and camaraderie make this a popular warm-up before the tailgate. Tickets are required in advance.

The traditional Athletics Tailgate runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans the entire Battleground complex. It offers food, fun and access to NCAA and club sporting events. Fans can cheer on teams throughout the day, including men’s rugby vs. Life University (noon), women’s soccer vs. St. Mary’s College of Maryland (noon), women’s volleyball vs. Johns Hopkins University (1 p.m.) and men’s soccer vs. Salisbury University (2:30 p.m.). Admission to games is free, and tailgate wristbands can be purchased for entry to the fenced area.

Within the tailgate, participants can relax at the Beer Garden overlooking the soccer field. The space features alumni-only tables, pizza, beer, cider and Eagle giveaways. Pregame attendees receive two complimentary drink tickets, and Class of 2020 guests celebrating their five-year reunion score an additional one. Extra tickets will also be available for purchase.

“Homecoming is one of our favorite times of year because it brings together so many generations of Eagles,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “It’s a chance to reconnect with classmates, cheer on the Eagles and experience the energy that makes Mary Washington such a special community.”

Fans fill the stands to cheer on UMW’s teams throughout a full slate of Homecoming games at the Battleground Athletic Complex. Photo by Norm Shafer.

Eagles of all ages show their school spirit as Homecoming events bring an energy and excitement to Fredericksburg. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Friends and classmates reconnect on campus, celebrating shared memories and Eagle pride during Homecoming weekend.

The Big Ash Bonfire will light up Jefferson Square on Friday night, kicking off Homecoming weekend with warmth, laughter and school pride.

A new generation of Eagles turn out to show their spirit, keeping Mary Washington traditions alive.

Sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Department of Athletics, Homecoming brings together alumni and current students, including those from the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) to join in the festivities.

While alumni prepare to flock back to Fredericksburg, current students will rev up the excitement on campus with daily Homecoming Week events. On Wednesday, HoCo Crafternoon poster-making is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center living rooms and Live Band Karaoke runs from 8 to 10 p.m. in The Underground. On Thursday, UMW Trivia Night with pizza, beer and wings begins at 8 p.m. in The Underground. Friday’s Big Ash Bonfire with s’mores, hot drinks and funnel cakes lights up Jefferson Square at 7:30 p.m.

Athletics alumni are invited to a Special Reception with President Paino on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center, featuring a conversation about the future of Division III athletics; registration is required. And prior to that event, the Eagles will be celebrating a groundbreaking for new locker rooms at the Battleground Athletic Complex.

Other events for athletics alumni include a Volleyball Alumni Match on Friday at 6 p.m. in Ron Rosner Arena and a Swimming Alumni Meet on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Goolrick Pool. Both contests are free and open to spectators.

For everyone, the family-friendly Ghostwalk, organized by the UMW Historic Preservation Club, returns Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are sold on-site the night of the event, which starts at the James Monroe Museum – $10 for adults and $5 for students, alumni, staff and children 6 and older.

Whether brunching with classmates, tailgating with teammates or cheering on the Eagles from the stands, Homecoming 2025 promises a day full of school spirit and campus pride. Parking in the Battleground Athletic Complex will be reserved for tailgating, with free street parking available nearby. Traffic along Hanover Street may be heavy during peak game times.

Visit the UMW Athletics Homecoming 2025 website for more details and to register. Join the conversation on social media using hashtags #BackintheBurg and #GetDirtyGoWash.