Homecoming

Lawrence A. Wien stadium may have the capacity to seat 17,000 people, but the vast majority of its seats remain empty even during a normal season. Homecoming, a rare Columbia tradition that gathers thousands of students, alumni, and faculty to a football game Columbia often loses, remains one of Columbia Athletics' only opportunities to cement its role as an irreplaceable force in the University—both as a community and a revenue-driver.

Down by 3, the Lions are at the 24-yard line with three down and nine yards for a first down. Captain and quarterback Anders Hill, CC ’18, scans the endzone looking for the opening and spots then-first-year wide receiver Josh Wainwright in the middle. Wainwright catches the ball and rolls into the endzone to win the game. In that instant, fans donning Pantone 291 rushed the field as the Homecoming game marked that the 2017 season was going to be one for the books.

There is no gradual story of the football team’s growth over the past decade program’s evolution. This is because the decade was punctuated by one event that could alter the course of the program for decades to come: the hiring of head coach Al Bagnoli in 2015. Prior to Bagnoli’s arrival, the Lions suffered defeat after defeat under a series of coaches. They went 8-42 total for all games played under the consecutive tenures of head coaches Norries Wilson, who was let go in 2011 following a 1-9 record, and Pete Mangurian, who led the Lions to two consecutive winless seasons in 2013 to 2014.

After three straight losses, football reclaimed an offensive prowess it has lacked all season, dominating on both sides of the ball en route to a 44-6 blowout Homecoming victory over Penn on Saturday at Wien Stadium.

After a 1-3 start to the season, the Lions are hoping they can turn their season around when they face against Penn in front of what will be a raucous homecoming crowd.

It’s that time of the year again, when Columbia suddenly transforms into a state school and hundreds of students flock to the Robert K. Kraft Field for the long-anticipated and biggest football game of the season.

NEW YORK—The clock stopped with three minutes and 25 seconds remaining in the second quarter. First-year running back Dante Miller sprawled out across the 40-yard line, writhing.

Football will host undefeated Dartmouth in its annual Homecoming game at Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium. Last season’s game saw a miraculous Columbia comeback against Penn, but this year’s game has a slightly different tone.

What’s the perfect accompaniment to Homecoming? Family Weekend of course! In addition to midterms and tailgates filling up your schedule, you also somehow have to find time to entertain your parents. Whether it be a quick bite to eat after Columbia’s research showcase or a fun afternoon out after Barnard’s “Dean’s Discussion,” we’ve compiled the best activities for you and your family here at Spectrum.