It’s time for the Homecoming game to have a new home. This will be another year that Howard University’s Homecoming game is at William H. Greene Stadium on campus, but the large crowd drawn by Homecoming hype deserves a bigger venue: more specifically, Audi Field.
Howard Homecoming, the Mecca’s family reunion, brings alumni, friends, family and tourists to Washington, D.C. to participate in university activities and events, including the student fashion show, Greek Stepshow and of course, the beloved football game.
The Bison will battle the Morgan State Bears during Howard Homecoming Oct. 25 at Greene Stadium.
Greene Stadium only seats a maximum capacity of 10,000 people. According to the Howard University website, Homecoming brings out over 100,000 attendees. Not only is there limited seating, but prices are starting at $100 for general admission and Adults, Seniors, Youth (under 14), Faculty and staff tickets are $65.
Howard already used Audi Field for their matchup against rival Hampton University and will use the stadium again for their first matchup against Michael Vick led Norfolk State University, coming up on Nov. 22. Why can’t they use it for Homecoming too, especially if Greene Stadium can’t fit everyone?
Former Howard Tight End Christion Carter said he believes keeping the Homecoming game on campus is integral to the meaning of Homecoming, even though there is limited seating.
“Greene is much like a party; if the space you have is too big and you don’t have enough people, the environment of the party isn’t good,” Carter said. “Greene offers that close, intimate system that people come home to Homecoming for, a sense of nostalgia, and it offers a better football game environment because the fans in the stadium will be louder.”
Senior journalism major Jeff Jones understands why Audi would be a better fit, but also understands Carter’s perspective about it remaining on campus.
“I get why people want it at Audi because it’s bigger and nicer, but Homecoming is all about being on campus, so I like that it’s at Greene,” Jones said. “Greene might not be the nicest, but it feels like the right place to have the Homecoming game.”
Greene may bring back a sense of nostalgia, but what about the alumni who can’t get into the game due to the field’s limited capacity?
A move to Audi Field would be a perfect opportunity to hold the tailgate outside the stadium. Many alumni and students miss the tailgate experience since Howard announced the tradition’s removal in 2024. Moving the game will only benefit the university as a whole, attracting bigger crowds, more ticket sales and more fan involvement.
Former Howard linebacker Brock Morgan agrees with the switch to Audi Field for Homecoming due to his experiences as a Bison athlete.
“It’s a great decision, Greene Stadium and the surrounding facilities don’t even come close to Audi Field in terms of amenities,” Morgan said.
According to DC United, Audi Field has a capacity of 20,000, and includes 1,500 supporters’ seats, 500 field-level seats, 1,500 club seats and 31 luxury suites. Audi also has concessions that showcase a variety of food and beverages with the help of Levy Restaurants and RAMW (Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington).
Howard’s field was originally called Howard Stadium before being renamed to Greene Stadium in 1986 in honor of William H. “Stud” Greene, a Washington, D.C. physician and Howard University benefactor. Howard has hosted the Homecoming game at the stadium for over 80 years, according to Howard Athletics.
With Yardfest happening simultaneously on The Yard, Morgan disagrees that moving the game to Audi Field is harmful to tradition because of the bigger opportunity to play in front of more fans during Homecoming. Morgan also highlighted differences between Greene Stadium and Audi Field’s quality.
“It’s a grass field, which studies show is healthier for players to play on,” Morgan said.
Players experienced about 20 percent more non-contact injuries per play when playing on a turf surface as opposed to a grass surface, according to Mass General Brigham. This statistic alone should make the switch to Audi Field a lot more appealing. Not only are the Bison risking injuries staying at Greene Field, but they also aren’t allowing the opportunity for more fans to be in attendance.
Howard also has one more game to play at Audi Field this year. The game was moved due to a growing interest from fans and the HBCU community. More engagement means bigger turnouts. Homecoming is the exact same way. Replace a home game next season for a game at Audi Field for Homecoming.
It’s okay to shy away from tradition to meet the needs of your fanbase and student body. Keeping it at Greene Stadium keeps everyone on campus, but it truly is time for the Bison to hit a bigger stage.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
