Weeklong celebration invites the Coastal Bend to join Islander traditions, games, and community events.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) is celebrating decades of academic achievement, student success, and Islander pride during Islander Homecoming 2026, running Feb. 22 through Feb. 28.

University leaders say the weeklong celebration is open not only to students and alums, but to the entire Coastal Bend community.

Homecoming events include the annual Lighting of the “I,” basketball games, a block party, tailgate festivities, and long-standing Islander traditions designed to bring generations together.

Cierrah Godin, Communication Specialist for Student Life at TAMU-CC, says one of the most visible events is Citywide Blue Day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, when residents across Corpus Christi are encouraged to wear blue in support of the university.

“Citywide Blue Day is for all of Corpus Christi,” Godin said. “We’re asking everyone to wear blue and show their Islander spirit.”

City leaders are also joining in. 

Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo is expected to issue a proclamation recognizing TAMU-CC during a City Council meeting.

One of the most anticipated events of the week is the Lighting of the “I,” described by organizers as the university’s biggest pep rally of the year.

“It’s when the entire community comes together—our teams, coaches, faculty, staff, and fans—to get pumped up for the weekend,” Executive Director of TAMU-CC alumni relations Elvia Aguilar and Godin said.

 Additional events include a student-versus-faculty basketball game on Wednesday night at the Dugan Wellness Center and the traditional Anchors Away celebration on Tuesday afternoon, where participants paint the campus anchor white.

“That anchor represents our history and our traditions,” Aguilar said. “It’s one of the ways we kick off Homecoming week and honor where we’ve been.”

University officials say Homecoming Week reflects the strong connection between the university and the Coastal Bend.

Both Godin and Aguilar add, “This university is part of Corpus Christi. This is home.”