Homecoming Game Day: Plan Ahead for Parking, Traffic, and More
10/5/2026 3:51:00 PM | Football, General
ATHENS, Ohio — Homecoming at Ohio University is always one of the biggest weekends of the year in Athens, and this year's celebration will bring Bobcat fans together for a full day of events before Ohio Football takes on Central Michigan at 3:30 p.m. inside Peden Stadium.
With increased activity throughout campus and the Athens community, fans should be aware of several traffic and parking considerations before making their way to the game.
Arrive Early and Plan Your Route
Football donor lots will open at 7 a.m. Saturday. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, have their parking permits downloaded and ready to display and allow additional time for traffic and parking.
Game-day parking will be available for $15 on a first-come, first-served basis. Game-day parking is located in perimeter lots, with shuttle service to Peden Stadium beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing until one hour after the game.
Fans arriving on campus before 10 a.m. should be aware that parking access on Union Street and West Green will be limited due to Homecoming Parade setup and road closures. Fans arriving before 10 a.m. should use Stimson Avenue to access game-day parking on South and East Green.
Know Before You Go
Several construction projects around Athens may also affect traffic patterns and travel times throughout the weekend, including:
A Few Parking and Tailgating Reminders
Homecoming at Peden
The Bobcats and Chippewas are scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff at Peden Stadium, capping a full day of Homecoming festivities in Athens.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, plan their route and give themselves plenty of time to park and make their way to Peden Stadium.
Ohio vs. Central Michigan
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 3:30 p.m.
Peden Stadium | Athens, Ohio
#OUohyeah
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With increased activity throughout campus and the Athens community, fans should be aware of several traffic and parking considerations before making their way to the game.
Arrive Early and Plan Your Route
Football donor lots will open at 7 a.m. Saturday. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, have their parking permits downloaded and ready to display and allow additional time for traffic and parking.
Game-day parking will be available for $15 on a first-come, first-served basis. Game-day parking is located in perimeter lots, with shuttle service to Peden Stadium beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing until one hour after the game.
Fans arriving on campus before 10 a.m. should be aware that parking access on Union Street and West Green will be limited due to Homecoming Parade setup and road closures. Fans arriving before 10 a.m. should use Stimson Avenue to access game-day parking on South and East Green.
Know Before You Go
Several construction projects around Athens may also affect traffic patterns and travel times throughout the weekend, including:
- SR 682/SR 56 Roundabout: Construction is underway at the intersection.
- Uptown Utilities: Utility work near Carpenter Street may affect traffic and access.
- HTRC at Factory Street: Construction near Heritage Hall may impact traffic using Factory and Station streets.
- U.S. 33 Widening Near Pomeroy: Ongoing construction may affect travel to and from Athens on U.S. 33 east.
A Few Parking and Tailgating Reminders
- Fans are reminded that no overnight parking is permitted in football parking lots. Vehicles left overnight are subject to towing at the owner's expense.
- Parking spaces are first-come, first-served, and space saving is not permitted. Tailgating is not permitted in parking spaces or vehicle drive aisles but may take place in available grass areas adjacent to parking spots. Charcoal grills are not permitted.
- For fans bringing an RV, additional parking options are available at the Athens County Fairgrounds.
- For complete lot-specific parking information, directions, tailgating guidelines and RV parking options, visit the Ohio Football Gameday Information page.
Homecoming at Peden
The Bobcats and Chippewas are scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff at Peden Stadium, capping a full day of Homecoming festivities in Athens.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, plan their route and give themselves plenty of time to park and make their way to Peden Stadium.
Ohio vs. Central Michigan
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 3:30 p.m.
Peden Stadium | Athens, Ohio
#OUohyeah
Â
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