I already posted my ‘I come in peace’ thread and was getting a lot of questions about what to do in Columbus or around campus. Figured I’d start a new thread. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to campus so take with a grain of salt:
Friday before game:
-For those arriving Friday, I’d recommend hanging out around campus. Adriaticos for lunch is phenomenal and Buckeye Donuts is awesome - not just donuts but breakfast sandwiches, gyros, chicken, etc.
-Would walk through campus and the oval. Campus is large and somewhat in its own grid within a large city. I’ve been to 8 or so SEC campuses and a few ACC so it’s not the stereotypical college town. It’s the 15th biggest city in the US. However, campus is pretty. High St is not - all the fraternities are on 15th or Indianola. Tons of bars and restaurants on High St and most of student off campus living is east of High St between 11th and Lane. Stereotypical large brick houses.
-Would check out Varsity Club on Lane for a beer or food. Tons of historical Osu items and been there for ages.
-In the evening would recommend grabbing dinner and watching the Friday night game in a few areas:
-North Market had Gaswerks, Brothers, Park St Tavern and Callahan’s near by.
-German Village is beautiful and has plenty of options. Becks, Lindy’s, Schmidt’s and Thurmans
-Short North has a lot: off High St between 4th Ave and Poplar has the most items. Just hop in anywhere. Short North is more of a hipster vibe but you can find anything.
-You’ll be surprised at how little Friday night feels like there isn’t a game off campus. Tons of fans will come in from Cincy, Cleveland, and the suburbs the day of the game. Columbus actually has a ton of young professionals that aren’t OSU alumni. Always been odd to me.
Gameday:
-Any of the above would work. I don’t know the brunch scene much and frankly, I’m a traditional tailgate guy, but can go anywhere above.
-South Campus bars include Big Bar, Ethyl and Tank, and Midway. Prob a ton more but that’s what I recall.
-North Campus has Out R Inn, Little Bar, BW3s, Threes, the library, the horseshoe, etc. frankly, so much has changed outside of the staples.
-fraternities would have bands play on the front lawn and tailgates but not sure how strict admin is now so they might be behind the houses or inside if cold weather
-Tons of house parties
-Should be plenty of tailgating around the stadium but mostly corporate. West of the River is where most families tailgate and walk across the bridge to the stadium
-Skull Session is a family atmosphere pep rally. They usually have the coach and captains speak. They usually invite the opposing teams band and our band will play their fight song And welcome them.
If I end up going, I’ll prob grab some beers and lunch with friends and family for the noon game, move to a bar for the 4 pm game for a bit then head to tailgates around the stadium that friends or family have.
I would hope all are welcoming, and happy to buy anyone a beer or invite to a tailgate when my plans are solidified.
Atmosphere should be fun. Expecting lots of Tenn fans, especially with students on break (so many out of staters now, ugh) and the discomfort with Day.
Heart says OSU 31, Tennessee 17 but head says Tennessee 24, OSU 13
