The homecoming parade will take a new route this year as construction on campus continues. Credit: Grace Everett | Lantern Reporter.
Ohio State’s 114th Annual Homecoming Celebration Parade will use a new route this year because construction on College Road would otherwise block the traditional path.?
The homecoming parade typically travels from Ohio Stadium along Woodruff Avenue and College Road before reaching Ohio Union in previous years, Nicole Holman, an Ohio State spokesperson, said in an email.?
“While this year’s route will look a little different due to road construction, we’re excited to continue this homecoming tradition and welcome all to enjoy the event,” Holman said.?
The new route will start at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, head south on Cannon Drive, turn left on 10th Avenue and head east to Neil Avenue before ending on 12th Avenue, according to Holman.?
The new route was developed in coordination with the Office of Student Life, Ohio State Police Division and the Wexner Medical Center, Holman said.
“Planning considered roadway availability, construction impacts, safety and the overall parade experience,” Holman said.
More than 70 units are expected to participate in the homecoming parade this year, including the marching band and the Homecoming Grand Marshals, Dave Isaacs, a student life spokesperson, said in an email.?
A new addition to the parade this year is the Alumni Homecoming Court float, bringing back members from previous years, Isaacs said. Similarly, a cow will serve as grand marshal of the homecoming parade to honor Maudine Ormsby — a Holstein cow that won homecoming queen 100 years ago.
Despite the route change, the participation remains about the same compared to previous years, Isaacs said.?
“The new route was carefully chosen among several options and we’re excited that it allows us to engage with new areas of the university,” Isaacs said.?
The route change will allow viewers to see different areas of campus during the parade, Isaacs said.
“This encompasses many areas of the university, creating a connection that includes Athletics, the Wexner Medical Center, health sciences, research, academics, residence halls and Student Life,” Isaacs said.?
Multiple roads, including Cannon Drive, 10th Avenue, Medical Center Drive, Neil Avenue, 12th Avenue and College Road, will be closed from about 5:15 to 7:30 p.m., Holman said.?
Drivers should anticipate delays entering and exiting parking garages and lots that are located around the parade route, Holman said.?
The Campus Area Bus Service, or CABS, Buckeye Express shuttle will be detoured, while the Wexner Medical Center shuttle for patients and visitors and South Loop will be suspended, Holman said.?
Holman encouraged travelers to download the Ohio State app to track CABS in real time, view the parade route map and allow for additional travel time.?
“The university will evaluate this year’s event and review upcoming construction and anticipated construction projects before determining the 2027 route,” Holman said. “Information about next year’s parade route will be shared once planning is complete.”
