School: Ohio State University
Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Location: Columbus, OH
Conference: Big 10
Stadium: Ohio Stadium (Capacity: 102,082)
“On the banks of the Olentangy,” Ohio State football has built on so many time honored traditions and you will experience them all during a football Saturday in Columbus. It’s as if 102 thousand people choreographed every chant, song, and cheer before gameday. From the coordinated O-H-I-O, to script Ohio, and Hang on Sloopy from the best damn band in the land – it will make the game seem like a side show and the crowd is as good as any in participating. And of course, there’s nothing like the noon kick in late November when the team up north comes to town.
The Weekend
Travel: A flight into John Glenn Airport and a quick 15 minute drive onto campus and you have yourself one of the easiest travel itineraries in the country.
Lodging: I like staying as close to campus as possible here. While downtown Columbus has many hotel options, staying near campus allows you to walk to the stadium and the many bars and restaurants on campus. The SpringHill Suites Marriott is a perfect location.
Local Food: While I wouldn’t say there is a signature food that jumps out when you visit Columbus, I would highly recommend making your way over to Eddie George’s Grille. It is one of the best sports bars I’ve been to for college football. There is literally a TV in front of you everywhere you turn, including the bathroom. A very popular place built by a very popular man in this town.
Local Drink: Make sure you visit the Varsity Club across from the stadium. Dubbed as the most iconic bar in Columbus, Ohio, it’s been around for over sixty years and is a great stop along the way to any of the outdoor tailgates that take place near the stadium. If you are out and about on a Friday or Saturday night, the “Short North” is a good area for bars and restaurants – check out Chumley’s on High Street if you’re looking for a sports bar.
The Tailgate
Tailgating at Ohio State can be a lot of fun because of all the options you have. It’s not your traditional tailgate scene since you are in an urban center, but there are plenty of row houses, fraternities, bars and RVs getting in the good stuff before the game. I personally prefer heading over to Lane Ave and hitting up the Varsity Club – the preeminent bar for Ohio State football games. Additionally, there are outdoor sponsored tailgates (long known as HineyGate, but now has changed sponsors multiple times) where you can buy beer listen to College Gameday and watch other Big 10 games before heading into the stadium.
Unique Tradition
Script Ohio, performed by TBDBITL – the best damn band in the land – is one of the oldest (1936) and most recognizable traditions in college football. The Ohio State Marching band, all 192 members, spell out O-h-i-o and one proud, fourth-year sousaphone player gets to dot the “i” – a huge moment for a band member’s career at Ohio State.
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