School
Ohio State University
Stadium
Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Capacity
102,780
Conference
Big Ten
Official Ohio State University Ohio State Buckeyes home & away games
* 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).
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Columbus on game day
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 best spots near Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe) for Ohio State Buckeyes fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe) — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.4 miles
Estimated Time
4.5 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
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.
The Varsity Club
Stop 1 of 6
THE pre-game spot — get here 3 hours before kickoff to secure a table
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!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make Ohio State University Ohio State Buckeyes game day unlike anywhere else
Halftime of select home games — a must-see tradition
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.
2 hours before kickoff at St. John Arena
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.
Everywhere, all day — spontaneous and constant
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.
4–5 hours before kickoff on High Street
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.
Final regular season game — late November every year
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.
During Script Ohio at halftime of select home games
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.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Ohio State Buckeyes ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
German Sausage & Deli · $$
A Columbus institution since 1886 and a Buckeyes gameday pilgrimage. The Bahama Mama — a smoked sausage with a secret spice blend — is one of the most iconic foods in Ohio. The cream puffs are legendary. Located in German Village, it's worth the short drive for the full Columbus experience.
Burger Joint · $$
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 · $
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 · $
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 · $$
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 · $
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 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 as the '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.
Book your Ohio State University Ohio State Buckeyes game day bar crawl and experience Columbus nightlife like never before!
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