McMaster brings back homecoming in hopes of discouraging unsanctioned parties

To prevent unruly parties from taking over Westdale, McMaster University is hosting a homecoming party of its own.

Over the past few years, unsanctioned homecoming events have popped up in the areas around the university, drawing in big crowds and sometimes disorderly conduct.

This year, the university has organized a homecoming event of its own for the first time in the last six years, where the McMaster Marauders will take on Western University’s Mustangs on Oct. 5.

“It’s gonna be pretty cool to have a game and be able to celebrate after, whether win or lose, hopefully it’s a win,” Pharrel Fox, a football player for McMaster said.

“I think it’s gonna be a win but I think it’s good to have it back. Honestly, a lot of schools get [homecoming] and everyone gets to have fun.”

Over the past few years, students have taken it upon themselves to have their own homecoming parties in nearby neighbourhoods around McMaster, but they’ve garnered a reputation for getting out-of-hand and unruly — with a car being flipped onto its roof one year.

Jovan Popovic, President of McMaster’s Student Union, says it’s better to see the school arrange something as opposed to students, who could run the risk of getting a $10,000 fine for throwing a nuisance party under the city’s bylaws.

“It’s always more comfortable to have students here where we have more control over the environment and students can feel safer, and a little bit more open,” Popvic said. “We constantly have people around to help them wherever they need.”

READ MORE: McMaster University expects large crowds for unsanctioned homecoming events

This year, the school will host a range of events alongside the inaugural football game.

Throughout the day, students will have a chance to test their agility on one of the world’s biggest obstacle courses, or participate in a foam festival. There will also be a live concert featuring the Canadian-born dance duo Loud Luxury, and a performance from the American rapper Lil Tecca.

Homecoming will get underway on Oct. 5. Students who present their photo ID card will be granted access to the days events.

“It was a major priority for me in each of my election campaigns to revitalize our campus culture and restore the sense of belonging that students value,” Popovic said.