Police maintained a large presence around Western University for Homecoming Saturday and there were few problems during the day.
But officials were expecting a larger crowd to gather in the Broughdale Avenue area after midterm exams were completed Saturday evening.
The “Broughdale After Dark” bash was being promoted on social media, with hundreds saying they were planning to attend.
Western moved Homecoming back three weeks with the hope that exams and cooler weather would prevent the drinking and partying that plagued the area during earlier Homecomings.
After some alumni complained that they had already made travel plans, Western held Reunion weekend on Oct. 1. More than 10,000 students gathered along Broughdale on that day.
"We should have just kept it the way it was," said Michelle Holly Shook, a member of the Class of 1997. "Just have one Homecoming, I think they tried to take away some of the spirit."
London police were highly visible during that weekend as well and both times have been Tweeting under the hashtag, #dontinviteus2urparty.
PoliceTweeeted out changes to the Liquor Licence Act, including the fact that having liquor in an open container in a unlicensed area is illegal.
Another police quote during the day said, Everyone's behaving responsibly. #WesternU football game is on & streets are looking great!”
Not everyone abided by the rules, though.
Despite warnings by police to stay off roofs, there were students who did climb up, creating a safety issue. Police were forced to clear the students out of the area.
There was also litter that had to be cleaned up and police say they did hand out tickets for infractions.
There was also the issue of having extra police officers employed for two days.
"We do have a number of officers working today in the event that we need to use them, but it's always great to see that the students are inside their houses," says Const. Sandasha Bough.
