Homecoming weekend is one of the most lively seasons for college students. Ohio University has numerous activities for both alumni and students to enjoy. Here are some of the best events happening during the exciting weekend.
The most iconic activity people look forward to for the weekend is the Homecoming parade. The parade consists of student organizations and clubs. The Ohio University Marching Band, as well as its alumni band, marches in the parade. The parade follows a loop; those marching line up along Union Street and move through uptown Athens.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. on the Saturday of homecoming weekend. The Marching 110 will perform its high-energy choreography and music while marching. The parade traditionally stops in front of the Konneker Alumni Center, while the band performs a show dedicated to Bobcat alumni and fans.
Many of the student clubs also get the chance to march in the parade. The school allows any clubs that wish to march in the parade to do so. Certain dance teams, as well as the color guard, get the chance to show off their hard work. There are also multiple academic colleges from OU that have cars and small floats appearing in the parade.
The Marching 110 Alumni Band performs alongside the current band in the homecoming parade. Hundreds of past students come together for the weekend and perform the music they loved to play as students. They also join the marching band in performing at the halftime show at the football game.
After the Homecoming parade, many families head over to the Ping Recreation Center lawn where OU throws what it calls the Bobcat Family Tent. There will be numerous activities at the event, including a mechanical bull, photo booth and so much more. The Ohio cheerleading team and OU's mascot Rufus are scheduled to appear as well.
The homecoming football game is Saturday against Central Michigan. The football game is one of the most anticipated activities for Homecoming. Students get free admission, but alumni and public tickets must be purchased online through the Ohio Athletics Ticket Office.
Another event families get extremely excited for is the Alumni Tailgate. This tradition is new but is already sold out. It will take place at TailGreat Park starting at 11:30 a.m., allowing alumni to meet with old friends before the game starts. The tailgate will consist of great food and music, as well as alumni getting together and celebrating their memories at OU.
On Friday from 6-8 p.m., the school will be hosting an award ceremony for the alumni. The event takes place in the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The ceremony honors OU's alumni who have impacted the Athens community. For those registering for the ceremony, it is recommended to wear formal attire.
The university's Student Alumni Board also hosts a Homecoming pep rally called Yell Like Hell. The pep rally will be held Oct. 8 at the Scripps Amphitheater on College Green. It consists of live music, photo booths and yard games. School groups and clubs, like the Marching 110 and the Ohio University Dance Team, will also perform.
“Kegs and Eggs” is an unofficial Homecoming tradition that occurs on Saturday morning and can start as early as 5 a.m. Students and alumni gather together to drink beer and have breakfast. This tradition is more student-led, and many host parties at off-campus houses. Uptown bars also open their doors early to serve drinks and food.
The Bobcat Quest is a free campus-wide scavenger hunt hosted by university alumni. The quest is all week; those interested must register on the GiveCampus website. Those willing to join the scavenger hunt must have a group of six players. There are ten locations around Athens where players have to snap photos and submit them for a chance to win a prize.
Homecoming weekend is an exciting time for OU students and alumni. There are various traditions and events planned for the few days of fun. These activities are suggested to be the best ways to spend the weekend.
