Members of the Bowling Green State University community reacted with surprise this week to the news that the marching band would not be given a chance to perform at halftime of the Battle of I-75 football game in Toledo.
But University of Toledo officials contend they previously informed their BGSU counterparts of both the decision and the reason for it.
“UToledo replied to BGSU’s request to perform through a series of communications to BGSU leadership that we would be utilizing the time available at halftime for our Hall of Fame inductions and the Rocket Marching Band performance,” UT officials said in a statement Tuesday.
On Monday, in an email to marching band members, BGSU President Rodney Rogers said he believes the decision is breaking “decades of tradition and goodwill for this rivalry game, where the hosting university has welcomed the opposing team’s band to perform during halftime.”
“While we understand this decision is within the University of Toledo’s prerogative, we are extremely disappointed that our marching band will not be able to perform during halftime,” according to the email. “We cannot speculate as to why the decision was made, but it came as a surprise to BGSU just weeks before the game, directly impacting our band members’ student experience as one of our two planned away game halftime performances this season.”
In the statement Tuesday, UT officials said, “the response we received from both BGSU’s President and Athletic Director was one of disappointment, but understanding of our time limitations. This decision was clearly communicated and not a ‘surprise.’”
“UToledo’s obligation is to fully recognize the members of our community who have meant so much to our success and to our hard-working students in the Rocket Marching Band. We will not compromise on this opportunity to celebrate these remarkable individuals,” the statement continues.
BGSU is still planning to have its band in attendance to “support the team and represent the university.”
“We welcome the attendance of the Falcon Marching Band at the game and recognize the value both bands add to this rivalry,” UT officials said.
Madison Allman, a drum major for the Falcon Marching Band, has been with the band for three years. Ms. Allman said the band was informed Monday at rehearsal.
“Everyone was upset and shocked,” Ms. Allman said. “In 2022, my freshman year, we played at the Glass Bowl. It has been my most favorite experience at a football game to date. There was a blizzard that night, but it is still a highlight of mine.”
Ms. Allman said she is hoping the decision not to allow the Falcon Marching band to perform can be reversed.
“I am just gutted and disappointed,” she said. “We love watching the Rocket marching band. We were excited to hear them play, especially during a rivalry game. I don't understand why UT scheduled the hall of fame knowing we were going to be there. I hope the decision is overturned. We have seen comments from members of the Rocket band, and they are upset as well. I am glad they are as upset by this as we are.”
The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Glass Bowl.
This year’s BGSU marching band features 425 members. According to BGSU Athletics, it’s one of the largest in the country and the largest in school history.
Blade sports writer Michael Burwell contributed to this report.
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