Homecoming is one of the busiest weekends of the year on many college campuses. Alumni return for reunions, families visit students, the marching band leads a parade, and the football stadium fills. All of those events can happen on the same day, and campus parking was designed for a typical Tuesday, not this. A little planning helps you enjoy the weekend.
Expect normal rules to change
On homecoming weekend, many campuses change parking dramatically. Lots that usually hold student and staff permits may be reserved for game day ticket holders, donors or event parking. Parade routes may close streets for part of the day. Visitor lots near popular events can fill early. The school’s homecoming page, athletics department and parking office usually publish detailed information. Read all three if you can, since each may cover a different part of the weekend.
Plan around your priorities
Few people can attend every homecoming event. Decide which matter most to you, then plan parking around them.
- The game: look for official game day parking and buy in advance if available.
- The parade: check the route and closures, and park outside the closure area.
- Reunions and receptions: ask organizers whether parking is reserved or validated.
- Visiting a student: arrange a meeting point that avoids the busiest areas.
If events are spread across campus, consider parking once and walking or using a campus shuttle. Moving your car between events on a busy weekend often takes longer than walking.
Find your way on a changed campus
If you have not been back in years, campus may have changed. New buildings, garages and roads may have replaced the lots you remember. Pull up a current campus map before you go, and do not rely on memory. Navigation apps may not reflect temporary closures, so follow posted signs and attendants. Taking a photo of your lot sign and space makes it easier to find your car after a long day of catching up with old friends.
Tailgating with old friends
Homecoming tailgates can be bigger than usual, with alumni groups reserving areas and setting up early. Each school sets its own rules for tailgating, open flames, alcohol and setup times, and those rules can change from season to season. Check the athletics department’s guidelines, follow lot attendants and designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.
Respect the neighbors and the students
Streets around campus are often residential, and homecoming brings a surge of visitors looking for any open curb. Avoid blocking driveways, hydrants and crosswalks, and do not park in spaces reserved for residents. Remember that current students live here year round. The school’s official sites and posted signs are the final word on parking, and following them helps keep homecoming a welcome tradition for everyone.
A Homecoming Day Timeline
Homecoming has many moving parts, but a simple timeline keeps you ahead of the crowd. Adjust it to the events you care about most.
The week before
- Read the official pages. Look at the homecoming schedule, the athletics game day guide and the parking office announcements.
- Buy what you can. If game day parking, reunion tickets or reserved lots are sold in advance, purchase them early and save the confirmations.
- Download a current campus map. Mark your lot, your events and the walking routes between them.
- Coordinate with your group. If you are meeting classmates, agree on one or two meeting points and share parking plans so you can carpool where possible.
Homecoming morning
- Arrive early, especially if the parade or a morning event is on your list. Streets on the parade route may close well before it begins.
- Follow attendants’ directions into lots, even if a sign you remember says something else.
- Take a photo of your lot sign and row as soon as you park.
During the day
Walk or use campus shuttles between events. If you must move the car, check whether your parking pass allows re-entry or covers more than one lot.
Leaving
Postgame exits on homecoming can be slow. Many alumni find the best part of the day is the time after the game at a reunion gathering or a favorite spot near campus, which lets traffic clear before the drive home.
Bringing Family Along
Homecoming is often a family affair, with children, parents and grandparents along for the day. A little extra planning keeps everyone comfortable.
- Look for accessible parking. Many campuses designate accessible parking for game day and events. Check the athletics or parking office pages and plan to arrive early.
- Use drop-off points. If walking is difficult, drop family members near the event entrance and then park.
- Pack for a long day. Bring layers for fall weather, water, snacks and something to keep kids busy.
- Plan a rest spot. Campus libraries, student unions and alumni centers can offer a place to sit between events.
Common Homecoming Mistakes
- Driving to the lot you parked in as a student. It may be reserved, closed or gone. Use the current map.
- Parking in a residence hall or faculty lot. These are often enforced even on weekends, and homecoming may bring extra enforcement.
- Underestimating walking distances. Campuses grow. A walk that seemed short at nineteen may feel longer now.
- Forgetting about the parade. If your lot sits on the parade route, you may be stuck until the route reopens.
- Driving after celebrating. Arrange a designated driver or rideshare before the day starts.
Questions Alumni Ask
Do alumni get special parking?
Some schools reserve lots for alumni associations, reunion classes or donors. Check with the alumni office or your reunion organizer.
Can I visit campus on homecoming without a game ticket?
Yes, but parking may be limited near the stadium. Look for visitor parking farther from the game day zone and walk in.
What if I am visiting my student?
Ask your student to help with the plan. They often know which lots stay open, which streets close and where to meet.
Is transit an option?
Some campuses are served by public transit or shuttles from nearby towns. Check the school’s transportation page for game day options.
Should I stay overnight near campus?
If you plan a long day and evening, staying nearby can turn a stressful drive into a relaxed weekend. Hotels near campus fill early for homecoming, so book well ahead, and ask whether parking is included.
