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Taking my son to his first game - need advice!

I'm taking my 6 year old to his first Buckeye game. We live in Dallas TX so we will fly up on a Friday and come home on Sunday. I have a million questions as this will be my first game since I was a kid myself.

- game selection ... I think I am taking him to the Indiana game. It should be the least crazy, easiest to get tickets, etc. Any arguments against this?

- hotel ... not sure where to stay; we won't be doing any partying so I guess the main goal here is someplace that is easy to get in and out of for the game. A couple places to eat maybe.

- transportation ... any recommendations for travel to and from game from hotel?

- I will probably try to grab tickets around mid-field so he has a decent view of the game - prob does not matter though as he will be more interested in the food, crowd, cheering, etc. B-deck somewhere?

- Is there anything else we should consider must-see or do while we are in town? I grew up in Ohio but haven't been there much as an adult.

Anyone have experiences or recommendations to share?

Conroy's picture
Conroy on 26 Sep 2011 - 2:02am #

Make sure you get to the stadium early enough to see Script Ohio and everything else.  

I would try not to get a seat in the south/north endzone because that's where most of the students are, and there tends to be a lot of cursing/drunk shenanigans that you might not want your son to be around.

Indiana would definitely be the safest bet ticket wise, but I wouldn't imagine it would be too hard to get Penn State tickets this year if you want to go to a better game.

William's picture
William on 26 Sep 2011 - 2:35am #

Student at OSU. Avoid tickets near the south and north endzones which are (32B-40B,and 1C-5C I think) there are an enormous amount of drunk students, it's actually disgusting. Indiana tix would be easy to get, but like Conroy suggested Penn State tix wouldn't be too difficult to get and that would be a much better game. Places to eat on High Street are Canes, Chipotle, a few pizza places, and a couple greek places as well and Eddie George's (which is quite good) There are also a couple places to eat in Grandview that are pretty good. Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill is a great place to eat. (Near Grandview as well.) A stop at Krema is also recommended. The Skull Session is a great experience, but it does get packed quickly. Show up to the stadium early enough to watch the band enter and play. Also stay till the end of the game so you can sing Carmen Ohio with the players.

GoBucks713's picture
GoBucks713 on 26 Sep 2011 - 2:42pm #

And don't get B deck tickets, part of the field will be obstructed by cement pillars. Go for C deck for a great view of the action. Also, get breakfast at Tommy's pizza before the game. What 6 year old wouldn't love pizza for breakfast.

-The Aristocrats!

BED's picture
BED Staff on 26 Sep 2011 - 4:14pm #

Skull session before the game is a must.  It is always impressive, even as an adult.

I would try to stay at the Varsity Inn South, or the New hotel were Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe used to be, in terms of convience (both between 3rd and 5th on Olentangy River Road), but I've never personally stayed there, so I can't attest to quality.  If not there, try for something on Olentangy River Road between Lane and North Broadway, or by the convention center/arena district (easy access to public transportation).

And if you're not going A or AA deck, go C.

The Ohio State University, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2006
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Class of 2009

yoderdame's picture
yoderdame on 26 Sep 2011 - 10:46pm #

I've stayed at the Varsity Inn South many times and while it's more motel than hotel you can't beat the location. Plus there's a Bob Evans in the parking lot so if you decide to not go the pizza route for breakfast (although who could resist that?) you're covered.

Also definitely do Skull Session. I believe it starts 2 hours before kickoff.

Good luck & enjoy the game.

Denny's picture
Denny on 26 Sep 2011 - 11:21pm #

Adriatico's, period. Kids love pizza, and Adriatico's is 'the tits'. 

Take him around The Oval and the South Oval - especially when the leaves start turning, Mirror Lake and the ampitheatre are gorgeous. The most 'campus-feeling' area of OSU. He'll fall in love with the stadium, to be sure - but Mirror Lake and South Campus will instill the university as a whole.

Taquitos.

Set your avi
Luke on 26 Sep 2011 - 11:29pm #

Smoking Joe's crust with the spicy Hounddog's sauce. It is written in the stars.

klfeck's picture
klfeck on 27 Sep 2011 - 12:10am #

B deck is the tits if its cold or raining, especially with a little one in tow. Don't rush out after the game or you will just sit in traffic. Take in some sights and hang out around campus for at least an hour or two after the game. Check hotwire for good deals on hotels in the area. Not hard to find a 3 or 4 star hotel for $50 -$60 per night.  Ediie Georges is oen of my favorites, great game day atmosphere, but not too crazy for a 6 yr old. If you are driving a car you can park at the garages near student union and walk across the oval to the game. Avoid 315 and lane avenue at all costs while in a vehicle and near game time. Go up 71 and get off on 11th and come into the campus from the back side. Much less crowded. You have to do the skull session. Be sure to walk in the "tunnels" of the French Field house for some guaranteed OH-IO's.

Kevin
OH!!!!!
Proud parent of a Senior at The Ohio State University

tampa buckeye's picture
tampa buckeye on 27 Sep 2011 - 6:48am #

Take him to some bars the kid is probably a chick magnet.

osunut2's picture
osunut2 on 27 Sep 2011 - 9:03am #

Swing by Buckeye Donuts on High Street (near the corner of Woodruff and High) for pre-game breakfast. You won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a good post-game meal, head south to German Village and try out Schmidt's or Thurman's. Both are excellent.

If you are looking to save a few bucks while still getting a good room, try looking for hotels in the outlying suburbs (like Hilliard or Worthington). I often stay in Worthington near I-270, and it's only a 10-15 minute drive to campus from there.

Skull Session really is awesome. If you've never been before, you'll be impressed.

"Without winners, there wouldn't even be any god-d*mned civilization." 

William's picture
William on 27 Sep 2011 - 10:49am #

The only problem I've ever had with Thurman's is the wait, sometimes its just insane that a small diner like that will have a two hour wait.

klfeck's picture
klfeck on 27 Sep 2011 - 11:17am #

Yeah I have tried to get into Thurmans twice only to leave because of the wait. Someday....

Kevin
OH!!!!!
Proud parent of a Senior at The Ohio State University

osunut2's picture
osunut2 on 27 Sep 2011 - 12:04pm #

Good point, that's an issue at both Thurman's and Schmidt's.

"Without winners, there wouldn't even be any god-d*mned civilization." 

Scott's picture
Scott on 28 Sep 2011 - 1:33pm #

Check for rooms at the Hampton in the Short North (501 North High Street). A 15 minute drive from the airport, in between the airport and campuis. If you're renting a car you'll have to pay for parking, but you'll be able to hop on the #2 bus right outside of the hotel and make it to campus for less than $3. They also have a great complimentary breakfast available and a very comfortable lounge.

 

Take the #2 to the intersection of High and 13th Avenue. This spot will begin your campus journey at the new Ohio Union. It's a beautiful building and your son can get a photo sitting next to a statue of Brutus. Walking out of the West side of the Union you can walk around the South Oval (under construction) and make your way to Mirror Lake. A set of stairs heading North will take you to the Oval where you can check out the newly renovated Thompson Library (make sure you see the grand reading room). Also,  keep an eye out for some free souvenirs under the Buckeye trees around Mirror Lake and the Oval.

 

Skull Session is magical. Make it to the stadium in time for Script Ohio. I'll understand if a 6 year-old can't make it until the end of the game to sing Carmen Ohio. If you want simple, quick food after the game, stick around campus (or for a better meal and a great view of the evening games, Eddie George's Bar and Grill is a good spot if you beat the rush). If you want to get away from campus, Schmidt's or Thurman's in historic German Village are always fun for visitors (I'd suggest putting your name on the waiting list then enjoy the scenery of the nieghborhood for 45 minutes). Jeni's Ice Cream has locations in the Short North (near the hotel) and German Village. You should not leave town without a scoop. There are also a number of great restaurants near the hotel.

 

If you want other kids activities, Goodale Park (near the hotel) and Schiller Park (German Village near Schmidt's, etc.) both have playgrounds and some scenery. Columbus also has the number one rated science center in the country (COSI) where my niece and nephews always have a blast. Enjoy!

Class of 2008

Set your avi
ohiost8fans on 29 Sep 2011 - 11:51am #

Indiana is a good game to start with.  You have to hit Dave and Buster's while in Columbus.  Other fun things to do, depending on time is COSI.  My son really enjoyed the trip we made when he was 6 or 7.

ohiost8fans

buckeyefanatic's picture
buckeyefanatic on 1 Oct 2011 - 2:29am #

AWESOME input folks ... will have a lot of choose from. I will probably opt for the closest to the stadium for our hotel - not sure if I am renting a car or not - probably not but will have to think about it.

I sure loved COSI as a kid, not sure if we will make it on this trip but might have to squeeze it in. Will try to figure out all the sights we wanna fit in, load the little kid with energy drink and candy and see how long his feet hold out.

Set your avi
Bucks Mod on 1 Oct 2011 - 3:01am #

This is not ideal for your first trip with the little one good sir (from your description of proximity and ease of getting to/from the stadium), but might be a great future "gameplan."

http://www.fortrapids.com/

^^ A bit pricy but worth it for the kiddos.

I wish you the best & love seeing this posting all by itself. Your little guy will look on this very fondly years from now.

I absolutely agree that COSI is a great destination as well as the Zoo (if you haven't seen it for years, you're in for a shocker).

 

buckeyefanatic's picture
buckeyefanatic on 18 Oct 2011 - 5:01pm #

What is the name of the hotel that stands where the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe used to?

The Blackwell has been booked since I started researching for the game ... I suspect I was waaaay late to that party.

I might end up near COSI so we can do that when we fly in on Friday.

BED's picture
BED Staff on 19 Oct 2011 - 1:00pm #

It's a Springhill Suites.  Linked it on hotels.com for you.

The Ohio State University, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2006
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Class of 2009

BED's picture
BED Staff on 19 Oct 2011 - 1:02pm #

Also, COSI closes at 5, so factor that in if you're planning it.

The Ohio State University, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2006
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Class of 2009

ShowThemOhiosHere's picture
ShowThemOhiosHere on 20 Oct 2011 - 11:53am #

Game selection - Penn State would be a better experience simply because they are more of a rival.  But if you'd rather have a calmer game, then Indiana would be your best bet. 

Hotel - Campus area hotels will almost certainly be booked, and they don't look as nice to me (I've never stayed at one so who knows, they could be gold on the inside).  I'd go with somewhere around 270, preferrably Easton, Polaris, Hilliard, or Grove City.  Easton is close to the airport, and all those areas provide easy highway access to get to 315.  Plenty of food around all of those areas as well.  There's Dave and Busters in Hilliard and Polaris (your kid would enjoy that), and both those areas also have a Carrabba's if you like Italian food.  For good sports bar-like dining establishments, I strongly recommend Rooster's.  Campus-area hotels would be more convenient, but I don't think that places like the University Plaza or the Varsity Inn are as nice.

Travel - try to get to campus at least 2 hours before kickoff (2.5-3 if you want to go to Skull Session).  A good place to park is at Chemical Abstracts/CAS, near Ackerman and Olentangy River Rd.  It's a bit of a walk to the stadium, but an easy in and out.  Traffic isn't as bad as it seems if you park a bit away from the campus area. 

Tommy's pizza is freakin' awesome if you want to eat near campus.  My gameday semi-traditions over the years have included Cane's and Max and Erma's.  Max and Erma's has a sundae bar and great burgers.  And definitely go to Skull Session.  It's always amazing.  I'm glad that Fickell continued the tradition of the football team walking through there, because that's the best moment of the whole thing. 

 

 

Class of 2010.

buckeyefanatic's picture
buckeyefanatic on 30 Oct 2011 - 11:27pm #

OK, here's the plan.  Thanks to all who have posted and sent messages.  Things are not set in stone but here is what we're doing:

- Depart DFW arrive CMH around 1pm on Friday, pick up rental car.
- Drive to COSI, let son play until 5pm closing.
- Check in at hotel just south of campus.
- Find evening meal - hopefully Eddie George's if it is not too busy.  Expecting evening before gameday = busy.

- Find breakfast somewhere, park near St. Johns.
- Attend skull session!
- ATTEND MY FIRST GAME WITH FIRST BORN, START YEARLY TRADITION!  13C row 1.

No idea what will happen after the game.  Little guy is 6 so maybe we will not last the whole game.  I would like to see the oval, mirror lake and whatever other sites we stumble on.  What is the oval like on gameday?  Totally overrun?  Will save student union for next year probably.

 

Scott's picture
Scott on 31 Oct 2011 - 12:47pm #

Thanks for the update, man! Looks like you two should have a blast.

I've been to Eddie's on Friday nights before game days. If I remember correctly the crowd around the bar made it seem like the wait for a dinner table would be long. We were probably seated in less than 30 mins. Also, while not quite as good of food as Eddie's, the Ohio Union is one block North on High Street and has a bar and restaurant called Woody's. Pizza, wings, root beer floats, an excellent local beer selection, and a ton of projector screens. If it seems like Eddie's is too packed, Woody's is a good second choice.

The Oval isn't packed but has a steady stream of people walking through on game days. I'd still recommend the route I mentioned in an earlier post. Start at the Union (check out the Grand Hall), walk to Mirror Lake, up to the Thompson Library (to see the Grand Reading Room and the top floor Campus Reading Room) which is on the Oval, then to the stadium. That walk is fairly straight and you get to see the main campus highlights. I promise you'll be blown away.

Class of 2008

BED's picture
BED Staff on 8 Nov 2011 - 5:36pm #

Hope you had a great time this weekend!

The Ohio State University, College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2006
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Class of 2009

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