At face value, Ohio University homecoming may seem like an event for the geriatrics. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Instead, homecoming is a magical and special time to be in Athens for a plethora of reasons – especially if you’re a current student. Here are some classic homecoming staples that you can enjoy without being an alumni.
Homecoming Week
Festivities for homecoming last an entire week, usually beginning Monday and culminating in a parade and football game on Saturday.
The entire week generally gets less attention than the events on Saturday, but that’s no excuse to miss the fun! Last year was mostly virtual, but hopes are high that more events will be in person this year.
Here’s an archive of last year’s most virtual events. To see what the events looked like pre-pandemic, click here.
Usually, the week gets a catchy slogan or a theme. 2019’s was “1804 and so much more,” for example. The events are far-ranging, from arts & crafts to music to food and so much more. Make an effort to attend these events if you can – your time here in Athens is short!
Kegs and Eggs
Okay, now we’re onto the big homecoming day – Saturday.
We all know that getting a college student up for an 8 a.m. class is hard enough – now try 5 a.m. instead. This is when the festivities begin, bright and early, far before sunrise.
Many students throw kegs and eggs parties, beginning sometime between 5-6 a.m., where students start drinking and pair their beverages with notably, eggs. Though many parties offer other breakfast foods, like pancakes or waffles.
For their credit, the bars open early, too. Usually between 5:30 and 6 a.m. Even if you’re a night owl who despises the thought of getting up before the sun, give kegs and eggs a whirl. You can sleep when you’re old.
The Parade
Kegs and eggs then bleeds into the homecoming parade, with giddy Bobcats tumbling out of bars, houses and apartments to watch the procession.
The homecoming parade is an incredible event that encapsulates the entire spirit of the day – you don’t want to miss it.
Most notably, the Marching 110 comes out in full force, leading the procession with vibrant, colorful tunes. Behind them are community and collegiate organizations, repping their respective groups proudly.
The route usually starts at the bottom of West Union Street by the HCOM building, moving up the hill, past Bromley Hall and onto Court Street. The parade finishes by looping around East Washington Street before ending down at the College Green at the bottom of College Street.
All along the way, Bobcats of all generations cram into the sides of the street to watch the parade pass by, with some even cheering the festivities on from balconies and rooftops.
Here’s a video of what it all looks like:
The Football Game
A few hours after the parade ends, kickoff down at Peden Stadium takes place. The Bobcats are taking on a Mid-American Conference foe.
But the game itself isn’t the main attraction – the band is.
At halftime, when the band comes out, you’ll notice a ton of people in older Marching 110 garb standing on the sideline. Eventually, they too will join the band and begin to play.
It’s a spectacular site – current Bobcats playing with alumni, side by side in unison. Words don’t do it justice; you need to go and see for yourself.
Upon conclusion of the game, Bobcats will scatter and make the pilgrimage back uptown and spend the rest of the evening at the bars – either making new memories or reminiscing on old ones.