The pungent smell of hot dogs and hamburgers consumes the air. Students march in bundles toward, unbeknownst to them, a long line to enter the closed-off tailgate. Blue and gold beam across the crowd. Current students recognize and approach fellow alumni with stories to swap and catching up to do. The TCNJ football team mentally prepares for the most important game of the year. Teachers and faculty, half scared, half amused, mingle while trying to secretly avoid their current students. The fans and cheerleaders prepare to motivate the team for a win.

It's homecoming -- TCNJ's Christmas. The ONE time during the year that TCNJ allows tailgating for the football game. Despite the fact that there are 120,948 rules aimed at scaring the students, (OK they are for safety reasons) it is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Here are a few first-hand accounts of homecoming from TCNJ students, faculty, and alumni.

Homecoming as told by a freshman:

"As a freshmen experiencing homecoming for the first time, it was so much fun and it gives me something to look forward to next year." -Ash Soto, EOF & Union Latina member

"I didn't know what to expect and it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. For swim and dive, we have a really big alumni base which is a true testament for the positive nature of TCNJ." -Emma Pranschke, TCNJ diver

Homecoming as told by a sophomore:

"I was excited for the football team and for their first win. Homecoming is a fun social event that we don't get to do every weekend, it's a nice change of pace." -Stephen Boncimino, TCNJ Wrestler

Homecoming as told by a junior:

"It's different as a junior because I knew a lot of people running for homecoming king and queen so I was excited to see who would win. I'm a CA so I'm alone all the time so getting to see everyone and dancing in the parking lot together was really fun" -Abrar Ebady, College Ambassador & CA

"My favorite part about homecoming is seeing all of my friends from different clubs and organizations together! Even though TCNJ isn't giant, it is hard at times to hang out with my different friends when they are all involved in different things and homecoming makes that possible." -Jenna Finnis, TCNJ environment club

Homecoming as told by a senior:

"Our school has done a lot to change homecoming to make it safer, but it upsets me that it has deterred alumni and current students from attending. It's still one of the best days of the year though and I wish we could have tailgating at more games. -Courtney Deissler, Delta Phi Epsilon

Homecoming as told by a football player:

"My favorite part of homecoming was winning the game -- when Nick Craig caught the ball for a touchdown. Twice the ball was thrown to Conor Mulholland, and twice it was fumbled and caught by Nick Craig -- both for touchdowns!!! The final score was 23-20. It came down to the last play, it was exciting!

"Being on the field during homecoming, you're more focused and you're thinking about winning and getting a big hit, you're not thinking about the tailgate." -Nick Napoli #94 defensive tackle

Homecoming as told by a cheerleader:

"My favorite part of homecoming is that it's one of the only home games that everyone comes out for which makes us excited, it's a great crowd appeal. It was the most exciting game in my four years of Cheerleading.

"It's the only time we get to perform a half-time routine, it's our first performance of the year" -Kristen Adames, TCNJ cheerleader

Homecoming as told by the Homecoming King:

"I really enjoyed the lip sync and dance components of homecoming, field games, and tailgate itself"

"I was nervous, but excited to have had the opportunity to be on the field and I'm grateful for that. I was thankful and humbled when I found out I won" -Alex Moskal, Phi Alpha Delta, TCNJ ice hockey

Homecoming as told by an alumni:

"Homecoming is different as an alumni because you get to meet up with people you don't see on a daily basis anymore. It was great to reunite with friends you only get to see a few times a year, however, I wish it was longer!" -Kristina Rogan, Delta Phi Epsilon alumni

"Homecoming gives undergraduates an opportunity to meet fellow students in your organizations whether it's greek life, your major or a sports or club team. I mostly never experienced homecoming as an undergrad because I always traveled for soccer, so it was nice to actually be a part of it." -Steve Cukar, TCNJ soccer

Homecoming as told by the winning Homecoming chair:

"This homecoming was a little different because we (Delta Phi Epsilon) did not have an actual team paired with us and we got to invite friends to join our team for the week and make up our "& Co." portion. Knowing all my sisters and the great volunteers outside of Dphie were able to pick it up and do what we had to do to win is awesome.

"This homecoming win is definitely one of the greatest things that has happened to me throughout my four years here and I am definitely still on cloud 9." -Clarissa Martinez, Dphie Homecoming Chair

Homecoming as told by Eve:

"I had a great time...we repped our blue and gold...everybody was happy.

"I even got the opportunity of my life...to walk one of the bosses out for his homecoming'...I was honored when I was asked to do that...I was able to spend time with y'all...and c how happy all the bosses was...everybody had an extra glow that day."

"Everybody was lookin boss and feeling boss and I enjoyed that...that's what touches my heart is seein y'all happy

"Eick gave y'all a nice theme lunch...I'm never disappointed or unhappy when I'm wit y'all...so always know y'all the best thing that happen for me since I moved to Jersey...I really appreciate y'all and y'all parents for sharin the bosses wit the boss....I love y'all all..."

If you could describe homecoming in one word:

"Enjoyable." "Exciting." "Memorable." "Electrifying." "Different." "Festive." "Nostalgic."