Homecoming 2026 builds community connections
Lamar University held its Homecoming game, Oct. 24, with the LU and Beaumont communities coming together for tailgate and the game against Houston Christian University.
The week leading up to the game was filled with various events designed to bring LU’s energy up, such as a pool party and mum-making, along with the traditional Homecoming bonfire and concert.
“Homecoming (week) was great,” Shamodre Green, student organization coordinator, said. “We had over 3,000 students that attended the Homecoming concert, where we hosted DaBaby and Chris Lane, as well as our bonfire, where we announced some of our royal court participants, (and) the game Saturday. It was a bunch of events and activities. We truly enjoyed it.”
Autumn Johnson and Darius Arceneaux were crowned Homecoming queen and king during halftime of the game.
The College of Engineering held its 75th Anniversary tailgate during Homecoming. Attendees participated in a silent auction, listened to music and enjoyed multiple activities, such as bull riding.
A car smash, foam play area, bounce houses and carnival games were also available for attendees at other areas of the Homecoming tailgate on the Plummer Lawn. Students and community members alike were seen enjoying the time leading up to kickoff against the Huskies.
Green said the Homecoming concert saw a change this year. Traditionally, LU hosts a hip-hop artist. This year, the concert included a country artist in the lineup before bringing out the hip-hop artist.
“My favorite part of last week would have to be the concert,” Green said. “It was my first Lamar concert here and it was very exciting, getting to see how the students enjoyed it and how they responded to it.”
Green said this year’s Homecoming exceeded his expectations and goals, and he hopes that organizers can use this year to make next year even better.
“I expected it to be just a traditional, normal Homecoming where you come, have a good time and enjoy,” Green said. “But to see the response and the reaction from not only the students on campus, but the community that was outside that wanted to come to the concert, it made us sit back and question what we can do differently to include all of the Beaumont community.”
Homecoming is a tradition that brings together students, alumni and the community, showing what LU has to offer in not only academics but in experiences.
