It’s impossible to have Homecoming without football, and, inversely, it’s impossible to have football without Homecoming.
The University of Missouri was credited with hosting the first Homecoming in the early 1910s when it invited a slew of alumni to attend its football game against Kansas, although several other schools claim to have pioneered the event. The event was so popular that it rapidly spread to colleges and high schools nationwide.
Although the first recognized game was the 1911 matchup between Missouri and Kansas, Baylor and Illinois claim to have hosted the first intercollegiate Homecoming football game in prior years. Both teams have long- standing Homecoming traditions but claim that their first Homecoming football game took place before the celebration had annual continuity.
Homecoming has since evolved far beyond just football. Now, Homecoming is a weekend-long tradition that celebrates every facet of any given university, far beyond just athletics. Nevertheless, the fact stands – you can’t have a Homecoming weekend without Homecoming football.
Ohio will take on Akron this weekend for its annual Homecoming game, a game that is always circled for Ohio coach Tim Albin and his team. The atmosphere that Homecoming creates at Peden Stadium can’t be beat.
Not only does the Homecoming game bring big crowds into the games, but Ohio also has the opportunity to invite several football alumni to return and see the new team. The impact of having former players on the sidelines during the game can’t be overstated for the program.
Coming off of a loss at Kentucky, Ohio will look to benefit from not only the environment but also from the presence of alumni.
The abundance of history and fanfare that comes with Homecoming represents the unity that sports brings every week.
Homecoming is an opportunity for former students to come together and celebrate. There’s nothing better than a football game to bring people together and give everyone something to rally around.
The Homecoming game is usually as close to a sellout as Peden Stadium has gotten over the last few years. Thousands will flock to the stands to cheer on Ohio as they look to get a win. Historically, Ohio has delivered on Homecoming.
Probably due to the excess energy and crowd noise, Ohio has played well on Homecoming recently. Last year against Kent State, Ohio delivered a 42-17 victory which was the most points Ohio scored all season.
The Homecoming experience encompassing football doesn’t just pertain to the players. For some fans at Ohio University, the most anticipated event of Homecoming Saturday is getting to watch the alumni band play alongside the iconic Marching 110.
The musical act is the premier feature of Ohio’s Homecoming halftime show, drawing in fans specifically for the event and giving even the non-football fans a reason to participate in Homecoming Saturday.
The show features the biggest and loudest musical display Ohio offers throughout its football season, with a very intentionally curated setlist to hit a nostalgic note with alumni and current students alike.
Ultimately, Homecoming football is so integral that, whether it's the Homecoming Parade or the several events hosted by the different colleges that make up the university, it all leads up in anticipation of the 3:30 p.m. clash at Peden Stadium.
