As part of this year’s homecoming — themed “The FAMU Experience” — ABC’s “Good Morning America” will host a special edition episode from Bragg Memorial Stadium on Oct. 28.
FAMU President Larry Robinson announced this addition to the homecoming lineup during a meeting with the Board of Trustees earlier this month.
“We have a wonderful tradition of Homecoming here with Rattlers coming from all over. To allow the rest of the world to see some of the festivities, experience the rich culture, and hear about the accomplishments of our graduates and students at FAMU, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Robinson said in a release.
Seven team members from ABC came to scout different locations at the school from the Will Packer Amphitheater to the stadium’s North End Zone club before finally deciding on a location. The award-winning show will broadcast live on Friday, Oct. 28 from the on-campus festivities at Bragg Stadium. On Saturday, Oct. 29, it will air from the homecoming parade throughout campus.
Robinson also made a statement about the decision to name homecoming “The FAMU Experience.”
“We’re calling it ‘The Experience’ because it’s hard to describe. You have to come and experience it for yourself. For those who can’t make it, GMA will share with you some of the nuggets that happen during homecoming week,” Robinson said.
“The FAMU Experience” will be eight days of celebrating FAMU’s culture and welcoming alumni back with events such as Set Friday and the NPHC Step show.
Students are excited about the publicity GMA is sure to bring to FAMU’s campus. Many see the positive light this will shed on the school after a rocky start to the school year.
Desiree Williams, a fourth-year cardiopulmonary science major from St. Petersburg, says she hopes this becomes a recurring tradition.
“I’m so excited about this new event. I think this will show senior high schoolers all over the world what FAMU has to offer. As the No. 1 public HBCU this event solidifies our level of excellence,” Williams said.
Jordan Abernathy, a first-year computer information science major from Atlanta, says he is very excited for his first homecoming and meeting alumni.
“GMA will bring many jobs and opportunities to network and experience live production for students on campus. This really adds to the statement of we Brag different. Between this and the dunks that just came out FAMU is lit,” Abernathy said.
The homecoming parade will feature more than 60 groups and bands. The homecoming game against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff kicks off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.