FAQ

The main registration link featuring all free programming and events can be found here: https://advancement.cnu.edu/register/hoco25

While registration is not required, it is certainly encouraged! This helps our team ensure the best experience possible. Plus, each registrant is automatically entered into an exclusive raffle to win exclusive swag!

All events are free unless otherwise notated. The events sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement are brought to you for FREE, thanks to the generous support of alumni and community donors who make these programs possible. These events include two of the largest Homecoming events and traditions on-campus: Shoe Lane Lights and Alumni Alley!

There is a wide variety of programming and events to choose from throughout the week, so whether you are looking for an athletic game, pep rally, spirit store, artistic outlet, or family-friendly hang, there is truly something for everyone! Please refer to our master Homecoming Schedule to choose your own adventure and decide how you want to celebrate.

Homecoming activities are taking place on Christopher Newport’s campus as well as around the local Newport News community! Please check the Homecoming Schedule to reference the specific location where that Homecoming event or activity may be taking place.

Choose your own adventure and chart your unique Homecoming course by exploring the various places hosting different events throughout the week around campus by checking out the campus map below.

Campus Map

All events are open to the community unless otherwise noted. We encourage all alumni, students, parents, donors, faculty, staff and community members to join us at our largest annual week of celebrations!

Rediscover favorite spots, see exciting new additions, and fall in love with campus all over again through either the guided campus tour experience or by enjoying a self-guided tour experience!

Guided Tours: Join our knowledgeable student ambassadors for a walk down memory lane during the campus tour on Friday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m. Hear stories, learn what's new, and reconnect with the heart of campus.

Self-Guided Historical Tour: Prefer to explore at your own pace? Come by the Gregory P. Klich Alumni House or the Alumni Engagement Hospitality Tent at Alumni Alley to grab a historical tour map and start your journey anytime! Perfect for families, alumni, and visitors who want a flexible schedule.

Most events are rain or shine. Registering for events allows you to receive up to date information regarding any weather-related event changes. These are communicated via email and text messages, so please be sure to keep an eye on your inboxes should weather be looming. Also follow us on social media at @acaptainforlife for real time updates as well.

Please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@cnu.edu or text us at 757-231-9268 and we will be happy to help!

Visitors and guests are invited to park in the Ferguson Parking Deck and Visitor’s Lot as denoted on the campus map found HERE

For those with accessibility needs, if you have an accessibility hang tag or license plate, you are permitted to access the accessibility parking lot (Lot L)., No tailgating is permitted in this lot.

An accessibility shuttle will be available on Saturday, October 18 for those who need to be shuttled to the Football Game. The shuttle will pick guests up from the accessible parking lot (Lot L) and will drop them off at the accessibility entrance at the back of the stadium.

All game tickets and tailgate passes are sold by the Athletic Office, and are available at the following link or phone number below:

• 757-594-7880
• https://www.cnusports.com/sports/2011/5/16/ticket-office.aspx

*For purchasing a tailgate pass online you will be prompted to first select game tickets and the tailgate pass will appear as an add on sale item.

Game tickets and tailgate passes can be picked up at the Ticket Office on Friday, October 16, 2025 between 9am - 4pm.

The Football game is the only ticketed athletic event during Homecoming. All other athletic events are free to attend.

The CNU Athletics Office operates the general tailgate zone and manages all tailgate policies and procedures. Please view the following documents for any detailed information on rules and regulations.

• Parking & Tailgating FAQs
• 2025 Tailgating Policies & Procedures
• 2025 Tailgating Regulations

This is an annual Homecoming tradition in the tailgate zone where alumni chapters, academic departments, and other groups host tailgates that are welcome to all Captains returning to campus.

Also Alumni Alley is home base for the Alumni Engagement Hospitality tent and the Homecoming Spirit Store. Located at the start of Alumni Alley please stop by and grab free Captains merch and check out this year’s Homecoming apparel.

If you are interested in hosting a tailgate in Alumni Alley, please contact grace.sharlun@cnu.edu for more information.

Anyone can be a part of Alumni Alley - even if you don’t have a tailgate pass, you can park elsewhere and walk into Alumni Alley. Whether you are meeting up with classmates and professors, or meeting new Captains for Life, Alumni Alley is free for all and all are welcome.

This year’s lineup includes a short sleeve and long sleeve shirt featuring custom artwork by alum Joy Parker ‘25, and a refreshed re-design of the beloved Alumni Embroidered Sweatshirt.

Every purchase you make not only allows you to carry a piece of Christopher Newport with you, but also funds unrestricted student scholarships. Supporting scholarships lessens financial burdens and empowers the next generation of Captains to achieve their dreams of attending CNU.

All items are available at the main Homecoming registration link: https://advancement.cnu.edu/register/hoco25

Shipping orders must be placed by October 3 to get yours in time for Homecoming. Pick up orders must be placed by October 8 in order to get yours in time for pick up at Homecoming.

Please reach out to our Annual Giving team at give@cnu.edu or 757-594-8460.