A Look at Homecoming 2024 in Photos

Belmont University's Homecoming celebration for 2024 was a success, with a flurry of activities that brought together students, alumni, faculty and staff in a vibrant display of Belmont spirit.  

Director of Alumni and Family Engagement Chip Hayner said this year’s Judah & the Lion homecoming concert was an unforgettable part of the celebration, truly capturing what it means to be part of the Belmont family.  

“Having Judah Akers and Brian MacDonald back on stage, joined by the talents of PHNX students and musician alumni, was nothing short of magical,” Hayner said. “It was more than a concert; it was a celebration of where we've come from and the creative spirit that thrives here, reinforcing the deep connections that tie us all together.” 

This year, Homecoming was rejuvenated with new traditions – flag football, a student afterparty and moving the parade to a Saturday slot. Hayner said the impact of these changes was phenomenal. He explained, “These additions brought new energy into our celebrations, making the weekend more inclusive and engaging for everyone. It's all about evolving our traditions to ensure they remain vibrant and meaningful, growing alongside our community while keeping that Bruin pride at the forefront of everything we do.” 

Take a look at some of the highlights of this year’s celebration through the photo galleries below: 

Kicking off on Friday, Feb. 23, the festivities began with a Homecoming Chapel service in the Herbert C. Gabhart Chapel, where a panel of Belmont alumni shared how their time as students shaped and prepared them for the ways God is using them now. 

Later in the day, the Beaman buzzed with energy during the annual “Build-a-Bruin” Spirit Session, allowing participants to build their own bear and decorate its t-shirt. This year, every registered student received two bears: one for themselves and one to donate to local children through Nashville nonprofit Court Appointed Advocates for Children (CASA).  

Additionally, participants contributed to an all-new, campus-wide collaborative art piece. 

Meanwhile, FitRec hosted a lively Pickleball Tournament, showcasing some friendly competition among students and faculty.  

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the performance by alumni band Judah & the Lion at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. This acoustic showcase brought some of Belmont's own back to the roots where their musical journey began. 

Saturday, Feb. 24, brought even more excitement, starting with the Homecoming Block Party on the main lawn. The atmosphere was electric as students and alumni mingled, enjoyed delicious food and cheered on their peers during the Student vs. Alumni Flag Football game, where the main lawn was transformed into a football field. Following the game, student organizations hosted a tailgate, adding to the sense of community and camaraderie. 

The festivities then continued with the Homecoming Parade, where floats adorned with Bruin pride paraded through campus sidewalks, helping everyone gear up for the excitement at the Curb later that afternoon.  

Finally, it was time for the Homecoming Basketball Game at the Curb Event Center, where fans cheered on the Belmont Bruins with unwavering support as they faced off against Missouri State. The Bruins won 93 to 78, and seniors Carter Barnett and Morgan Wilkes were recognized as King and Queen, respectively, of this year’s Homecoming Court.

After the game, students gathered to celebrate at The After-Party in the Beaman, with activities including roller skating, putt-putt golf, silent disco, arcade games and more. Meanwhile, alumni enjoyed a special Alumni Happy Hour at Chago's, reminiscing about their time at Belmont while forging new connections. 

Overall, Belmont University's homecoming celebration was a resounding success, uniting past and present members of the Belmont community in a weekend filled with cherished memories.