Miami Homecoming weekend is here. One of the five “impact” weekends, homecoming crowds Oxford’s hotels, bars and restaurants as alumni come to town to remember the good ole days.
Enjoy Oxford, the city’s visitors bureau, brings the university and city together as co-hosts of the weekend event. “Even if you’re not a student or Miami alum, together we are a community and want to engage and encourage community participation and pride.” Executive Director Kim Daggy said.
While no one can do a complete headcount because of the variety of events, based on local hotel occupancy rates and past history, it would not be unusual for Homecoming to draw at least 2,000 visitors to town, Daggy said.
Hotels and restaurants are prepared for huge crowds to be in town. Scotty’s Brewhouse is ready for its third year of being in Oxford for homecoming weekend. “Scotty’s is putting on a couple extra workers,” General Manager Shawn Dickens said. Dickens expects a 20% increase in revenue.
The Elms Hotel also added extra workers for homecoming. “This weekend has been fully booked for six months,” Front Office Supervisor Matt Waller said.
“We know how many people are coming,” Waller said. “Booking started as soon as the football schedule was announced.”
Oxford Police are putting extra officers on afternoon and evening shifts over the weekend because of the expected crowds, Lt. Lara Fening said.
The festivities begin Friday and go through Sunday. Here is a list of some of the things going on this weekend to celebrate:
House Decorating Contest. The annual House Decorating Contest is the first event of the weekend. Miami Students (and other residents) decorate their fraternity houses, student houses and even residence halls. This event is presented by the Miami University Student Foundation. All participants were to be signed up by Wednesday, Sept. 4, and have their house or dorm decorated by 7 p.m. Thursday. Go around and check out some unique houses and see what houses have the most homecoming spirit. The winning house will be announced at Saturday’s football game and receive a $500 prize.
Run for Love & Honor 5K. The Run for Love & Honor will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday starting Millet Hall to Yager Stadium. This run is hosted by the Miami University Student Foundation (MUSF) to help raise money for student scholarships at Miami. This allows participants to run for a cause and enjoy Miami’s campus.
Homecoming Huddle. The Bundy’s are returning to Oxford to perform at 8 p.m. Friday at Uptown Park. These siblings are Miami alumni who made history for being the first trio on NBC’s The Voice. This is a free performance that will kick off homecoming with some music and fun!
Black Alumni Advisory Council/Alumni Band Reunion/Young Alumni Reunion. Come out and join Miami University’s different alumni groups: The Black Alumni, Alumni Band reunion and the Young Alumni. The Black Alumni will have different events going on, including tailgating and cheering on the Miami RedHawks football team. Miami University Alumni Band will have a rehearsal and a pregame tailgate. Finally Recent Alumni are invited to meet up uptown for a reunion!
Oxford Farmers Market. The Oxford Farmers Market is the place for you on Saturday morning if you are looking to get some great produce, baked goods and even a place for kids’ activities. There will also be yoga hosted at the market from 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
M.O.V.E Outdoor Bootcamp. The Miami & Oxford Value Exercise Outdoor Bootcamp will be held at 10 a.m. at Lewis Place located on 301 E. High St. This event was created for all age levels and will be taught by Miami Rec Group Fitness instructors and will be joined by President and University Ambassador Crawford. The 45-minute class will be followed by snacks and t-shirts for those who participate.
Honors Program Bishop Hall Reunion. The Honors Program hosts a lunch at noon Saturday in Bishop Hall. Former Director Dick Nault will be there.
Miami RedHawk Tailgating. Come out and tailgate before Miami University faces off against Tennessee Tech. Tailgaters are allowed to enter the stadium two and a half hours before the game starts.
Miami University Football v. Tennessee Tech. Head into the stadium to cheer on the Redhawks against Tennessee Tech. Come out with red and white spirit and cheer the Redhawks on to victory.
Miami Field Hockey vs Saint Louis. The game will be at noon Sept. 8 in the Field Hockey Complex, which is located west of the football stadium behind the home bleachers. Admission is free for all who attend!
