Tennessee State University celebrates homecoming under interim leadership

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — There’s a lot of excitement for the celebration of Tennessee State University’s (TSU’s) annual homecoming. For those planning on attending the festivities, there are some logistics to know.

This year’s homecoming honors 112 years of TSU’s excellence; it’s a time for alumni, students and the entire community to come together and celebrate.

A homecoming parade will begin at 9 a.m. and travel westward on Jefferson Street from 14th Avenue all the way to TSU’s campus. However, Jefferson Street will begin closing at 7:30 a.m. and the Interstate 40 West exit ramp at Jefferson Street will close at 8:30 a.m.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) announced that road closures will include:

• John A. Merritt Boulevard from 28th to 33rd Avenues
• 12th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• 14th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• 16th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• Meharry Boulevard between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Phillips Street between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Jackson Street between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Ireland Street between 12th and 16th Avenues
• Scovel Street between 23rd and 28th Avenues
• Beasley Street between 23rd and 28th Avenues
• Ed Temple Boulevard between Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard & Albion Street

TSU will celebrate this homecoming under an interim president. Several alumni that attended Friday’s homecoming pep rally expressed their views on the interim president and other changes.

“Change is good sometimes,” alumnus Kevin Robertson told News 2. “I think there’s a really good interim administration that’s in place right now, but the bottom line is that we’re all trying to be active and involved in the decision-making processes. We’re all optimistic trying to move things forward.”

TSU previously announced that Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands would not travel to multiple away games. According to a Facebook post, the university’s financial landscape prevented the travel.

“We are a Grammy award-winning band and we can’t travel to show it off,” alumna Helen Jones said. “I’m a little hurt, but that’s okay. We’ll show off at homecoming.”

Other alumni echoed support for the interim administration and were optimistic about the university’s future.

In addition to the homecoming parade, TSU will play Eastern Illinois University at Nissan Stadium at 5 p.m. and attendees have been urged to make a parking and arrival plan in advance. As of publication, Nissan Stadium’s parking passes have been sold out for all lots; staff will check for parking passes at the Shelby Avenue and Woodland Street entrances to the stadium’s campus.

“Arriving early is the key to fully enjoying TSU’s homecoming parade Saturday morning and the football game Saturday evening,” MNPD added in a press release .

Lot N, which is located on Shelby Avenue across from the stadium, will have limited gameday parking available for purchase. That lot, and all other lots, will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and close at 10 p.m.

“More than 80 Metro police officers will be on the streets immediately surrounding Nissan Stadium to assist with the traffic flow,” MNPD added in a press release. “The same traffic plan that is used for NFL games will be in effect, except there will be no closure of the Woodland Street Bridge.”

Attendees without prepaid parking passes have been encouraged to park downtown and walk to the stadium or use rideshare options. Interstate Drive between Woodland Street and Shelby Avenue and Crutcher Street at South 2nd Street will be Nissan Stadium’s rideshare locations.

If you don’t have your ticket yet, TSU’s website said that Tiger Reserved seats are available for $45. Tiger Reserved seats are available on the day of the game for $50. Tailgate spots have been sold out for the homecoming game, according to staff with the TSU’s ticket office. Follow this link to buy tickets online.

“Seeing all of my peers and my colleagues — I’m just excited to be alive and to be here,” alumna Sybil Ingram said.

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