PHOTOS: UC fans channel ‘Eye of the Bearcat’ for Homecoming 2024
Homecoming coinciding with BLINK makes for an electric weekend in Cincinnati
Alex Woodall met daily with friends to craft a float the week before the homecoming parade.
Their float sported a mini-replica of UC’s Nippert Stadium packed with spectators and a pair of Bearcat eyes watching overhead.
Members of UC Student Government with their homecoming parade float. Photo/provided
Woodall, a senior engineering student, was working with UC Student Government in the parade, which featured more than 50 entries and attracted thousands of onlookers and well-wishers the morning of Oct. 19 along Calhoun Street and Clifton Avenue.
The parade highlighted the 2024 Homecoming theme, “Eye of the Bearcat.”
“It was a super fun atmosphere walking in the parade,” says Woodall. “It was a chance to hand out candy, greet family and friends and welcome back alumni. It was the highlight of homecoming for me.”
And for some like Jennifer Heisey, UC chief alumni officer, Homecoming is the best time of the year for Bearcats. “We are so excited to have amazing student groups and the community out to celebrate the University of Cincinnati and to get a big win for the Bearcats,” she told Cincinnati’s WLWT.
Bearcats came from far and near for the big day.
"Tens of thousands of lifelong Bearcats made the trip, drawn back to the campus and community they hold so dear,” adds Heisey. “I want to thank the many who returned to UC to be a part of the Homecoming festivities.”
Following the morning parade, tailgate and alumni activities, Bearcats football took on the Arizona State Sun Devils, beating them 24-14. The game attracted a sell-out audience of nearly 39,000 spectators in Nippert Stadium.
ESPN reported UC’s Brendan Sorsby passed for 206 yards and rushed for two touchdowns while Corey Kiner added 102 yards rushing. Cincinnati scored 24 straight first-half points, leading to victory. UC played its first homecoming football game against Ohio University nearly a century ago in 1925.
The men’s basketball team also showed its mantel beating Ohio State University during an exhibition match, 80-62, in Fifth Third Arena. The event raised funds for charity and drew “Black-ish” actor Anthony Anderson, who was on campus to promote a ribbon-cutting ceremony of AC Barbecue at Bearcats Cafe.
AC Barbecue is a barbecue lifestyle brand created by Anderson and comedian Cedric The Entertainer.
In the BLINK of an eye
Homecoming activities also coincided with BLINK, a four-day outdoor art festival in Cincinnati that used large scale projection mappings, murals and interactive light sculptures to delight an estimated 2 million visitors.
The UC alumni mural was among the displays offered during BLINK. UC’s Alumni Association annually celebrates alumni excellence by bestowing its top awards on a select group of Bearcats, for all they do to serve their university, their communities and their fields of endeavor. Honorees are depicted through a mural in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
“It was so cool that UC was honoring alumni,” says Woodall, who took in BLINK with friends and his sister who came for a visit. “There were so many people around enjoying the art. I loved the Findlay Market area especially, and the decorative webbing that lit up the area above the square.”
See more photos and video from Homecoming and Blink below.
Bearcat joins the cheer squad. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Homecoming Parade | Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Cheer Cincinnati! Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Time to create the next generation of Bearcats? Homecoming 2024 provided the perfect backdrop. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
The UC Homecoming Parade attracted thousdands of spectators. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
School spirit was at an all-time high during Homecoming 2024. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Homecoming Parade | Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils during Homecoming 2024. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Bearcats Bands | Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
UC President Neville Pinto with Homecoming King Matt Santiago and Homecoming Queen Evelyn Overstreet and Dr. Jennifer Pinto. Photo/Andrew Highley/UC Marketing + Brand
'Black-ish' actor Anthony Anderson at the UC vs. OSU exhibition basketball game during Homecoming weekend. Photo/provided
There were many activities during Homecoming weekend including a yoga session on the field of Nippert Stadium. Photo by Student Alumni Council.
Bearcat never tired of antics during Homecoming. Photo by Student Alumni Council.
The Student-Alumni Council organized a smash car event during Homecoming. Photo by Student Alumni Council.
Homecoming Parade | Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
The band needed a new member. Bearcat was willing to step in for Homecoming 2024. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Go Bearcats! Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
UC Dance Team took centerstage during Homecoming 2024. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Homecoming 2024 coincided with BLINK, a four-day outdoor art festival in Cincinnati that used large scale projection mappings, murals and interactive light sculptures to delight an estimated 2 million visitors. Photo/provided
BLINK coincided with Homecoming 2024, drawing thousands of people to attraction including many Bearcats. The drone show in Northern Kentucky captured the attention of many. Photo/Becky Butts/University of Cincinnati
"Insane 51" during BLIINK. Photo/provided.
Light projections on buildings caught the attention of thousands of spectators at BLINK. Photo/Becky Butts/University of Cincinnati
Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati was among light projection locations for BLINK. Photo/Becky Butts/University of Cincinnati
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