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School
Ohio State University
Stadium
Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Capacity
102,780
Conference
Big Ten
The neighborhoods where Columbus fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
The epicenter of Buckeye gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and scarlet and gray everywhere
Notable Bars
Trendy arts district with craft breweries, upscale bars, and a more sophisticated pre-game vibe
Notable Bars
Downtown entertainment area with sports bars, restaurants, and family-friendly gameday options
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the Ohio State University Ohio State Buckeyes home schedule
Sep 5, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Sep 19, 2026
Sep 26, 2026
Oct 3, 2026
Oct 10, 2026
Oct 17, 2026
Oct 31, 2026
Nov 7, 2026
Nov 14, 2026
Nov 21, 2026
Nov 28, 2026
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Columbus enjoys classic Ohio fall weather — warm and sunny in September, beautifully crisp in October, and cold by November. October is the sweet spot for Horseshoe gamedays, with ideal temps and vibrant fall colors.
76°
High
54°
Low
62°
High
43°
Low
49°
High
35°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe).
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Columbus's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
0.4 miles from Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Atmosphere
Buckeye institution
Known For
0.5 miles from Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Atmosphere
Sports bar
Known For
0.3 miles from Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Atmosphere
Dive bar classic
Known For
1.8 miles from Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Atmosphere
Craft brewery
Known For
0.6 miles from Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Atmosphere
Upscale bar
Known For
0.5 miles from Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Atmosphere
College bar
Known For
The best order to hit Columbus's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
The Varsity Club — 278 W Lane Ave
Est. Time
4.5 hours
Total Distance
1.4 miles
Start Here
The Varsity Club — 278 W Lane Ave
278 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
1891 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
1546 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
1636 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
19 E 13th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
1101 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
End Point
Seventh Son Brewing Co.
Wear your scarlet and gray, learn the O-H-I-O chant, and arrive at The Varsity Club at least 3 hours before kickoff — it fills up fast!
What makes Ohio State Buckeyes game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
The most iconic halftime tradition in college football. The Ohio State Marching Band — "The Best Damn Band in the Land" — forms the cursive word "Ohio" on the field, with a sousaphone player dotting the "i" to thunderous applause. The honor of dotting the "i" is the highest distinction a band member can receive, and the crowd's roar when it happens is deafening.
Two hours before kickoff, the Ohio State Marching Band performs a full concert inside St. John Arena — just steps from the Horseshoe. Thousands of fans pack the arena to watch the band rehearse, perform fight songs, and build the pre-game energy to a fever pitch. It's one of the most unique and beloved pre-game traditions in all of college football.
Wherever Buckeye fans gather — in the stadium, on High Street, at airports, or in opposing cities — the O-H-I-O chant breaks out spontaneously. Four people hold up letters, or the crowd splits into four sections calling out each letter. It's the universal greeting of Buckeye Nation and one of the most recognizable chants in all of sports.
Campus Gateway on High Street transforms into the greatest college football street party in the Midwest on gameday. Bars open at 7 AM for noon games, outdoor patios overflow, and scarlet and gray fills every inch of the street. The energy builds for hours before kickoff, and the walk from High Street to the Horseshoe is a sea of 100,000 Buckeyes fans.
Known simply as "The Game," the annual Ohio State–Michigan rivalry is the most intense in college football. Columbus transforms completely for this final regular-season showdown. The Horseshoe reaches a noise level that shakes the ground, and the entire season is judged by this single result. Buckeye fans live for this game all year long.
The most coveted honor in the Ohio State Marching Band is being selected to dot the "i" in Script Ohio. Only senior sousaphone players are eligible, and the selection is a closely guarded secret until the moment it happens. When the chosen player struts to the top of the "i" and bows to the crowd, the stadium erupts in one of the loudest moments in college football.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
German Sausage & Deli · 3.2 miles from stadium
A Columbus institution since 1886 and a Buckeyes gameday pilgrimage. The Bahama Mama — a smoked sausage with a secret spice blend — is one of the most iconic foods in Ohio. The cream puffs are legendary. Located in German Village, it's worth the short drive for the full Columbus experience.
Burger Joint · 3.0 miles from stadium
Home of the legendary Thurmanator — a 12-ounce burger stacked with ham, mushrooms, jalapeños, banana peppers, and more. Featured on Man vs. Food and consistently ranked among the best burgers in America. A Columbus gameday rite of passage. Expect a wait — it's worth it.
Diner & Donut Shop · 0.7 miles from stadium
Open 24 hours and a beloved Ohio State institution since 1969. The Buckeye donut — chocolate-dipped with peanut butter filling — is the official donut of Columbus gameday. The gyros are surprisingly excellent. A must-visit for early-morning gameday fuel right on High Street.
Pizza · 0.8 miles from stadium
The most beloved pizza spot on High Street and a Buckeyes gameday staple. Giant slices of New York-style pizza served fast and cheap — exactly what you need between bar stops. The garlic knots are addictive. Multiple locations on High Street mean you're never far from a slice.
Farm-to-Table Cafe · 1.5 miles from stadium
Columbus's beloved farm-to-table cafe is the upscale gameday breakfast option for Buckeyes fans who want something more than bar food. The breakfast bowl — loaded with local eggs, roasted vegetables, and house-made hot sauce — is the perfect fuel for a full day of tailgating.
Hot Dog Joint · 1.2 miles from stadium
Columbus's most creative hot dog spot and a gameday cult favorite. The Buckeye Dog — topped with peanut butter, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of honey — is a sweet-savory masterpiece. Over 30 unique hot dog combinations on the menu. Fast, cheap, and absolutely delicious.
The top districts in Columbus for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
The epicenter of Buckeye gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and scarlet and gray everywhere
Trendy arts district with craft breweries, upscale bars, and a more sophisticated pre-game vibe
Downtown entertainment area with sports bars, restaurants, and family-friendly gameday options
The matchup that defines the season — Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines
Ohio State Buckeyes
Columbus
Michigan Wolverines
That Team Up North
All-Time Series
62
Wins
51
Losses
6
Ties
52% win rate (119 games played)
Last Meeting
2026
Ohio State 13 – Michigan 10
Final score — 2026 season
Longest Win Streak
Ohio State
9 straight wins
2012–2020
Most Memorable
2006
Ohio State 42 – Michigan 39
#1 vs #2 in the nation — the only time both teams entered ranked 1 and 2. Called the greatest regular-season game in college football history.
The Game has been played every year since 1918 — one of the longest uninterrupted rivalries in college football.
Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes once refused to say the word 'Michigan,' calling it 'That State Up North.'
The rivalry is so intense that Columbus gas stations have been known to refuse service to cars with Michigan plates on game week.
Both programs have combined for over 20 national championships and 100+ All-Americans.
The 2006 matchup — #1 Ohio State vs #2 Michigan — is widely considered the greatest regular-season game in college football history.
Michigan leads the all-time series 51–62–6, but Ohio State has dominated the modern era since 2001.
Woody Hayes vs. Bo Schembechler defined the rivalry from 1969–1978 in what became known 'Ten Year War.'
The week of The Game, Columbus bars sell out of scarlet and gray merchandise and rivalry-themed cocktails city-wide.
278 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
The undisputed #1 spot for The Game in Columbus. Every inch of wall space is covered in Ohio State memorabilia, and the crowd energy during The Game is absolutely electric. Doors open at 7 AM — arrive early or you won't get in.
Get Directions1636 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Heisman winner Eddie George's bar goes all-out for The Game with special rivalry cocktails, massive screens on every wall, and a crowd that erupts on every big play. The 'Beat Michigan' specials are legendary.
Get Directions1891 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
The most authentic, no-frills Ohio State bar in Columbus. Generations of Buckeyes have watched The Game here. Cash only, cheap drinks, and a crowd that has zero tolerance for Michigan fans. Pure tradition.
Get DirectionsRivalry Watch Party Tip
For The Game, arrive at your bar of choice at least 3 hours before kickoff — High Street fills up completely and many bars hit capacity by 10 AM for noon games. Wear your scarlet and gray, learn the O-H-I-O chant, and be ready for the loudest bar experience of your life. Book a guided rivalry crawl to hit all three top spots before settling in for kickoff.
Turn your love of Ohio State Buckeyes football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
The most iconic tailgate lot in college football. RVs, tents, and scarlet-and-gray everywhere.
High Street bar patios and outdoor tailgates. The epicenter of pre-game energy.
Family-friendly tailgate zone with food trucks and live entertainment.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on Lane Ave near St. John Arena. Expect heavy surge pricing on game days.
Shuttle Service
COTA runs free game day shuttles from multiple Park & Ride locations to the Horseshoe.
Top hotels near Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe) for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Columbus game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Ohio State Athletics
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for Ohio Stadium.
Ohio Stadium Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Experience Columbus
Official Columbus visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
Big Ten Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe), and discover where Ohio State Buckeyes fans drink on game day.