Guide to Tailgating at the Ohio Stadium

I've never been a big football fan, except when it comes to the Ohio State Buckeyes. My Dad was a huge Buckeye fan. His way of tailgating was to watch the game at home and either before or after the game our tailgating party was in the back yard grilling hamburgers and hot dogs on a open fire, Soda for the kids and Blatz beer for our parents. If he could have gone to a game I'm sure he would have loved the way the Buckeyes do tailgating parties.

They've made tailgating an art, Instead of cooking out in parking lots and heading straight to the stands like most tailgaters, Buckeye fans spend pre-game time taking in the sights in and around Ohio Stadium. The stadium's north rotunda is a favorite spot, along with Buckeye Grove in the south corner, which has one buckeye tree planted for every Ohio State All-American.

Game day in Columbus starts early and ends late. Gates open four hours before game time. The neat thing is that people who come to Ohio Stadium are so enthralled and enthusiastic about Ohio State football. They just see it as a big privilege.

Outdoor grills and portable generators have been banned from parking garages under new tailgating rules. The grills, considered a possible fire hazard, will still be allowed in surface lots. That hasn't ruined the spirit of the Buckeyes though or tailgating parties. Grilling is done where it's permitted and some bring already prepared food.

Campus parking lots tend to fill early on game days. Fans should plan to arrive at least 1 ½ to 2 hours prior to kickoff. The OSU Marching Band Skull Session starts two hours before kickoff of every home football game. Held at St. John Arena, the Skull Session is a popular concert/pep rally, with over 10,000 fans in attendance. The event is free, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.