Francis Marion University cancels 2021 Homecoming

Francis Marion University has cancelled its 2021 Homecoming event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual celebration was originally scheduled for Feb. 27, in conjunction with home basketball games against Flagler College.

Homecoming at FMU had grown markedly in size and popularity in recent years, expanding into a weekend-long event that drew thousands of alumni to campus and the Florence area.

Dr. Fred Carter, FMU’s president, said that the cancellation was unfortunate but necessary.

“It’s the right decision,” said Carter. “Our students, faculty, and staff have been diligent in adhering to our COVID-19 protocols and have worked diligently to keep everyone safe this year. Our principal preoccupation now is keeping everyone safe in a small and relatively protected environment. I’m sure our alumni and fans understand, and we’ll all remain hopeful that we can return to a more traditional homecoming in 2022 if circumstances permit.”

FMU’s home basketball games on Feb. 27 will be played as scheduled. A homecoming  king and queen, as selected by a virtual vote of the student body, will be introduced at halftime of the men’s game. Students will vote ballots during the week leading up to the game.

Attendance at FMU athletic events is limited to 250. Most tickets are accounted for through pre-sales. Tickets will not be sold the day of the game. Visit fmupatriots.com for more.