TSU homecoming celebration: What you need to know

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee State University will celebrate homecoming this weekend, capping off a week of special events.

The big day begins Saturday with a homecoming parade at 9:30 a.m. along Jefferson Street from 14^th Avenue to the university campus. The parade will feature the TSU Aristocrat of Bands, floats and a number of high school bands.

The TSU Tigers will face Austin-Peay at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Nissan Stadium. Metro police have urged fans to get to the game early due to expected traffic congestion.

Police said TSU’s homecoming typically draws the highest game attendance of the year. More than 70 police officers will help direct traffic around the stadium.

Christion Abercrombie will be among those honored during the game. The TSU linebacker suffered a severe brain injury in 2018 during a game against Vanderbilt. Abercrombie, who will receive a Special Presidential Recognition from TSU President Glenda Glover, has been called a “walking miracle.”

"He is proof that you can make it if you just have faith and believe,” Glover said.

There will also be a moment of silence honoring TSU student Rickey Scott, who died after he was shot in Watson Hall last weekend. Police have charged a fellow student in connection with his death.

Read more: Family and friends search for answers in deadly shooting of TSU freshman

What you need to know about traffic/road closures:

In preparation for the parade and its staging, Jefferson Street from 10^th 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 close at 8:30 a.m. In addition, the following closures will be in effect:

• John A. Merritt Boulevard from 28^th to 33^rd Avenues
• 12^th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• 14^th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• 16^th Avenue from Jefferson Street to Herman Street
• Meharry Boulevard between 12^th and 16^th Avenues
• Phillips Street between 12^th and 16^th Avenues
• Jackson Street between 12^th and 16^th Avenues
• Ireland Street between 12^th and 16^th Avenues
• Scovel Street between 23^rd and 28^th Avenues
• Beasley Street between 23^rd and 28^th Avenues
• Ed Temple Boulevard between Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard & Albion Street.

Nissan Stadium parking lots will open as early as 7 a.m. for the game. Certain lots will be available for cash parking ($25 per vehicle).The Woodland Street Bridge will close to regular traffic at 1:30 p.m. and will then be available to only pedestrians and authorized shuttle buses.

Click here to see a full list of homecoming events.