Rose-Hulman football held homecoming game four days after 9/11
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 11:19 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
College SportsIn September 2001, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology proceeded with its annual homecoming football game against the University of Chicago just four days after the September 11 terrorist attacks. While most major college football programs and the NFL suspended play that week, Rose-Hulman was among a small group of six small-college teams that held their scheduled contests. Administrative decisions influenced the choice to play the homecoming game at Cook Stadium, despite the national climate and travel disruptions for alumni. Participants reported a surreal atmosphere during the event, noting that the focus remained on the broader national tragedy rather than the competition itself. Players from both sides displayed increased camaraderie following the contest as the country navigated the aftermath of the attacks.
- •Rose-Hulman played the University of Chicago at Cook Stadium on September 15, 2001.
- •The decision to play was driven by the school’s homecoming schedule and administrative influence.
- •Major professional and collegiate sporting events were largely suspended across the country that weekend.
- •Travel disruptions hindered some alumni from attending the game in Indiana.
- •Staff members present reported a surreal environment with a focus on national events over the game result.
- 11:19 PMYahoo Sports — DAVID HUGHES: Days after 9/11, Rose-Hulman football chose to play for homecoming
"Never wired to study engineering, I did not attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in my younger days. But I’ve covered enough of the Engineers’ homecoming football games for the Tribune-Star to know how much excitement they brought to the Rose community and alumni. Even in 2001. Twenty-five years ago, Rose-Hulman chose to play its annual homecoming matchup … four days after the 9/11 ...
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