If you’ve ever been to Columbus on an OSU game day, then you know we take our traditions very seriously. We love our team, and a true Columbus native would take a bullet for the marching band. We’re here to play—but we’re also here to win. And that takes some specific modes of preparation.
This is what separates college football—and OSU in particular—from other sports leagues. Traditions are synonymous with celebrations, which are synonymous with loved ones, which are synonymous with community. Game day at OSU is bigger than football. It’s an experience to be shared with family and friends (and every spectator wearing OSU colors counts).
If you’re new to Columbus or just passing through, allow me to fill you in on a few of our most important traditions. As a long-time resident and realtor, I know a thing or two about game day. Once we’re on campus, we move like a well-oiled machine, and the last thing you want is to grind any gears. Here’s what you need to know:
#1 Saturday starts with Buckeye Donuts. This is non-negotiable (tragic, I know). The type of donut you order is up to you, but I highly recommend their classic peanut butter and chocolate combo. DELISH.
#2 Festivities begin with a Skull Session in St. John Arena, which has absolutely nothing to do with your cranium. This is our pregame pep rally, featuring TBDBITL (that’s short for “The Best Damn Band in the Land”). The music starts precisely two hours and 20 minutes before kickoff, so be there or be square.
#3 Tailgating is a given, but if you’re not hyped about packing your own meal, Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar is the only answer. This iconic joint is home to the “Biggest Tailgate Party” in the country. They don’t even offer Grubhub delivery on game days because… why are you at home???
#4 To send a little extra luck to the team, check out the Buckeye sports legends all over campus. We have the Jack Nicklaus Museum (in honor of our favorite golfer), the Jesse Owens statue (“The Buckeye Bullet”), and the larger-than-life bronze statue of Woody Hayes (beloved football star and coach).
#5 Be sure to take a stroll through Buckeye Grove, located in Lincoln Tower Park. This is one of our oldest traditions, dating back to the 1930s (!!). The grove is home to about 200 trees, representing each First Team All-American in OSU history. Honestly, this place is way underrated.
BONUS! The best way to celebrate a Bucks win is to stick around for the ringing of the Victory Bell. OSU has been doing this since the early 1950s, after the Buckeyes defeated the Cal Bears. The bell rings for 15 minutes, so there’s plenty of time to revel.
In case it isn’t obvious (ha), game days are my favorite days. I love the anticipation, the thrill of the sport, and the satisfaction of listening to the Victory Bell ring across campus. But most of all, I love our traditions—the moments that bring the OSU family together. Grab your donut of choice and meet me at St. John Arena!