UC community unites Oct. 22-24, cheering the Bearcats 'Onward to Victory'

The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association's annual Homecoming festivities will feature all the pageantry of the university's premier alumni event. Each year, Homecoming draws tens of thousands of people from the UC and Cincinnati communities for a variety of activities. The cornerstone is Saturday’s Big 12 Conference football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the visiting Texas Tech Red Raiders in historic Nippert Stadium. Kickoff is at Noon, with the game televised on FS1. A limited number of tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

While the Cincinnati–Texas Tech football game and parade are the most notable among the official Homecoming festivities, a variety of events will provide alumni, students and friends with many opportunities to enjoy the occasion. The schedule includes Bearcats in the City, an alumni social event in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 22; the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Fifth Third Arena on Friday, Oct. 23; and a host of events throughout the three days hosted by alumni groups, colleges and units within the UC community.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, pregame festivities will occur all around campus and the surrounding neighborhood, including at The Grid tailgate area on Campus Green and Sigma Sigma Commons, which will open at 6 a.m. The football team’s traditional Catwalk to the stadium will pass through The Grid at approximately 9:30 a.m. UC fans are asked to wear red.

“There’s something special about Homecoming, and we’re excited to welcome back thousands of Bearcats to campus for UC’s 100th Homecoming!” said Chief Alumni Officer Jennifer Heisey, A&S ’97. “This year’s milestone is all about celebrating what makes UC so special — our traditions, our pride, and the Bearcat spirit that brings us together. ‘Onward to Victory’ isn’t just about cheering on our team; it signifies the drive, passion, and pride that carry Bearcats throughout their lives. Homecoming is our chance to come together, cheer on our Bearcats, reconnect with one another, and celebrate the place we’ll always call home. We are Bearcats Now. We are Bearcats for Life.”

A full list of more than two dozen events is available on the UCAA Homecoming website. The schedule includes activities hosted by the UC Alumni Association, alumni networks, colleges and units, student groups and UC Athletics. Highlights include:

A&S: SCFMS Reception
4-6 p.m., Clifton Court Hall – Valentine Overlook

DAAP: Long Exposure Artist Reception
5-7 p.m., DAAP Reed Gallery

Bearcats in the City
5-7 p.m., Vintage on Race

4A: Chats with ’Cats – Campus Updates
Noon-2:30 p.m., Cultural Center

James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
7 p.m., Fifth Third Arena

BearCast Media: Homecoming Comedy Show
8 p.m., CCM Cohen Family Studio Theater

Golden Bearcats Society Homecoming Parade Watch
7 a.m. patio opens, Clifton Court Patio

Bearcat Alumni Parade Watch
7 a.m., Corner of Calhoun St. and Clifton Ave.

Homecoming Parade
8 a.m., Parade travels down Clifton Ave. from Calhoun St. to Probasco St.

Bearcats on the Grid
9 a.m., Grid spots 71 & 72

CEAS Homecoming Celebration
9 a.m., Schneider Quad

Double A Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
Noon-8 p.m., Short Vine

National Network Game Watches
Noon ET, locations vary per network

Football Team’s CATWALK
Approximately 9:30 a.m., starting in Campus Green and traveling through The Grid and Sigma Sigma Commons

Cincinnati vs. Texas Tech Homecoming Game
Noon, Nippert Stadium

Presentation of Homecoming Court
Halftime, Nippert Stadium

Plan ahead and see parade route and street closures.

Homecoming is presented by the UC Alumni Association and sponsored by Ohio 529 CollegeAdvantage.

Featured image at top: Historic Nippert Stadium on Homecoming. Photo/UC Alumni Association