Ohio State University: Ohio State prepares for 110th homecoming festivities

With attractions ranging from floats to food to fireworks, The Ohio State University will celebrate homecoming Friday night.

The Ohio State Homecoming Parade is one of the university’s longest-running traditions. This year, the theme of the parade will recognize 100 years of Ohio Stadium. The celebration will also include pre- and post-parade festivities.

“I think the biggest thing for us is that we’re really excited,” said Casey Petrae, president, Ohio Union Activities Board. “Last year we introduced some of these new traditions, the festival and the fireworks, but that was kind of a test run.”

Pre-parade festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. in the northwest stadium parking lot. There will be free food, inflatables and carnival games.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. beginning at Ohio Stadium and ending at the Ohio Union. Family members of Howard Dwight Smith, the architect of Ohio Stadium, will serve as grand marshals of the parade.

Petrae said the parade will feature floats from student organizations, university offices and colleges.

“We’re projecting a much higher attendance when it comes to the parade. We’re seeing a lot more student organizations and floats being built this year than we have in the past,” he said. “I think it’s because students are really excited to get back to tradition.”

Buckeye fans are encouraged to stick around after the parade. In partnership with the Ohio Union Activities Board, Office of Student Life and CAS, a fireworks display will launch at 9 pm. The main viewing location will be in the northwest stadium parking lot.

Traffic and Parking

Fans attending the festivities or parade are encouraged to park in Ohio Union Garages (along High Street, south of 15th), Arps Garage (along High Street, north of 17th), Tuttle Garage (near the Architecture Building), South Campus Gateway Garage (along 11th Avenue, east of High Street) or Lane Avenue Garage (corner of Tuttle and Lane Avenue).