Wheeling, W. Va. - In just two weeks, Wheeling University will welcome back alumni, family, and friends for Its annual Homecoming Weekend, running Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18. It will be a full weekend of athletic, student, and alumni events across campus. Be sure to register now by clicking HERE and join in on all the fun and celebrate what it means to be a Cardinal.
The weekend begins on Friday, October 16, with registration running from 3 – 6 PM inside Swint Hall outside of The Ratt. Here, all pre-registered guests will pick-up their registration packets, complete with a full detailed schedule of the weekend events. Wheeling University President Dr. Dianna Vargo will then host the President's Welcome Reception inside The RATT beginning at 5 PM. The fun continues on Donahue Lawn, weather permitting, when the campus hosts Cardinal Spirit Night and Smores. Gather around the fire with your fellow alumni to roast marshmallows and reminisce about your time on campus with some delicious smores.
Athletic events will also kick-off on Friday night following the welcome reception, with doubleheader action in the Alma Grace McDonough Center and on Bishop Schmitt Field. It starts when the Wheeling Volleyball team welcomes in Concord in Mountain East Conference action with first serve at 6 PM. The Cardinals will look to ride the momentum of a strong start to conference play and open the weekend with a win. Outside on Bishop Schmitt Field, the Wheeling Men's Rugby team will have conference action of their own when they host St. Bonaventure in Atlantic Rugby Conference (ARC) at 6:30 PM. Friday comes to an end back at the Ratt with the "End the Night at the RATT" event that begins at 9 PM.
Saturday is the big day of the weekend, with the annual Homecoming Football game, featuring the Cardinals taking on West Virginia State at noon. The day begins bright and early at 9 AM with the Alumni Swim Event inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center Natatorium. It will be a morning of friendly competition as the Wheeling Swim program welcomes back alumni to compete against the current team. After a dip in the pool, cone out to the President's Red Zone Tailgate and Cardinal Homecoming Festival, both running from 11 AM – 2 PM. The Red Zone Tailgate will be held under the Bishop Schmitt Field Scoreboard, and Alumni and families must purchase a 2026 Homecoming Weekend Pass to attend. The Cardinal Homecoming Festival, set for 11 AM to 2 PM, will be held on Donahue Lawn, with athletic teams, student clubs and organizations, and other campus organizations setting up booths with games and fun for all.
The action will then kick-off on the gridiron at noon when the Cardinals welcome the Yellow Jackets to Bishop Schmitt Field for the first time since 2024. At halftime, the Homecoming Court will be announced, with the Homecoming King and Queen being crowned. Following football action, the Volleyball team returns to action when they host Shawnee State for the first time in program history at 4 PM. It closes out an MEC South weekend at home for the Cardinals as they continue their postseason push. The Saturday events wrap up with the annual Wheeling University Homecoming Dance for current Wheeling students at the River City Restaurant.
Sunday is all about the Cardinal Community with events running through lunch time. The day will begin at 9 AM with the Alumni Council Meeting in the CET 307 Conference Room. This will be followed by Sunday Mass in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph, where Director of Campus Ministry Father David Griffin will preside over Sunday Morning mass. The day ends with Brunch in the Benedum Dining Hall, with an all-you-can-eat meal costing $9.50.
Join in on the fun of Homecoming Weekend now and secure your spot to all of our weekend events by pre-registering HERE.
