Homecoming: Uptown Friday, Downtown Saturday

Update: Homecoming Game Time Set

The University of Cincinnati is trying a brand new approach to one of its most anticipated annual events.

Themed “A Rivercity Homecoming: Bearcat Style,” the annual fall gathering will be split over two days, with the parade and pep rally taking place uptown at UC Friday, Oct. 14, and the football game versus the University of Louisville taking place downtown at Paul Brown Stadium Saturday, Oct. 15.

Homecoming Game by the River

Relocating the game from Nippert Stadium to downtown’s

Paul Brown Stadium gives fans nearly double the capacity

for the marquee game against Big East rival Louisville, expanded lower-level and chairback seating, enhanced tailgating opportunities, spacious concourses as well as additional amenities and restrooms.

“In many ways, holding the Homecoming game at Paul Brown Stadium is a perfect statement on UC’s place in the community,” said Myron Hughes, UC Alumni Association executive director. “UC plays an integral role in our community, and the evolution of the uptown area surrounding our campus has mirrored the development of our thriving urban core.”

The kickoff time, largely dictated by television, is yet to be finalized and is expected to be announced as early as Oct. 3.

The traditional presentation of the Homecoming king and queen will take place at halftime inside the stadium.

Free Busing for UC students

To assist UC students who wish to attend the Bearcats’ game, Student Government has partnered with athletics to ensure safe, convenient and free transportation between the UC Alumni Association parking lot on campus to the student tailgate at the Longworth Hall parking lot near the stadium.

In carrying students to the event, the service will include eight 50-passenger buses that will run continuously three hours prior to game time and for an hour after kickoff. Return trips will begin two hours after kickoff and continue for three hours or until all waiting students have been transported back to campus.

Registration for the free ride will take place online at the

Homecoming website

soon and will be

open to the first 1,200 students who sign up.

Students will check in before boarding and receive a wristband for their return trip. The first 700 registered students to board will also receive a free Homecoming T-shirt.

Friday Night Parade

Organizers planned the parade and pep rally Friday night to eliminate scheduling and logistical conflicts that would have occurred had they attempted to squeeze everything into a single day, particularly with the game being  played off campus.

The annual Homecoming parade will feature student-built floats and area bands. The

parade begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14,

at the corner of Calhoun and Clifton avenues, then proceed north on Clifton and east on Martin Luther King Drive.

Street closures will begin at 6 p.m. and include both Calhoun and Clifton. MLK will be restricted to one lane in each direction, while parking will be unavailable on all three streets after 4 p.m., Oct. 14.

A free shuttle service will also be available to those making their way between the UC garages and the parade route.

Pep Rally

Following the parade, the UC Alumni Association will host an

8 p.m. pep rally at Sigma Sigma Commons

featuring Cincinnati favorite foods like Skyline Chili. Revelers can join UC head football coach Butch Jones, the Bearcat band, the UC Bearcat and cheerleaders. Free parking will be available in the lot adjacent to the alumni center on a first-come basis.

2011 Homecoming Main Events

Friday, Oct. 14

Smart Tailgating

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Recreation Center Plaza West

University Honors Cookout and Social

3-6 p.m., Schneider Quad

McMicken College of Arts & Sciences Beer Tasting

4-6 p.m., Max Kade Center

African-American Alumni

Happy Hour and Welcome Reception

6-9 p.m. Mick & Mack’s Café

Homecoming Parade Around Campus

7-8 p.m., Clifton Avenue (streets close at 6 p.m.)

Cincinnati Favorites Pep Rally

8-11 p.m., Sigma Sigma Commons

Saturday, Oct. 15

Fan Tailgating

2.5 hours prior to kickoff, outside Paul Brown Stadium

Student Tailgating

2.5 hours prior to kickoff, Longworth Hall parking lot (700 Pete Rose Way)

UC vs. Louisville Foootball Game

Time TBD, Paul Brown Stadium

Homecoming King and Queen Crowning

Halftime of game, Paul Brown Stadium

Get all the Homecoming details and the full rundown of events, including the week-long build up of Student Alumni Council activities planned on campus at the

UC Alumni Association Homecoming website.