Homecoming Parade
Hampton Pirates!
We extend a warm welcome to the entire community to join us in the excitement of “Pirates Island” by participating in our Homecoming parade!
Join us Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 9:00am!
Join us Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 9:00am!
Message from the Parade Director
The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership is preparing for our annual Homecoming celebration. Our annual Homecoming week is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 19, 2025. We are extending an invitation to everyone to participate in the weekās activities…
Mr. Calvin J. Harris
Parade Director
Parade Route
- Start at Darling Stadium going towards Settlers Landing
- Right on to Settlers Landing Road
- Continue on Settlers Landing Road towards Air & Space Museum
- Continue over the Bridge
- Right at Starbucks
- Right on to William R .Harvey Way, continue down and gate will be open on left between Phenix and Whipple Barn (End Parade)
Parade Parking Instructions
To ensure a smooth experience, please follow these parking guidelines:
Parking Location: Eaton Street Garage. Conveniently located near the beginning of the parade route.
Parking Fee: $25 per vehicle payable upon entry.
Road Closures & Access: Settler’s Landing Road will be closed for parade activities. Use Pembroke Avenue to access Eaton Street Garage.
Plan Ahead: Arrive early to secure parking and avoid delays. Expect increased traffic and pedestrian activity near the parade route.
Other notes: Campus roads will be closed to traffic from 7:30am – 12:00pm.
Parking Fee: $25 per vehicle payable upon entry.
Road Closures & Access: Settler’s Landing Road will be closed for parade activities. Use Pembroke Avenue to access Eaton Street Garage.
Plan Ahead: Arrive early to secure parking and avoid delays. Expect increased traffic and pedestrian activity near the parade route.
Other notes: Campus roads will be closed to traffic from 7:30am – 12:00pm.
2024 Homecoming Parade Information
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 9:00am
Parking Note: The available parking locations to observe the Hampton University Homecoming parade are sold out.
Parade Route
Line Up Location: Hampton City Hall (Eaton Street and Syms Street)
Parade Route Distance: 3.0 miles
- Start at Lincoln Street at First Baptist Church going towards Franklin Street.
- Viewing Stand in lot of Spirit of Life Christian Church (Lincoln Street).
- Left on S. Armistead Ave.
- Left on to Settlers Landing Road.
- Continue on Settlers Landing Road towards Air & Space Museum.
- Continue over the Bridge.
- Right at Starbucks.
- Right on to William R. Harvey Way and continue down the road. The gate will be open on the left between Phenix and Whipple Barn.
(End Parade)
General Rules
- No stopping to perform along theĀ paradeĀ route EXCEPT at the judgeās stand. (45 seconds) NO REVERSE MARCHING. Judges may disqualify units from competition for this offense.
- No unit should break ranks before reaching the dispersal area.
- Throwing of candy, gum, favors, etc., from elements in live is forbidden, as children may be pushed under a vehicle.
- Distance between separate units will be two car lengths. Distance between different elements within your group should be no more than one car length.
- Keep ranks close up. Exert every effort to keep theĀ paradeĀ moving and eliminate gaps.
- Automobiles, trailers, and floats will govern their speed so as not to overrun marching units. Any vehicle suffering mechanical failure should be pulled out of theĀ paradeĀ line.
- Band leaders should conduct their music so as not to overplay adjacent bands.
- The judgesā stand will be in front of Spirit of Life Christian Church on Lincoln Street.
- Only student groups that are recognized by the Student Affairs Council will be permitted to participate in theĀ parade.
- All questions and request for exception must be directed to Mr. Calvin J. Harris at 757.727.5691.
Assembly
- Floats
- All floats are to be assembled on Bemis Lawn by 7:00 a.m. the morning of theĀ parade.Ā The Hampton (City) Police Department will provide escort to the City Hall assembly area at 7:30 a.m.Ā If you miss this time, it is very unlikely that your unit will make theĀ parade.Ā Ā (CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS ONLY)
- Float inspection will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to theĀ paradeĀ by either theĀ ParadeĀ Coordinator, and or her representative.
- At 6:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to theĀ parade, a final inspection will be conducted to determine participation.
- All other floats should arrive at City Hall by 8:00 a.m. the morning of theĀ parade.
- Note: Whether you want your entry judged or not, it must be decorated.
- Bands/Marching Units & Organizations
- All vehicles and participants must arrive to the assembly area between 7:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.
- IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 8:00 a.m. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MARCH IN THE PARADE.
- Participants arriving on buses should be dropped off on Eaton Street near the assembly area. Buses should then proceed to Hampton University and park on Bemis Lawn.
- All vehicles and participants must arrive to the assembly area between 7:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.
Judging (Scoring) of Entries
Scale of Points:Ā 1 to 10
- Floats– Total of 40 points; 10 points maximum for each category as follows:
- Originality
- Artistic Design
- Esthetic Design
- Workmanship (Materials, Construction, Neatness)
- Bands– Total of 50 points; 10 points maximum for each category as follows:
- Precision
- Dress (Alignment)
- Execution (Drill Formation)
- Cover (Straight Line)
- Music Quality
2023 Homecoming Parade ROUTE
Line Up Location: Hampton City Hall (Eaton Street and Syms Street)
Parade Route Distance: 3.0 miles
ROUTE:
- Start at Lincoln Street at First Baptist Church going towards Franklin Street
- Viewing Stand in lot of Spirit of Life Christian Church (Lincoln Street)
- Cross over S. Armistead Ave (Mary Jackson Center on left)
- Continue up Lincoln Street through residential area
- Left on to N. Back River Road
- Cross over W. Queen Street
- Left on to Settlers Landing Road
- Continue on Settlers Landing Road towards Air & Space Museum
- Continue over the Bridge
- Right at Starbucks
Right on to William R Harvey Way, continue down and gate will be open on left between Phenix and Whipple Barn (End Parade)
