The University of Toledo will celebrate the centennial of its longest-standing tradition, Homecoming, with a week of festivities for students and alumni scheduled Sunday, Sept. 24, through Saturday, Sept. 30, for the 2023 Homecoming, themed Heroes vs. Villains.
“Homecoming is one of my favorite times of the year, with the Rocket Family coming together to celebrate our history, our present and our future,” said Sammy Spann, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “As The University of Toledo’s Homecoming tradition turns 100 this year, there’s so much to be excited about. Our students worked hard to create a week of special Homecoming events on campus leading up to the parade and game.”
The first UToledo Homecoming game was played Oct. 27, 1923, against Bowling Green Normal College, which Toledo won, 27-0. A century later, the Toledo Rockets will face the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Glass Bowl Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.
“For our alumni, we have the annual Homecoming Alumni Gala and something new: Rocket Romance,” Spann said. “We want to celebrate all Rockets who found love at The University of Toledo with this special ceremony, officiated by University of Toledo President Gregory Postel, for couples to renew their wedding vows and to share their love for The University of Toledo.
“We encourage all former and current Rockets who found their partners at The University of Toledo to join us for this joyous event in front of the iconic University Hall.”
For students, the Homecoming Committee has a week of planned activities across Main Campus to get Rockets pumped up for the game.
“Being on the Homecoming Committee provides an excellent inside look on everything that goes into organizing large events such as Homecoming,” said Bria Turner, a member of the Student Homecoming Committee. “Not only that but being on the Homecoming Committee has given me the opportunity to express my Rocket pride in a very unique way.”
• Sunday, Sept. 24, Color Run, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the Flatlands. Kick off Homecoming with this fun run or walk hosted by the Homecoming Committee. Wear white and get ready to get covered in color.
• Monday, Sept. 25, Field Day, from 6 to 8 p.m., in field between Ottawa East and Ottawa West. Get active with a variety of lawn games and inflatables.
• Tuesday, Sept. 26, Eat the Streets, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Lunch will be available from a variety of food trucks, as well as a pep rally, tie-dyed T-shirts and music.
• Wednesday, Sept. 27, CAP Petting Zoo, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Field House lawn. Pet adorable animals including goats, sheep, llamas, chickens and more, all sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming.
• Thursday, Sept. 28, Movie Night, from 8 to 11 p.m., outside Ottawa West. Enjoy popcorn and drinks with the double-feature of “Spiderman: No Way Home” and “Scooby-Doo: Spooky Island.”
For alumni, The University of Toledo Alumni Association is celebrating distinguished graduates and those who found love at UToledo.
The University of Toledo Alumni Association will recognize its distinguished graduates at the Homecoming Alumni Gala on Friday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Tickets for the gala are $35 per person and may be purchased at the event’s website or by calling the Office of Alumni Engagement at 419.530.2586. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, Sept. 22.
At Rocket Romance, UToledo alumni can renew their wedding vows in a special ceremony officiated by Postel on Friday, Sept. 29, in front of University Hall. Following the ceremony will be a celebratory reception including hors d’oeuvres and photo opportunities. The Rocket Romance renewal and reception event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendance to Rocket Romance is $20 per couple and includes the renewal and reception. Each additional guest is $15 per guest. To secure a spot in the program and reception, RSVP to the Rocket Romance website by Monday, Sept. 25.
And for all Rockets, there’s the annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in the Old Orchard neighborhood. The parade will feature floats, dignitaries, alumni, honorees, the Rocket Marching Band, Rocky and Rocksy and more.
Sponsored by Blue Key National Honor Society and supported by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the parade will begin at West Bancroft Street and Campus Road and go east to Cheltenham Road to Christie Street to Middlesex Drive and back to West Bancroft Street. For more information about the Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade, visit the event’s website.
Following the parade is a Pregame Party, from noon to 3 p.m., at William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion. Stop by for a free hot dog, chips and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar for those 21 and older with proper ID.
And the main event, the Toledo Rockets vs. Northern Illinois Huskies football game Saturday, Sept. 30, in Glass Bowl Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. Attendance is free for students. Faculty, alumni and other fans can purchase tickets online. Homecoming Parade float winners will be announced, along with an iconic halftime performance from the Rocket Marching Band.
For more information, visit the UToledo Homecoming website.
