TSU Homecoming Saturday: Schedule of Events, Road Closures

Area officials and law enforcement are gearing up for the big Tennessee State University (TSU) Homecoming game against Eastern Kentucky University on Saturday at Nissan Stadium.

More than 50 Metro police officers will be on the streets surrounding the stadium Saturday afternoon, to ensure safety and assist the flow of traffic, police said this week.

According to a press release, officers will at their posts by 3 p.m. The stadium gates open at 4:30, and kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

As TSU homecoming traditionally draws the school’s largest football attendance of the year, fans are urged to arrive at the stadium early. Parking lots at Nissan Stadium will begin opening at 7 a.m. Saturday to

fans with parking passes, as well as those taking advantage of cash lots. Cash lots will charge $20 per vehicle, police said.

"TSU staff will be making an extra effort to ensure that tailgating activities and items do not interfere with open parking spaces or block traffic in the lots," police assured.

In addition to the big game, plenty of other homecoming festivities are scheduled as well.

The traditional Homecoming Parade will begin at 9 a.m. The parade will travel west on Jefferson Street, from 14th Avenue to the university campus. This year's parade will feature the TSU Aristocrat of Bands, plenty of floats, and a number of local high school bands as well.

Street Closures for the Homecoming Parade

In preparation for the parade and its staging, Jefferson Street from 10th Avenue North to the TSU campus will begin closing at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The I-40 west exit ramp at Jefferson Street will also be closed.

In addition, the following closures will be in effect:

• John A. Merritt Boulevard from 28th to 33rd avenues

• 12th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street

• 14th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street

• 16th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street

• Meharry Boulevard between 12th and 16th avenues

• Phillips Street between 12th and 16th avenues

• Jackson Street between 12th and 16th avenues

• Ireland Street between 12th and 16th avenues

• W. Heiman Street between 23rd and 28th avenues

• Scovel Street between 23rd and 28th avenues

• Beasley Street between 23rd and 28th avenues

• Ed Temple Boulevard between Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard and Albion Street.

Image: TSU Cheerleaders marching in the 2012 Homecoming Parade, courtesy of TSU Newsroom.