CINCINNATI — When the University of Cincinnati and Miami University square off Saturday afternoon, it will be much more than another football game.
What You Need To Know
- No. 8 UC takes on instate rival Miami in a season-opening game on Saturday
- It's the first home game without attendance restrictions in two years
- Businesses said they're excited about the return of game days, which are big business
- Fans of both teams said they're excited for a return of football and a bit of normalcy
The No. 8-ranked Bearcats enter the season with high hopes and they're hosting their instate rival to kick things off.
The “Battle for the Victory Bell” dates back to 1888. It's the oldest college football rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains.
The schools have played 124 times and 54 of those meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer. Due to COVID-19, last year was the first time they didn't play since 1945.
UC coach Luke Fickell compared his feelings heading into Saturday's contest to "Christmas morning."
"We’re not just getting ready for any other game. We’re getting ready for a rivalry game,” he told the Associated Press.
But beyond rankings and trophies, Saturday represents an opportunity for a return to normalcy in some ways.
UC has not played a home football game at Nippert Stadium without attendance restrictions in two years. And fans are excited to be back in the stands.
The football program set a school record for season ticket sales with more than 22,000. There's expected to be close to a full house, around 40,000 fans, for the home opener.
Katie Anderson, a sophomore from Zanesville, Ohio, plays the clarinet in UC's marching band. She got to perform at some games last season, but this year she gets her chance to be on the field.
“Last year was great, but we were only allowed in the stands. Being on the field, being able to march, it's going to be awesome," she said.
That anticipation also means potential big business for local bars, restaurants and shops.
“It’s going to be hectic, but a good hectic,” said Mac Ryan, owner of Mac’s Pizza Pub in Clifton. His restaurant is a little more than a football field away from UC's campus.
Ryan said everything about last year hurt business.
"Not this year, though," he added. "I'm thrilled to see everybody back and in full spirits."
Ryan said business has been great since students returned to campus. He’s especially excited about the return of sporting events, namely football.
According to Ryan, Mac’s does three to four times its usual business on game days, sometimes more.
On Saturday, they’ll open at 11 a.m., their normal opening time, because it’s a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. For noon games they open around 9 a.m.
"It’s an absolute madhouse," he said. "You cannot squeeze through here before or after a game.”
As an example, Ryan described employees having to carry kegs of beer around the outside building, instead of through the restaurant, because it's too crowded.
"I think people are locked, loaded and ready to go," he said.
Annie Black is general manager of The St. Clair, a bar in the heart of the area surrounding campus. She’s expecting a big day Saturday as well.
“We are especially busy during football games in general, but we think it'll be even busier this weekend. It's been two years since fans have been in the stadium and people want to celebrate,” she said.
The St. Clair won't open to the public until 2 p.m. on Saturday, as they’re hosting a Miami University alumni party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Black expects about 100 people to attend.
Jack Weston, a Miami grad and self-proclaimed diehard fan of the Redhawks, won’t be able to make it to the alumni event. He has other pregame plans.
“I’m taking my son to Monster Trucks at 1 p.m. then rushing to the game,” he said, laughing. "I wouldn’t miss it."
“It feels like a century since the last meaningful games and it's going to be great to be able to attend in person again,” he added.
Weston called Nippert an “incredible, historic stadium." He lives about a mile away.
“As a Cincinnati resident, I also root for the Bearcats and am excited about their preseason potential, but when they play my alma mater, they become the hated opponent for a week,” he said.
Weston added that he and his young family will also be excited to get back on Miami's campus for a game this year. One of his two children was born last summer and has never been to a game there.
“No place on the planet gives me the goosebumps like driving into Oxford on (U.S. Route) 27, so we will be thrilled to make that drive again, this time with two young ones,” he said.
Right now though, Weston is focused on Saturday.
"It should be a fun day," he said.