Events & Reunions
Homecoming
Tufts University is indeed fortunate that increasing numbers of alumni, students and fans are attending the Homecoming games each year. Reunions and other activities, which take place at Homecoming, including tailgating parties, are traditional and enjoyable events.
We must, however, be ever mindful of the dangers and ill effects of the improper use of alcoholic beverages upon persons of all ages, particularly if, when and before driving to and from Tailgaters’ Village. It is accordingly incumbent upon all tailgaters to assume and effect community responsibility for self, family, and neighboring tailgaters. In turn, the University will enforce all appropriate laws and policies, including Somerville and Medford’s open container law, and has adopted additional guidelines for Homecoming weekend. As in the past, there will be no alcohol allowed in the Ellis Oval complex or under Jumbo’s Tent. In addition, we wish to draw your attention to the following points:
- Inclement Weather Plan. In the event of heavy rains the week before Homecoming or day of, Tufts University will cancel Tailgating activities on J-Field. Cars/BBQs and other items will not be allowed into Homecoming Village. You will be issued a refund for your parking pass. This is necessitated due to tremendous damage to J Field during past weather events.
- Tailgating will be restricted to Tailgaters’ Village. Entering vehicles will be checked to ensure that alcohol possession is in compliance with Massachusetts legal age requirements.
- Positive identification must be displayed in order to gain entry into tailgating area.
- No RV’s, campers, mobile homes, tents, trucks, trailers or buses will be allowed into Tailgaters’ Village. Village regulations also prohibit powered generators, amplified music, unlicensed vending, and uncivilized behavior. Portable Jiffy Johns will be available on J-Field.
- No excessive quantities of alcoholic beverages per vehicle (no more than two cases of beer) nor kegs or similar containers are permitted in Tailgaters’ Village. It is University policy that vehicles suspected of containing excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages may be inspected, refused entry or rejected from the tailgating area. No Refunds will be issued.
- No alcoholic beverage containers may be allowed outside Tailgaters’ Village.
- No sale of liquor, underage drinking, excessive drinking or drinking games will be permitted.
- All Tailgaters’ Village activities begin at 11:00 a.m. and will close at 4:00 p.m. All open fires will be asked to be extinguished at beginning of 3rd quarter, football game.
- J Field is an active athletic field. Glass bottles and other glass containers are not permitted on the field. Plastic and aluminum only. Strictly enforced.
- As per Tufts policy, NO ALCOHOL can be brought onto J-Field during Homecoming EXCEPT for alcoholic brought in by registered alumni tailgaters.
The University greatly appreciates the support of its alumni and friends. We trust that the observance of community responsibility and of the above rules will continue to make Homecoming events a pleasant and rewarding experience for all.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, October 9
Peace and Justice Studies—25th Anniversary
This event has been canceled. For questions, contact Dale Bryan at dale.bryan@tufts.edu or 617-627-2261.
Athletics Distinguished Achievements Awards Ceremony
7:30 pm, Cohen Auditorium
Saturday, October 10
The Jumbo Stampede
7:30 - 8:45 am - bib pick up and late registration
9:00 am - Stampede begins
10:00 - 11 am - post-race party and awards
Run with the herd! Join alumni, students, friends, and dignitaries for a 5K around campus. Pass by memorable highlights of your Tufts experience. Post race party will feature breakfast, sports massages by Elizabeth Grady massage therapists, and a stretching clinic by Tufts BSOT.
More information and registration.
Tufts Homecoming Bike Ride
8:30 am - Cousens Gym parking lot
8:45 am - Bus departs to the Grafton campus
Join alumni and members of the Tufts Community for a fun-filled Homecoming bike ride from the Grafton campus to the Medford campus, arriving at the Ellis Oval gates by 2:30 pm.
More information and registration.
Tufts Alumni Homecoming Committee Hospitality Tent
9:30 - 11 am - Jumbo Tent
For the early birds out there, come by and meet members of the Tufts University Alumni Association and the Homecoming Committee while enjoying coffee and donuts. Help welcome and receive our runners from the Jumbo Stampede.
Jumbo’s Tent
11 am - 4 pm - J-Field
The festivities get under way on J-Field. Bring the family, catch up with classmates, and enjoy free food. Don’t forget to visit Kid’s Corner where little Jumbos can have fun with games and crafts.
Tailgaters' Village
11 am - 4 pm - J-Field
Join fellow alumni for this annual homecoming tradition. Bring your best bbq and food display to show off your fellow alumni. Prizes awarded for Best of Tailgate, Best Food Display, and Best Use of Brown and Blue. Homecoming spaces are sold out.
Sports Events
Note: All sporting events below take place on Saturday, October 10 and feature Tufts vs. Bates unless otherwise noted. For more information and directions to facilities, please visit the Tufts Athletics website.
12:30 pm - Women's Cross Country, Franklin Park, Boston
1:00 pm - Men's Football, Ellis Oval
1:00 pm - Men's Cross Country, Franklin Park, Boston
1:00 pm - Women's Field Hockey, Bello Field
1:30 pm - Men's Soccer, Kraft Field
3:30 pm - Women's Soccer, Kraft Field