Join us for our Homecoming events!We will be hosting our annual Friday night reunion, and marching in the parade and at pregame / halftime. We also hold a tailgate for all alumni of the Bearcat Bands. You may choose to participate in the events of your choice! We only require a Saturday morning rehearsal for those who choose to march in the parade and/or at halftime.
You will need to pay dues and purchase a game ticket in order to march with us in Nippert Stadium on gameday. You will be able to pay your dues via the Homecoming registration form. You may use your own game tickets or tickets purchased via our unique link. |
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Purchase a game ticket
If you intend to march on the field (pregame and/or halftime) you MUST have a game ticket. If you have acquired a ticket another way (such as your own season tickets) you may use that, but you will need to sit in your ticketed seat.
Don't have a ticket yet?
Tickets through our discounted ticket block, available for UCBAA dues-paying members to purchase, are no longer available. You can purchase tickets on your own through the UC ticket office.
If you do not wish to purchase a ticket, there are still ways to be involved with Homecoming weekend by joining us for our Friday reunion, Saturday tailgate and/or parade performance.
Don't have a ticket yet?
Tickets through our discounted ticket block, available for UCBAA dues-paying members to purchase, are no longer available. You can purchase tickets on your own through the UC ticket office.
If you do not wish to purchase a ticket, there are still ways to be involved with Homecoming weekend by joining us for our Friday reunion, Saturday tailgate and/or parade performance.
- Contact the UCBAA to amend your participation if you registered to perform at pregame and/or halftime but have not procured a ticket.
Ticket FAQ
Last year, Tickets sold out before homecoming. When do I need to purchase my ticket?
- We are not sure when tickets will sell out, but we do anticipate a sellout again this year. We have a limited number of tickets available in our block. In order to ensure you can join us inside the stadium for the game, we highly recommend you purchase your ticket before the deadline of October 1.
In previous years, I got a ticket from an undergraduate band member. Can I use one of those this year?
- There are no free tickets provided to undergraduate band members this year. You must buy a ticket to enter the stadium.
In previous years, I bought my ticket as part of Homecoming registration. How do I register for Homecoming this year?
- Registration for homecoming is now available via the link at the top of this page.
The link has MULTIPLE Sections. Which one should I pick?
- You can pick from any listed section (203-206) as long as the link indicates stock is still available.
- Unfortunately, our block is not as cohesive as prior years, but all tickets in those 4 sections are the same price. We recommend communicating with an alumni band friend and purchasing tickets together to ensure you have someone to sit with!
Can I pick a specific seat to make sure I sit next to my friend?
- Yes. You have the ability to select your seat in the ticketing software.
Are these tickets available for family, like in previous years?
- Yes, but please be mindful that we have a limited number of tickets available to our group. The more tickets that go to non-performing members, the fewer performing members we can have on the field.
I Purchased a ticket - how do I get it scanned so i can enter the stadium with the alumni band?
Whether you purchased tickets through our block or have season tickets, you will need to have your ticket downloaded to your mobile device. Athletics recommends downloading the ticket to your phone prior to arriving for gameday.
If you purchased through our block, you should have received a confirmation email upon completion of the purchase, however that email is not your ticket. You should receive a separate email from Athletics a few days in advance of the game with the link to download your ticket.
A member of the ticketing staff will scan and wristband performing members during lunch at "The Cage" near Armory Fieldhouse. You can also have your ticket scanned to obtain a wristband at any Bearcats Fast Pass location.
The UCBAA does not have the ability to pick up tickets on your behalf this year. If you require a physical ticket, please reach out to Lindsay Powell in the Athletics ticketing office at 513-556-One Zero Five Three.
If you purchased through our block, you should have received a confirmation email upon completion of the purchase, however that email is not your ticket. You should receive a separate email from Athletics a few days in advance of the game with the link to download your ticket.
A member of the ticketing staff will scan and wristband performing members during lunch at "The Cage" near Armory Fieldhouse. You can also have your ticket scanned to obtain a wristband at any Bearcats Fast Pass location.
The UCBAA does not have the ability to pick up tickets on your behalf this year. If you require a physical ticket, please reach out to Lindsay Powell in the Athletics ticketing office at 513-556-One Zero Five Three.
Friday, October 18
Music Rehearsal (cancelled)
Alumni Band Reunion
Cocktail Hour: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Reunion: 6:00 PM - close
Taproom on Ludlow
360 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati OH 45220
Reunion: 6:00 PM - close
Taproom on Ludlow
360 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati OH 45220
Our Friday Night Reunion this year is the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow band alumni! Enjoy a taco bar and local brews at the Taproom on Ludlow, just down the hill from campus. We will also hold our annual raffle and give UCBAA updates at this event.
This event is $30 per person; paid during the homecoming registration process.
Parking: The Taproom has a limited number of spaces included free of charge behind the building. If those are full, you can also park at the Clifton Merchant Public Parking lot, just one short block away.
This event is $30 per person; paid during the homecoming registration process.
Parking: The Taproom has a limited number of spaces included free of charge behind the building. If those are full, you can also park at the Clifton Merchant Public Parking lot, just one short block away.
Saturday, October 19
Check-in5:30 AM
The Cage at Armory Fieldhouse All performing members are required to check in with the UCBAA under Dabney Hall, where you will receive a lanyard with the day’s schedule. You must have this lanyard to enter Nippert Stadium for rehearsal, as Nippert will be under security lock-down by that point. At check-in, UCBAA volunteers will check to ensure that you have the necessary uniform jacket, game ticket (if attending), instrument, and music.
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ParkingEden Garage, on Med Campus, is the only university garage offering parking for those without season passes. All main campus garages are exclusively for season passes and none will accept cash/card payments on Gameday. It is highly encouraged to purchase online ahead of time if you plan to park near campus on gameday.
UC Parking Services has agreed to start their shuttle from Eden Garage to Main Campus early to facilitate our schedule needs. There will be one bus running at that time on a continuous loop (typically 15-20 minutes to complete), and it will drop off in front of Dabney Hall via Commons Way. It will pick up next to Eden Garage on Panzeca Way. If you are getting dropped off on Gameday (recommended) it is suggested that you get dropped off front of Dabney Hall via Commons Way. Parking in all other university garages is by pass only. See a parking map. Street parking (free and metered) may be available in surrounding campus areas. There is also paid parking in USquare. |
"The Cage" at Armory Fieldhouse
Rehearsal5:50 AM - Alumni Band warmup & pregame preparation
6:30 AM - Alumni band enters Nippert Stadium via tunnel for rehearsal with the undergraduate band; rehearsal ends around 7:30AM |
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Parade7:45 AM - Line up for parade (Calhoun St. at Corbett Dr.)
8:00 AM - Homecoming parade (down Clifton Ave., ending at Probasco) We will have two trucks available for those with accessibility needs. If you have not already, please contact Brian Pack to confirm your spot on the trucks. The parade will let out near the corner of Clifton Ave and MLK Dr. At this point, you are free to tailgate, watch the band’s Catwalk and Sigma Sigma performances, or rest up for the game. |
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Tailgate10:00 AM - Lunch at Armory Fieldhouse. Marching members can get tickets scanned and receive wristbands at this time.
11:00 AM - Sigma Sigma performance (Sigma Sigma Commons; you may play with the band) 11:15 AM - Down the Drive into Nippert Stadium (line up behind undergrad band in Sigma Sigma Commons) - THIS STEP IS CRITICAL. TICKETING + FAST PASS Whether you purchased tickets through our block or have season tickets, you will need to have your ticket downloaded to your mobile device. Athletics recommends downloading the ticket to your phone prior to arriving for gameday. The tickets should be attached to a confirmation email. Check your junk / spam folder if you do not recall receiving an email after purchase. The UCBAA does not have the ability to pick up tickets on your behalf. If you require a physical ticket, please reach out to the Athletics ticketing office. We will have a ticket office representative at Armory Fieldhouse to scan tickets and provide wristbands for marching members. If you cannot be at the Fieldhouse at this time, please utilize the Fast Pass stations around the stadium to get wristbanded before going "Down the Drive." DOWN THE DRIVE We will line up to enter the stadium with the band in Sigma Sigma Commons, outside the Lindner College of Business. If you have performing member tickets, it is CRITICAL that you arrive on time to march down the drive. |
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Pregame + Halftime Performance11:15 AM - March "Down the Drive" into Nippert w/ undergrad band (Sigma Sigma Commons)
11:40 AM - Charge Down the Steps (if you would like to join in the fun!) & pre-game performance (alma mater + Star-Spangled Banner) 12:00 PM - Kickoff 6 MINUTES ON GAME CLOCK IN SECOND QUARTER - Performing members must use the steps between sections 101 & 102 to head down to the field. Those with accessibility concerns will need to use the elevators on the north end of the stadium to gain access to the field. A UCBAA volunteer will assist. “The Cage” will be open for a short time following the halftime performance and will be open again after the conclusion of the game. Please ensure any borrowed instruments, flags, jackets, etc. are returned during one of these windows. It is your responsibility to ensure that anything you borrow is returned to "The Cage." Please note that if you choose to leave the game to return your equipment following the halftime performance, you will be leaving the security perimeter and will not be able to re-enter Nippert Stadium using your wristband or original ticket. POST GAME Those who did not borrow instruments are free to leave following halftime. Those who borrowed an instrument should return instruments & equipment to The Cage near Armory Fieldhouse following the game. |
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Gameday Essentials
Jackets + UniformThe instrumentalist uniform is the red UCBAA windbreaker, blue jeans, and comfortable shoes. You may wear a thicker coat, hat, and gloves in addition to your jacket if desired; but other jackets must be underneath the red uniform jacket during performances. It is preferred if other coats/gloves/etc. are red, black or white. Please note that all Gameday events are rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
Color guard uniform is the black pullover, black pants, black shoes, black socks. Guard gloves optional. UC Athletics, including Nippert Stadium, has instituted a clear bag policy this season. UCBAA has a limited number of clear, drawstring bags that will be made available for purchase ($5) during the check-in process on Gameday morning. If you are in possession of a non-approved bag upon entry to the stadium, you will not be allowed to enter Nippert Stadium with it. Additionally, Nippert Stadium prohibits umbrellas on Gameday. If you attempt to bring an umbrella into the stadium, security may take it from you. |
InstrumentsIf you will be borrowing an instrument or equipment, you will pick up and drop off your instrument at our storage area (“The Cage”) outside the East side of Armory Fieldhouse. We are not able to store instruments within the band room this year due to capacity constraints. If you are borrowing a wind instrument, please bring your own mouthpiece/reed/etc. UCBAA does not have mouthpieces, reeds, etc. available to borrow.
Color guard flags are provided and will be available from The Cage (entrance is on the East side of the Armory Fieldhouse). If you are marching in the parade, please grab your flag from The Cage before heading to the parade lineup area. Please return all flags to the flag bag in the stadium tunnel after both pregame and halftime performances. If you are bringing your own instrument, you must leave your case in your car. We do not have a way to securely store your case during the day, and you are not able to bring it into Nippert Stadium. If you approach the check-in table on Gameday with an instrument case, you will be sent back to your car to leave it there. |
Membership DuesWe require all marching members to pay membership dues to the UCBAA. Dues are $35 for individuals, $60 for couples, and $19.20 for 2023-24 graduates.
You will be able to pay your dues using the Homecoming registration form. Not sure if you've paid this year? Check out our membership page for a listing of current members. |
Music + RoutinesWe have music available for you to print and practice ahead of gameday. During the parade, we play our school fight songs and "Down the Drive." Unless you graduated in the past few years, the pre-game music parts are different than you remember. Please print out and review the current music!
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Drill Charts
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Pregame
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Halftime
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can i march in the game if i don't march in the parade?
Yes! You can choose to march in the parade, on the field, both, or neither! do i need a ticket if i am marching in the game?
Yes. Everyone needs a ticket to enter Nippert Stadium. If you have season tickets, or have obtained a ticket through other means, you will not need to purchase one through us. If you do not otherwise have a ticket, you will need one to enter. can i still get a ticket to the game if i am not marching in the game?
Yes! You can purchase tickets using the same link. However, this takes away tickets from our performing members. We ask that you pay dues to the UCBAA in order to utilize this ticket block. can i get tickets for my family? my friends?
Yes, you can purchase tickets for family and friends using our ticket block. However, we ask that you limit guests to ensure that marching members have priority. what if i am marching for pregame / halftime, but want to sit with my family during the game?
The ticketing system provide you with the ability to select seats next to your family members. If you already have season tickets, or have obtained tickets through another means, you do not need to purchase any additional tickets. Do I have to purchase a ticket in advance for the REUNION?
Advance registration is required. can i pay for gameday the day of homecoming?
No. There are several reasons we cannot accept registration for gameday the day of the event. We need the designated lead time in order to:
There are many details that go into planning a large event like Homecoming weekend. While we would love to have the flexibility to accommodate last minute attendees, it just is not possible to allow walk-ups the day of. Even if you tell us in advance, we need the actual advanced registration in order to make sure not only are you taken care of, but that the event as a whole can run smoothly. Is there a uniform for gameday?
Yes, there is a uniform for Gameday. It is:
So if i march, do i have to wear the uniform the whole day?
Absolutely not! Uniforms only need to be worn during performances. You are free to remove your jacket or even change your outfit during any other part of the day. i don't really want a strict uniform code. what's the deal on that?
Yeah... we don't really have a uniform code. You can drink alcohol, PDA is what it is, and... whatever. While we would ask that you remember that you are representing the organization, there is no set list of rules for you to follow while in uniform. We are MUCH more relaxed than you remember from your days in the undergrad band. I want to participate, but i have young children. what can i do?
We have several options available for those who will have young children with them, but still want to participate:
what if it's hot? Do we have to wear long pants? what if it's cold? can we wear a coat over our jacket?
Yes, while performing you must wear your uniform. Shorts are not to be worn while performing. The jacket we have selected as part of our uniform is called a "three seasons jacket." It is lightweight enough to not be too hot during warm weather, loose enough to be able to layer underneath in cold weather, and can also serve as a rain jacket in the case of inclement weather. It must be worn during performances (parade and on the field). Outside of performances, members are free to remove their jacket, or even change their outfits if they wish. The logistics of carrying additional clothing however, is the responsibility of the individual member. I WANT TO PERFORM WITH THE ALUMNI BAND THIS YEAR, BUT I DON'T HAVE AN INSTRUMENT. CAN YOU HELP?
Yes, we can! We have a variety of instruments available for members to borrow. The Alumni Band maintains a collection of the most-requested instruments. Be sure to note on the registration form what your preferred instrument is, and whether or not you need one. We will take care of finding & assigning you an instrument. I'M PERFORMING AT HALFTIME BUT CAN'T TRAVERSE THE STAIRS DOWN TO THE FIELD - IS THERE AN ELEVATOR?
There is an elevator on the north end (scoreboard end) of the stadium that can be used to access the lower level. Anyone using these elevators must be on the field by 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter (3 minutes before halftime) or they will not be allowed down until after halftime is already started, due to security concerns. |
Contact Us!UC Band Alumni Association
University of Cincinnati Rockwern Band Center 147 Corry Boulevard, ML 32 Cincinnati, OH 45221 email | [email protected] |