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 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.

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 likely will need to sit in your ticketed seat and will not be able to sit with the alumni band.

Didn't get a ticket?
Our game ticket promotional code has now expired and the tickets are sold out. Tickets are now only available on reselling websites.

​At this point, you may:
  • Join us for our Friday reunion, Saturday tailgate and/or parade performance
  • Purchase your own ticket to perform in pregame/halftime
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 September 14.
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 two different Sections (201 + 202). Which one should I pick?
  • You can pick either section as long as the link indicates stock is still available.  We have one collective block of seats that spans 2 sections, and both sections are the same price point.
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.

Friday, October 13

Highly-Recommended Music Rehearsal (optional)

5 pm
Rockwern Band Center
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​This is an optional, 1-hour music rehearsal open to anyone who is performing on Gameday. There is no cost to attend. One or more of our alumni drum majors will run the rehearsal. We highly recommend attending this rehearsal, as our reunion event is right after (and right across the street)!
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Those who are borrowing instruments will need to pick them up at The Cage (located outside Armory Fieldhouse, see map under check-in) and drop them off afterward. If you have accessibility concerns and need an instrument brought to the band room, please contact Brian Pack to make accommodations. 

Alumni Band Reunion

6 - 10 pm
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; registration is requested using the homecoming registration form by Sept. 30.

Saturday, October 14

Check-in

6:45 AM
​The Cage at Armory Fieldhouse

Parking

We highly recommend you pre-purchase parking on the athletic department website, as parking garages will be opening to the public around 6am. Cash parking is available only at Eden Garage. Parking in Calhoun, Campus Green, CCM, Corry, University and Varsity Village Garages is by pass only. See a parking map.

Street parking (free) may be available in surrounding campus areas. There is also paid parking in USquare.
The Cage at Armory Fieldhouse

Rehearsal

TBD - Warmup, Armory Fieldhouse
TBD - On-field rehearsal with undergraduate band, Nippert Stadium

Parade

TBD - Line up for parade (Calhoun St. at Corbett Dr.)
TBD - Homecoming parade (around campus)

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.  

Tailgate

​TBD - Lunch at Armory Fieldhouse. Marching members can get tickets scanned and receive wristbands at this time.
TBD - Sigma Sigma performance (Sigma Sigma Commons)
TBD - Line up for Down the Drive (Sigma Sigma Commons) - THIS STEP IS CRITICAL.

The parade will let out on Woodside Drive, near the Lindner College of Business. At this point, you are free to tailgate, perform in or watch the band's Sigma Sigma performance, or rest up for the game. We will provide a lunch to performing members at the Cage.

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 the confirmation email sent by Fevo. 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 this year. 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 (which will be in the UCBAA's possession), it is CRITICAL that you arrive on time to march down the drive. You will not be able to enter the stadium if you are not in the block. Game tickets will be scanned following our entrance into the stadium. ​
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Pregame + Halftime Performance

​TBD ​- March "Down the Drive" into Nippert w/ undergrad band (Sigma Sigma Commons)
TBD - Charge Down the Steps (if you would like to join in the fun!) & pre-game performance (alma mater + Star-Spangled Banner)
TBD - Kickoff

10 MINUTES ON GAME CLOCK - 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.
 
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.

Gameday Essentials

Jackets + Uniform

We require all marching members to wear our red UCBAA jacket during performances. Legacy versions of the jacket are acceptable. 

You may wear comfortable sneakers and jeans with the jacket. If the weather is cold, you may wear a coat on top (may we recommend your band jacket, if you still have one?).

We may have jackets available to rent on gameday for $10 on a first come, first serve basis. Cash or Venmo accepted.

Instruments

If you have requested to borrow an instrument for Homecoming, you will pick up your instrument and check-in at The Cage in Armory Fieldhouse on both Friday and Saturday.

After the football game, you will return your instrument to the same location.

Membership Dues

We require all marching members to pay membership dues to the UCBAA. Dues are $30 for individuals, $50 for couples, and $20.23 for 2022-23 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 + Routines

​We 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."

Halftime music is Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting and Your Song by Elton John.

Drill Charts

Coming soon!
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.

Follow this link to purchase your game tickets. Use code UCBAA to purchase.
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?
Our ticket block is all together, so you will have 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:
  • write the drill for pregame / halftime
  • prepare necessary instruments / equipment
  • ensure that tickets are in place to access the stadium
  • purchase enough food for the meals that are provided
  • many more details

​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:
  • black hat
  • red 3-season uniform jacket
  • black pants or blue jeans
  • black shoes or tennis shoes of any color
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:
  • Friday Night Reunion. Children are welcome to attend.
  • Parade. While generally speaking children may not march with us during the parade, there are a few options. Younger children are welcome to ride (with an accompanying adult) in one of our parade trucks. Older children may help carry the Alumni Band banner during the parade. And of course, many children enjoy watching the parade go by.
  • Tailgating. One of our favorite activities, tailgates are the perfect family activity for members with young children.
  • Sigma Sigma Concert. Kids love listening to the band perform. There's usually plenty of space for them to run around and get their wiggles out as well.
  • Friends & Family tickets. Spouses, young children, and other family members are welcome to join us during the game by purchasing friends & family tickets.
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 | ucbaa1920@gmail.com