Let's go UC! Here's where you can tailgate before the Bearcats' homecoming football game

Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer
·3 min read
Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell watching plays during the first day of preseason training camp at the University of Cincinnati’s Sheakley Athletic Complex on Aug. 3, 2022. The Bearcats face Indiana University on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.
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Hey, 'Cats! Let's go UC.

The University of Cincinnati football team has its homecoming game Saturday against the University of South Florida. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Nippert Stadium, the Bearcats' home field since 1901.

Tickets for the game are sold out on the UC website. However, you can try your luck with resale tickets on StubHub.

But what about tailgating? Fans can find watch-parties and tailgating events this season both on and off-campus in which they can enjoy cold drinks, lawn games, barbecued bites and camaraderie.

Here are some great tailgating hotspots worth checking out before this Saturday's homecoming game.

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Bearcat Bash

The inaugural Bearcat Bash, a watch-party and tailgate on Short Vine, is set for this Saturday. Fans can find music, games, giveaways, food and more, according to a tweet from Trace Fowler, president of Chatterbox Sports, which is hosting the event.

Bearcat Bash runs from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. DJ Etrayn and DJ Hope will perform, and Chatterbox podcaster Brandon Saho and UC football legend Tony Pike will host a live show with guests like Leonard Stokes, James White and more.

The Grid

Fans can bring their pregame parties to the 100-plus tailgating plots at the Grid, located on UC's Campus Green. The Grid, which includes the Bearcats Family Fun Zone, opens at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday.

Here's what you can bring into the Grid:

  • Food and beverages.

  • Grills.

  • Coolers, tables and chairs.

  • Pop-up canopy tents no bigger than 10 by 10 feet.

  • Plastic garbage bags.

You can't bring:

  • Commercial advertising signs or displays.

  • Vehicles or trailers.

Here's where to park:

  • Season plot holders will receive a parking pass for the Campus Green Garage.

  • Eden Garage is available for cash parking.

  • Woodside Garage is available for pre-purchase online parking.

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The Den UC

The Den UC, a Bearcats tailgating group, will convene at the Grid on Sigma Sigma Commons this Saturday four hours before kickoff. Enjoy music by DJ Mike Wazowske, lawn games and food.

Season Den passes cost $30 and include a special koozie, commemorative Growler House glass and a T-shirt. A game day pass costs $5. Learn more at tailgreeter.com/thedenuc.

Rooftop tailgate

Rooftop tailgating, which takes place on the rooftop of University Avenue Garage, opens at 8:30 a.m. Plots are sold out for the 2022 season, the Bearcats website states.

UC parking facilities

Football fans can tailgate before the game at UC parking facilities. According to the school's website, you can enjoy a beverage and food by your vehicle, but must keep the parking lot drive lanes clear. Cars may not take up multiple spaces and grills are not allowed.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Tailgating for Cincinnati Bearcats football? Here's everything to know