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History in the Horseshoe

Official Review by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

On the banks of the Olentangy River in Columbus, Ohio, 200,000 people gather for six Saturdays every fall to come together as one to cheer on their beloved Buckeyes. Whether the team is playing for a national title or only looking ahead to the big rivalry of the year, fans will brave the unpredictable Ohio weather to get loud for the Scarlet and Gray.

Ohio Stadium, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, was constructed in just over a year and held its first official game on October 7, 1922, against crosstown Ohio Wesleyan University in front of a crowd of 25,000. Very fittingly, later that season, the first-ever Michigan game held in Ohio Stadium drew an amazing crowd at the time of over 72,000 of the 90,000 available seats. Since the opening, many renovations have been conducted to update and expand "The Shoe" which now comfortably seats 102,000, the fourth-largest college football stadium in the country. In addition to Buckeye football, Ohio Stadium has also been home to the Columbus Crew, before they built their own stadium, and various concerts such as Pink Floyd, Elton John, Billy Joel, U2, and the Rolling Stones.

Food & Beverage    2

To put it as simply as possible, there are no frills about the offerings at Ohio Stadium. That may sound harsh, however, you won't find much more than the usual stadium food, not to mention that they don't serve alcohol. The prices on food and drinks are to be expected, reasonable for what you get at the ballpark.

Atmosphere    5

The atmosphere at Ohio Stadium is absolutely electric. From the band's traditional entrance and "Script Ohio" at the beginning, to the student's White Stripes chant, to the "Hell's Bells" on defensive third downs, any fan will get goose bumps just at the thought of it. Another hair raising tradition at Ohio State is the four sided O-H-I-O chant. In the same fashion as the wave, the fans go around with each side making the letter with their arms and chanting it. The best part is the delay that you hear between when you see it and when you hear it because of the size of the stadium.

Featured night games in Columbus are on a completely different level, as one would imagine. Fans still arrive in the parking lots at the same time as they would for a noon game which makes for that much more partying. This added time gives them ample opportunities to set up the OSU flags, tents, grills, corn hole boards, satellite television, and the works. Ohio State fans will give any college football fans a run for their money in the tailgating category.

Neighborhood    4

Even though I'm somewhat of a rookie when it comes to college football coverage, I can't imagine a campus having a better "neighborhood." There's anything one could ever dream of doing before or after a game. There are bars and restaurants that are appealing to any age or taste within a short walk to Lane Avenue, High Street, or Olentangy River Road. The party at Riverwatch would rival any college football festival, along with other large outdoor bar areas just up the way. You have to go to the Varsity Club right on Lane, very close to the stadium; Little Bar, which is a short walk up
Lane and just to the left on High; and of course, as I mentioned, Riverwatch.

Fans    5

The fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes could possibly be some of the most passionate, loud, exciting, and respectful fans I've ever seen. I wouldn't go as far as to say that they're welcoming to opposing fans, however, they are respectful and unlike other stadiums alike, fans aren't so courteous to outsiders. However, there might be a huge exception to this rule when a certain team from the unmentionable state from up north comes to town.

Access    4

Overall, the stadium is very accessible by almost any mode of transit. By car, one can travel from all directions using Ohio State Route 315 by way of Columbus bypass Interstate 270 using I-71 or I-70. In addition, Columbus International Airport is a quick fifteen-minute drive to campus.

Upon arrival to campus, parking is usually very easy as long as ample travel time is allotted. Parking can be very reasonably priced, however, a short walk will be almost guaranteed.

Restrooms are adequate, and while seating could be slightly improved, it is to be expected to be a bit squished in the bleacher style seating that is so popular in college sports.

Return on Investment    4

Typically, if tickets are purchased at face value, the experience is well worth it. However, when you start searching for big featured tickets from outside ticket sources, you're looking at a substantially-higher price. Depending on your loyalty, I believe you'll still find high ticket prices well worth the experience in return. Overall, Ohio is a fairly reasonable place to live or travel to, one should find no problem paying to have a great time in Columbus.

Extras    4

The Ohio State Marching Band, also known as The Best Damn Band in the Land, is a spectacular treat whether you see them for the first time or the twenty-first time. They are loud, perfectly in formation, and tradition seeps from every performance. Be sure to get in the stadium early to see them march in and perform their famous "Script Ohio" show, and as soon as the game ends lock arms for the alma mater as the team does so on the field in front of the band.

The overall atmosphere at Ohio Stadium is very worthy of an extra point. Any stadium that consistently fills their 100,000-plus seats deserves an extra nod for the atmosphere that it creates.

The pre- and post-game activities all over campus are well worth the trip down, even if you don't have a ticket. There is so much energy in Columbus on game days even if the home team isn't victorious.

Final Thoughts

If you don't reply with an "I-O" when you're prompted with the classic "O-H," you don't have a pulse. Ohio State football at Ohio Stadium is an absolute institution. Every thought associated with the tradition of college football is apparent in this touchdown of a venue. Do yourself a favor and visit Columbus to see this great spectacle.

My take

I think it would be tough to say that Ohio State has the grip on Cincinnati that it does on Akron, Cleveland, Toledo and most of the rural areas of Ohio. I don't see the common ground with someone living in Delaware, OH and someone living in Cincy. Cincinnati does not come to a stop when Ohio State plays.

Also there have been major renovations, the last being between 1999-2001 when the field was lowered 14.6 feet to add seating, plus 81 boxes were added and so were club seats at a cost of $191 million dollars. This is when teh seating capacity jumped to over 100,000.

I like about everything else in this review.

by CigarBoy | Sep 16, 2011 12:34 AM

Addition to the Neighborhood section

Too's Spirits under High is also another great bar to enjoy cheap drinks after the game. Almost anything is $1 from 7-9 on gamedays ($2 top shelf). It is located inbetween the PNC Bank and Jimmy Johns on High St. I recommend any Buckeye fan to check it out

by ProjectPattah | Nov 07, 2011 12:06 PM

Way too low!

Ohio Stadium is the college football venue unless you live in Ann Arbor. :(

by evenstevens | Nov 26, 2012 12:15 PM

Changes

I'd put Neighborhood and Extras as a 5. Pretty much anywhere within miles of the stadium goes crazy on game days. And High St. after big games... And then extras higher just because of the band and everything they do (skull session, Carmen, script...).

by TKOOS | May 24, 2013 09:55 PM

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