Ohio State Football: Guide to Gameday in Columbus, OH

Learn everything about Ohio State Football in this guide, from the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry to football tailgate spots and hotels near Ohio Stadium.

O-H! I-O!

This chant can be heard echoing out intermittently across the city of Columbus every Saturday morning during the fall. Whether you’re packed into a crowded dive bar or standing among the scarlet and gray sea of more than 100,000 fans in attendance each week, experiencing an Ohio State gameday among the Buckeye faithful is nothing short of magical.

However, if you’ve never been to Ohio Stadium—commonly known as “The Shoe” for its horseshoe shape—you may not be sure how to properly take in all that the historic environment has to offer. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including the best hotels near Ohio Stadium, places to watch the game, and tips for your football tailgate on food, storage, and more.

Early History of Ohio State Football

The Ohio State football program’s history dates back to 1890 when the Buckeyes played their first game against Ohio Wesleyan University. Though they experienced more losses than victories in their early years, the foundation was laid for what would become one of the most successful programs in college football history.

The Buckeyes joined the Western Conference—now known as the Big Ten Conference—in 1912, marking the beginning of their rise to prominence. They truly began to gain national recognition under the leadership of coach Paul Brown, who led them to their first national championship in 1942. Since then, Ohio State has been a dominant force in college football, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation.

How Many Times Has Ohio State Won the National Championship?

Ohio State has won the national championship eight times, making it one of the most successful programs in college football history. After the Buckeyes’ first national title came in 1942 under Brown, they won subsequent championships in 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and most recently in 2014. Each championship season has its own unique story, with standout players and unforgettable moments that have solidified Ohio State’s place in the annals of college football history.

The 2014 national championship was particularly memorable, as the Buckeyes became the first team to win under the new playoff format, defeating Oregon in the first College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game. This victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and talent, particularly as they overcame the loss of two starting quarterbacks during the season.

Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry

The Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry, often simply referred to as “The Game,” is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in all of sports. The matchup dates back to 1897 and has been defined by countless iconic moments, hard-fought battles, and passionately high stakes. It’s about more than just the game, too. In Columbus, fans go as far as covering up the letter “M” on campus buildings, street signs, and business advertisements to show how deep the rivalry went.

One of the most iconic moments in the rivalry came in 2006 when the two sides met as the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the nation. Ohio State won the game 42-39 in what is still regarded as one of the greatest games in college football history. The rivalry continues to be a pivotal annual moment for both teams, with each year’s matchup significantly influencing how fans feel about the direction of the program.

A group of Ohio State fans cheer on the Buckeyes from their tailgate at Ohio Stadium.

Notable Buckeye Football Alumni

Ohio State has produced numerous college stars and Pro Football Hall of Famers who have graced the gridiron with their glory. Here are a few of Ohio State’s most notable NFL alumni:

Archie Griffin. Griffin was an Ohio State tailback and one of the most celebrated players in football history, as he remains the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner (1974, 1975).
Cris Carter. While you may also recognize him from television, Carter got his start in the sport at Ohio State, where he was an All-American receiver.
Eddie George. The winner of the 1995 Heisman, George went on to enjoy a stellar NFL career, primarily with the Tennessee Titans.
Mike Vrabel. Vrabel holds the Buckeyes’ all-time record for career sacks with 36 after four seasons that paved the way for an NFL career as a player and head coach.
Orlando Pace. A dominant offensive lineman, Pace was a two-time Lombardi Award winner who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
A.J. Hawk. Hawk was a key contributor as a freshman during the Buckeyes’ 2002 championship season and is near the top of many career stats leaderboards.
Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott was the anchor of Ohio State’s 2014 championship team, leading a powerful offense before enjoying a solid NFL career.

Ohio State Football Coaches—Past and Present

Ohio State football has been led by a series of legendary coaches who have each left their mark on the program and the game as a whole. Some of Ohio State’s most notable coaches include:

Woody Hayes (1951-1978). Arguably the most legendary coach in Buckeye history, Hayes won five national championships and 13 Big Ten titles during his tenure. His fiery personality and dedication to the school made him a beloved figure in Columbus.
Earle Bruce (1979-1987). A protégé of Hayes, Bruce continued the tradition of success at Ohio State, capturing four Big Ten titles.
Jim Tressel (2001-2010). Tressel led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002 and re-established Ohio State’s dominance over Michigan, winning nine of his ten matchups against the Wolverines.
Urban Meyer (2012-2018). Meyer restored Ohio State to national prominence, winning the 2014 national championship and consistently competing for Big Ten and national titles.
Ryan Day (2019-present). Day has continued the tradition of success, leading the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances and a Big Ten title. Ryan Day’s record against Michigan is often discussed, as he’s 1-3 against the Wolverines in his first four seasons.

Best Places To Watch Ohio State Games in Columbus

If you can’t score tickets, Columbus offers plenty of great spots to enjoy gameday surrounded by fellow Buckeye fans. Here are some of the best places to watch Ohio State games in Columbus:

R Bar Arena. Located in downtown Columbus at 413 N. Front Street. This sports bar is known for NHL; however, it also known for Ohio State Games. It has a full menu from burgers, sandwiches and pizza, plus an array of draft beers on the menu.
Land-Grant Brewing Company. Located in Franklinton, Land-Grant has a laid-back atmosphere with craft beer and a big-screen projector for their Buckeye watch parties.
Eddie George’s Grille 27. Named after the legendary Buckeye running back, this restaurant in the University District is a must-visit for any Ohio State fan.

Where To Park Near Ohio State Football Stadium

Parking on game day can be challenging, but with a little planning, you can find a spot close to the action. West Campus lots offer ample parking space and a reliable shuttle service to Ohio Stadium. The garages on Lane Avenue and Neil Avenue are another option, as both are located just a few blocks from the game. If you’ve got a large RV or football tailgate bus, the Buckeye Lot offers RV parking with a shuttle to the stadium.

You should try to arrive as early as you realistically can before a game, as parking lots fill up fast. Additionally, consider leaving your car at home or parking in a public lot and using a rideshare app, as it allows you to avoid the hassle of parking near the stadium altogether.

Hotels Near Ohio Stadium

If you’re coming from out of town, several Columbus hotels near Ohio Stadium offer convenience and comfort:

The Blackwell Inn. Located on the Ohio State campus, The Blackwell is the closest hotel to Ohio Stadium and offers a luxurious stay with easy access to the game.
Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU. This familiar hotel offers modern accommodations and a complimentary shuttle service to the stadium just blocks away.
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph. This upscale option, located in the Short North Arts District, offers a stylish stay in the heart of Columbus’ nightlife and bar scene.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites OSU. This budget-friendly hotel is located near the OSU campus and offers a free breakfast to start your game day right.
Embassy Suites Columbus Airport. If you’re flying into town to catch a game, consider staying at one of the many hotels near John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

A group of Ohio State football fans eats burgers at their football tailgate party.

How To Tailgate at Ohio Stadium

Tailgating is an integral part of the Ohio Stadium and the overall Ohio State gameday experience. Spots fill up quickly, so arrive several hours before kickoff to secure a good spot. Make sure you have all the essentials, including a grill, cooler, chairs, and plenty of football tailgate food. Before you go, read the Ohio Stadium tailgating regulations to educate yourself on rules regarding alcohol consumption, open flames, and more. In general, make sure to respect those around you.

Rent Football Tailgate Storage in Columbus From Stor-All

While football fans wish every day could be game day, you only get a handful of opportunities for tailgating each fall. Once the winter rolls around and you’re forced to wait in anticipation for months until next season, you’ll need a reliable place to keep your football tailgate gear.
Stor-All is the trusted choice for football tailgating storage near Ohio Stadium, as we have storage units in Columbus available in many convenient sizes. Get started today by exploring our list of storage facilities in Columbus! For further information, you can also browse our FAQ page and list of storage tips.