Due to forecasted severe weather for Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 23, Old Dominion University has made important modifications for Homecoming attendees. The Old Dominion University football game versus Texas A&M-Commerce is still scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Alumni and Friends Homecoming Social and Fireworks slated for Friday, Sept. 22, has been canceled, and Big Blue’s Boardwalk has been moved to Webb Center, North Café. Additionally, the Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Sept. 23, has been canceled.
Activities scheduled for Kaufman and Williamsburg Lawns along with pre-ordered food through Monarch Catering will be moved indoors (see below for specifics). The Alumni Tailgate will have a planned menu and drinks for pre-registered, ticketed guests. Tailgating in parking lots, garages and other areas will NOT be permitted due to the expected high winds and projected rainfall totals. All other events will continue as planned.
Below is an updated schedule that outlines our current Homecoming plans (changes in bold):
Thursday, Sept. 21
- Alumni Honors Dinner, 6-9 p.m., no changes (registration closed)
Friday, Sept. 22
- Golden Pride/Class of 1973 50th Reunion Tour and Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., no changes (registration closed)
- Monarchs Give Back, 3-4 p.m., no changes
- Tours of ODU's New Health Sciences Building, 3:30-4:30 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m., no changes (registration closed and closed-toe shoes required)
- Big Blue’s Boardwalk, 5-8 p.m., relocated to Webb Center, North Café
- Alumni and Friends Homecoming Social & Fireworks, 6-8 p.m., CANCELED
- Black Alumni Chapter Social at Baxter's, 8-11 p.m., no changes
- Barry Art Museum closing at 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23
- Athletics Hall of Fame Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Priority Automotive Club
- Homecoming Parade, 11 a.m., CANCELED
- Parking lots open, 11:30 a.m., Tailgating in parking lots, garages and other areas will NOT be permitted due to the expected high winds and projected rainfall totals.
- Kaufman Mall Monarch Fan Fest, 11:30 a.m., relocated to Webb Center
- Homecoming Student Tailgate, noon-3 p.m., relocated to Webb Center, Center Café
- Alumni Tailgate, 12:30-3 p.m., relocated to Webb Center, Hampton/Newport News Room
- NPHC Homecoming Reunion, 1-5 p.m., relocated to Whitehurst Hall Legends Room (enter from Whitehurst Field)
- Gates to S.B. Ballard Stadium open, 1:30 p.m., no changes
- ODU vs. Texas A&M University-Commerce football game, 3:30 p.m., no changes
- Black Alumni Chapter Midnight Cruise on Spirit of Mt. Vernon, 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m., no changes (registration closed)
- Barry Art Museum closed all day
Sunday, Sept. 24
- Black Alumni Chapter Brunch, 10 a.m., CANCELED
In anticipation of severe weather, Old Dominion University will allow parking in University garages, except the 49th Street garage adjacent to S.B. Ballard Stadium, beginning Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24.
University officials continue to monitor the latest weekend forecast information from the National Weather Service. Any updates to the University’s operating status due to weather will be communicated via ODU Alerts. For official forecast information, visit www.weather.gov. To register for ODU Alerts, visit www.odu.edu/alerts.
More information can be found at this link.
The University thanks you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these changes. Your patience and support ensure that our community remains safe and enjoys the spirit of Homecoming to the fullest.