Follow the red brick road: Coming home to OHIO

An OHIO graduate plays tuba in the alumni band during the 51�� Homecoming parade

Follow the red brick road: Coming home to OHIO

We're not in Kansas anymore, Rufus—starting Sept. 23, Bobcats will follow the red-brick road back to Athens for alumni events, football, tailgates, floats and fun! From the beat of The Marching 110 to the cheers in Peden Stadium, Homecoming is a chance to relive the magic of OHIO.

September 19, 2024

There’s a certain enchantment in the air every fall in Athens—a time when Bobcats from all corners of the country follow the red brick road back to their alma mater. Homecoming at OHIO is more than just a game or a parade; it’s a homecoming in every sense of the word. For alumni, the draw of Homecoming is like a time machine, whisking them back to their days on campus, flooded with memories of crisp fall mornings, the unmistakable rhythm of The Marching 110, and the vibrant energy that permeates Peden Stadium on game day.

There's no place like hOUme

Alumni know 51�� as a second home—a place where you can always return to the red brick road.

The call to return

For many alumni, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you last walked across College Green—the eagerness to return never fades. The weeklong celebration will feature student and alumni favorites such as the pep rally , and the . The festivities peak on Homecoming weekend, where Bobcats from across Ohio and beyond gather for the parade, the , and our shared sense of pride.

The Homecoming football game will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28 vs. Akron.

This year, Homecoming revelers can join , an adventurous campus-wide scavenger hunt where teams of up to six explore iconic spots across the campus and community. Whether you’re retracing your steps through the College Green or discovering new corners of Athens, the Quest is a perfect blend of nostalgia and new experiences. The excitement doesn’t end with the day, though— will offer a chance to see Athens in a whole new light.

On Frank Solich Field, the roar of the crowd blends with the players' own cheers—an electric atmosphere as Bobcats come together for another historic matchup.

For many, the steady cadence of the Marching 110 signals the heart of Homecoming.

For many alumni, it’s the steady cadence of the Marching 110 that signals the heart of Homecoming.

Together on the bricks

The is perhaps the most cherished event of the week. Families and friends line the streets, clapping for the familiar sounds of the Marching 110, waving to Rufus, and cheering for each float that passes by. It’s a blend of old and new traditions, a celebration of everything OHIO stands for.

The Marching 110 drum line keeps the beat down Court Street during the Homecoming Parade

As The Marching 110 drum line keeps the beat down Court Street, the rhythm taps into the timeless memories alumni carry of once walking those same streets ourselves.

For many alumni, Homecoming is an annual pilgrimage—donning the Green and White, cheering for their alma mater, and making new memories alongside old friends.

In a stirring tribute to Bobcat pride, alumni, students, and special guests sing “Stand Up and Cheer,” capturing the spirit of what it means to come home to OHIO.

Decades pass, but one thing remains the same: Homecoming in Athens is a time for remembering, celebrating, and honoring the traditions that make 51�� so special. This retrospective video highlights the lasting legacy of OHIO’s Homecoming celebrations.

The game-day spirit

As the parade gives way to the much-anticipated game, the excitement is palpable in Peden Stadium. There’s nothing quite like the thundering cheers of Bobcat fans, the pride of the Marching 110, and the thrill of seeing Rufus on the sidelines. For alumni, each touchdown, each chant feels like a personal victory—a chance to relive the glory days.

OHIO Football players huddle on the field during a game

Decked out in true Bobcat style, fans come from all over to show their pride and cheer on the team.

Whether it’s a selfie with Rufus or a hug from an old friend, Homecoming is a celebration of togetherness.

Moments of pure Bobcat joy

For alumni who return, there’s something enchanting about seeing old traditions reimagined, new faces becoming part of the Bobcat legacy, and the glowing thread that ties us all together: the 51�� community.

A young fan gives Rufus a high five outside of Peden Stadium.

Generations connect on Homecoming weekend, as Bobcats new and old pass on the spirit to those who will one day call OHIO their home.

Brass players in the alumni marching band performing on the field

110 alumni relish the chance to return and play alongside current members of The Marching 110, proving that the OHIO spirit never fades.

For Bobcats, Athens is more than just a place—it’s a feeling, a memory, and a community that transcends time. Homecoming weekend is a reminder that no matter how far life may take you, you can always follow the red brick road back home.

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