Hello from Ohio. I am a Buckeye Fan and Alumni. I am not here to troll or argue. I was just curious about the take of Vols fans and saw some posts about traveling to Columbus the game. I thought I would register and share some friendly advice to those traveling to see the game.
First of all, congrats to the Vols for a great season. I have never been to Neyland, and outside of excursions on the Tail of the Dragon riding my motorcycle, I have never visited Tennessee. But the limited places I have been to left me with the impression that TN is a beautiful state and very scenic. Reminded me a lot of the mountains in Vermont.
Hotels:
The closer you get in both time and distance, the more expensive it will be. I would reserve now to get the best rates. If you wait until a few days prior, you will pay handsomely. I would suggest you stay to the North of Columbus in Worthington to get the best rates. Lots of reasonably priced accommodations. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the stadium without traffic. On gameday, add 15 minutes to that if you arrive within two hours of the game. Add 30-40 minutes if you are waiting until the last minute. Roads will be packed and a mess. If you stay near downtown Columbus, expect major congestion. Getting to stadium parking is very easy from Worthington. Plenty of restaurants in the area.
Parking:
If its your first time visiting for a game, forget trying to park as close as you can get. You will probably get lost and likely end up getting rerouted due to road closures on gameday. Unless you know the roads and have been there before, I would park in the Carmack lots on the West campus medical complex . Just enter Carmack lot Ohio State into GPS Maps for directions. Very simple to get to from the highway and simple to get back on. The lots are in red above. This is the simplest and easiest option if you have never been there. Cost is usually $20 on gameday but might be more for a playoff game. Card-only and no cash.
There is free shuttle-bus service from the lots to the Stadium venue and the only time you will have to wait is if you get their late and on the trip back. I always opt for the 15-minute walk after the game. Follow the herd of people who are doing the same. Its quicker than waiting for the shuttles. and you won't be going anywhere anyways with all the post-game traffic congestion. It's impossible to get lost. Just walk down Woody Hayes Drive to the stadium.
Things to do:
I would definitely get there early just to take stuff in. I am always at a game at least three hours before kickoff. Just head down in the afternoon and have something to eat, have a beer, and check out the venue.
Prior to games, there is what is called a Skull Session. An odd-sounding name but it's essentially a traditional pep rally and concert that dates back a long time. Visiting bands are usually invited and I assume they will invite the Vols band to play as well. Whether they attend I am not sure. But even if you are not an OSU fan, it's worth checking out. Lots of tradition in historic St John's arena, the former Basketball venue. It is across the street from the stadium and can't be missed. The atmosphere isn't the same as the game. Visiting fans show up and nobody boos the opposing band. It's quite respectful. The Band plays the Navy Hymn and there is a tribute to the veterans in attendance. Then there is basically a small concert and player entrance. When the visiting band attends, they also play. Again, nobody will hassle visiting fans. It's a very family-oriented atmosphere. And it's better than standing out in the cold. Doors to St John's open up three hours before the game but it doesn't start until much later.
The fanfest area outside of St Johns arena will be crowded with media tents and vendors. It's the place to have a beer, hot chocolate, or have some food. I assume College Gameday will be there and there are always large video screens. There are plenty of bars and places to eat on High Street. Obviously, it will be crowded. Everything is within walking distance from the stadium. You won't get flak for wearing orange. Like anywhere, if you look for trouble you will find it. But outside of that, everyone is friendly and respectful to visiting fans.
Spending some time checking out the stadium before the game is a must if you have never been there. Like Neyland, it's a historic facility with just about the same capacity and layout. The historic rotunda and gothic-style stained-glass cathedral entrance is worth checking out even though it's OSU-themed.
Like most places today, the stadium is card-only. No cash. They sell programs out front.
General Link for gameday info:
Football - Football Gameday 2024
First of all, congrats to the Vols for a great season. I have never been to Neyland, and outside of excursions on the Tail of the Dragon riding my motorcycle, I have never visited Tennessee. But the limited places I have been to left me with the impression that TN is a beautiful state and very scenic. Reminded me a lot of the mountains in Vermont.
Hotels:
The closer you get in both time and distance, the more expensive it will be. I would reserve now to get the best rates. If you wait until a few days prior, you will pay handsomely. I would suggest you stay to the North of Columbus in Worthington to get the best rates. Lots of reasonably priced accommodations. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the stadium without traffic. On gameday, add 15 minutes to that if you arrive within two hours of the game. Add 30-40 minutes if you are waiting until the last minute. Roads will be packed and a mess. If you stay near downtown Columbus, expect major congestion. Getting to stadium parking is very easy from Worthington. Plenty of restaurants in the area.
Parking:
If its your first time visiting for a game, forget trying to park as close as you can get. You will probably get lost and likely end up getting rerouted due to road closures on gameday. Unless you know the roads and have been there before, I would park in the Carmack lots on the West campus medical complex . Just enter Carmack lot Ohio State into GPS Maps for directions. Very simple to get to from the highway and simple to get back on. The lots are in red above. This is the simplest and easiest option if you have never been there. Cost is usually $20 on gameday but might be more for a playoff game. Card-only and no cash.
There is free shuttle-bus service from the lots to the Stadium venue and the only time you will have to wait is if you get their late and on the trip back. I always opt for the 15-minute walk after the game. Follow the herd of people who are doing the same. Its quicker than waiting for the shuttles. and you won't be going anywhere anyways with all the post-game traffic congestion. It's impossible to get lost. Just walk down Woody Hayes Drive to the stadium.
Things to do:
I would definitely get there early just to take stuff in. I am always at a game at least three hours before kickoff. Just head down in the afternoon and have something to eat, have a beer, and check out the venue.
Prior to games, there is what is called a Skull Session. An odd-sounding name but it's essentially a traditional pep rally and concert that dates back a long time. Visiting bands are usually invited and I assume they will invite the Vols band to play as well. Whether they attend I am not sure. But even if you are not an OSU fan, it's worth checking out. Lots of tradition in historic St John's arena, the former Basketball venue. It is across the street from the stadium and can't be missed. The atmosphere isn't the same as the game. Visiting fans show up and nobody boos the opposing band. It's quite respectful. The Band plays the Navy Hymn and there is a tribute to the veterans in attendance. Then there is basically a small concert and player entrance. When the visiting band attends, they also play. Again, nobody will hassle visiting fans. It's a very family-oriented atmosphere. And it's better than standing out in the cold. Doors to St John's open up three hours before the game but it doesn't start until much later.
The fanfest area outside of St Johns arena will be crowded with media tents and vendors. It's the place to have a beer, hot chocolate, or have some food. I assume College Gameday will be there and there are always large video screens. There are plenty of bars and places to eat on High Street. Obviously, it will be crowded. Everything is within walking distance from the stadium. You won't get flak for wearing orange. Like anywhere, if you look for trouble you will find it. But outside of that, everyone is friendly and respectful to visiting fans.
Spending some time checking out the stadium before the game is a must if you have never been there. Like Neyland, it's a historic facility with just about the same capacity and layout. The historic rotunda and gothic-style stained-glass cathedral entrance is worth checking out even though it's OSU-themed.
Like most places today, the stadium is card-only. No cash. They sell programs out front.
General Link for gameday info:
Football - Football Gameday 2024
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