Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to Show Off Islander Pride During Islander Homecoming 2026
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will bring generations of Islanders together for a full week of tradition, pride, and community connection during Islander Homecoming Week 2026, Feb. 22-Feb. 28.
The week culminates on Saturday, Feb. 28, with the Islander Block Party and Tailgate outside of the Hilliard Center. The free, family-friendly event features games, inflatables, music, and activities. The block party also includes an Alumni Corner presented by IBC Bank designed specifically for graduates to reconnect before tipoff. Tickets for the Alumni Corner are $15 presale and are available through the Islander Alumni Association website.
“The Alumni Corner, presented by IBC Bank, has become a can’t-miss Homecoming tradition for our Islander alumni,” said Elvia Aguilar ’17, Executive Director of the Islander Alumni Association. “It’s a relaxed space to connect, enjoy great food and drinks, and take home our fan-favorite Homecoming button pins.”
Also on Saturday, fans can cheer on both Islanders teams during a basketball doubleheader against Northwestern State, with the women tipping off at 1 p.m. and the men closing out Homecoming Week at 5:30 p.m.
Earlier in the week, Islanders can take part in a variety of events designed to celebrate community, service, and school spirit. Homecoming Week begins on Sunday, Feb. 22, with Islander Clean, a campus beautification effort led by the Student Volunteer Connection. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni will come together to spruce up Ward Island. Festivities continue later that day at Whataburger Field, where Islanders Baseball takes on the University of Pittsburgh. Members of the 2026 Homecoming Court will be on hand to meet the community and fellow Islanders.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Islander spirit goes citywide with Bluesday Tuesday, highlighted by an official proclamation at Corpus Christi City Hall. Islanders and community members are encouraged to wear blue and show their Islander pride throughout the city.
“Bluesday Tuesday is one of our favorite highlights of the week because it extends Homecoming beyond campus,” Aguilar said. “When you see blue across Corpus Christi, it’s a reminder of the university’s impact and the pride our community shares.”
Later that afternoon, Islanders will gather in Anchor Plaza for Anchors Aweigh, the university’s longest-held Homecoming tradition. The celebration includes music, activities, snacks, and the ceremonial painting of the anchor — a rite of passage dating back to the university’s earliest days.
Midweek excitement continues Wednesday, Feb. 25, with the Students vs. Faculty/Staff Basketball Game at the Dugan Wellness Center, a spirited matchup which brings competitive energy and plenty of crowd support.
Athletics remains at the forefront on Thursday, Feb. 26, as Islander Women’s Basketball faces East Texas A&M at the Hilliard Center.
One of Homecoming Week’s most cherished traditions returns on Friday, Feb. 27, with the Lighting of the “I” on the East Lawn. Islanders and community members are invited to wear blue and green and gather for an evening which celebrates school spirit and shared Islander identity. All alumni are also invited to Downtown Corpus Christi’s BUS (Bar Under the Sun) on Friday for the Toast! Reunion Mixer. A special toast will be held for those celebrating their 10-and 25-year reunions and all University of Corpus Christi Tarpons, in addition to those who graduated from the Master of Public Administration program, which is celebrating its 35th year anniversary.
“Homecoming is about honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and inviting the entire community to be part of where we’re going,” Aguilar said. “It’s a chance for Islanders of all generations to reconnect with the university and with each other.”
For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit islanderhoco.com. Follow Islander Alumni Association social media pages — Facebook and Instagram for additional updates.
