2026 Fall Community Day

2026 Fall Community Day

Enjoy a Free OWU Football Game and Tailgate Sept. 12, and Climb Steps to Honor First Responders

DELAWARE, Ohio - Everyone is invited to a free pre-game tailgate and Ohio Wesleyan University football game Sept. 12, 2026, during the Bishop Backers Fall Community Day celebration at Selby Stadium, 45 S. Henry St., Delaware.

Before the tailgate and kickoff, Ohio Wesleyan's Phi Delta Theta fraternity will host a fundraising Steps for Service stair climb from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the stadium in memory of the New York firefighters who lost their lives 25 years ago working to rescue survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Grill & Gridiron

The annual Fall Community Day tailgate will begin at noon, with City of Delaware police officers and firefighters, and Ohio Wesleyan Public Safety officers grilling free hot dogs, hamburgers, and vegetarian options. At 1 p.m., the Battling Bishops football team will take on the Blue Streaks of John Carroll University.

As part of the day's celebration, Ohio Wesleyan will provide cornhole and other yard games. The Fire Department's Safety Pup and OWU's Battling Bishop mascots also are scheduled to attend the event, as well as the OWU Marching Bishops.

Steps for Service

Those who sign up for Steps for Service are invited to climb 2,200 steps representing the 110 stories firefighters had to navigate to reach the Twin Towers bombing survivors. Those who wish to participate without climbing stairs are invited to walk the Selby track. Steps for Service will benefit the fraternity's annual charity, the Live Like Lou Foundation, which supports families affected by ALS, as well as the Bryan Williams Legacy Scholarship, created in memory of the Delaware and Marion County firefighter to provide scholarships to eligible individuals planning careers in public service.

Those attending the free football game also will be invited to support the Bryan Williams Legacy Scholarship through contributions, a 50/50 raffle, and ticketed raffles to win a big-screen TV or a Bishop Backers basket that includes season sports passes and assorted OWU team gear. In addition, a group of local first responders will be recognized as honorary game captains for their vital role in the community.

Learn more about the Steps for Service stair climb at owu.edu/StepsforService and more about the Bishop Backers and the organization's Fall and Winter Community Day events at owu.edu/BishopBackers.

Backing the Bishops

During the regular season, admission for ticketed OWU athletics events is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens, non-OWU students, and children under 10. Admission is free for Ohio Wesleyan students with a valid university ID. All-sports regular-season passes also are available for $100 each through the OWU Athletics Department. Call (740) 368-3726 or visit battlingbishops.com for more information, including Ohio Wesleyan's complete fall athletics schedule.

About the Bishop Backers

The Bishop Backers is an organization of community advocates interested in sharing information about the breadth of athletics, arts, and educational opportunities available at Ohio Wesleyan. Learn more at owu.edu/BishopBackers.

About Ohio Wesleyan

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.