OT- moving to Columbus this weekend

Submitted by Benoit Balls on

Help me.  

Any M fans down this way who know a friendly place to catch a ballgame on Saturday afternoon? Do you stand a chance of seeing most games on Cable/BTN? I know in Cleveland I get every game in my house each year, but I wasn't sure if down there that would be the case.

And to top it off, my wife and I are expecting our first in July. Raising a son in the shadow of tsio is not an appealing thought, but on the other hand, that could immediately remove tsio from consideration as a potential school/rootable quantity simply due to the proximity. Unfortunately, my wife is a OSU grad, so all of her friends are already plotting against me, buying Buckeye related baby clothes (I will post pictures from that bonfire, I promise).

I grew up in Cleveland, and since 2nd grade have gotten into countless scrapes and endured incessant ball busting due to my unwavering allegiance to Michigan, so I know I can handle anything those yahoos serve up. However, if anyone has any ideas for making it a more palatable existence, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks !!  Go Blue  !!

Poster Nutbag

March 28th, 2011 at 4:30 PM ^

I'm born and raised in Columbus.  Have lived here all my life.  I like Columbus a lot with the exception of the buckeye Cult.  Wear your Michigan gear proudly and laugh at the Columbus media when it comes to all things tosu.  Which ever mgouser said to think like your a Stillerz fanin Cleveland is right.  It's the same thing.  As for the Michigan football games, they are almost always on TV.  Whether it's BTN, ABC or ESPN. It's harder to find it on the radio though.  The interweb works great for that.

Which part of town are moving too?  Good luck and GO BLUE!!!

Benoit Balls

March 28th, 2011 at 4:41 PM ^

Im not sure I could do this, so you are right on the money there. We are moving to Gahanna, so I won't be right on top of campus. 

Oddly enough, I am also a Browns fan. I've seen what happens to Steelers fans in the muni lot. Maybe I should buff up on my Rex Kwon Do

 

Wolverine In Exile

March 28th, 2011 at 4:31 PM ^

1) Join up with the Central Ohio Alumni club. They're a good group and usually do an activity once every two months or so. They're pretty good about getting together for game parties or group tickets to a UM v OSU bball or hockey game. I'm a member of the Dayton alumni association and between our two groups (separated by about an hour), there's something every month for UM fans.

2) Wings play in Columbus a lot.... get the Tim Hortons pack for the BJackets games. Upper bowl ticket, free coffee mug & hat with certificates for free coffee and donuts at Tim's the next day. I estimated about $15 of free stuff for a $25 ticket.

Jasper

March 28th, 2011 at 4:33 PM ^

I don't expect that this will cheer you much, but look at the population trajectories of NOW and LATER (for you):

Cleveland:

1950 914,808   4.2%
1960 876,050   −4.2%
1970 750,903   −14.3%
1980 573,822   −23.6%
1990 505,616   −11.9%
2000 478,403   −5.4%
2010 396,815   −17.1%

Columbus:

1950 375,901   22.8%
1960 471,316   25.4%
1970 539,677   14.5%
1980 564,871   4.7%
1990 632,910   12.0%
2000 711,470   12.4%
2010 787,033   10.6%

So, you're moving to a "happening" city as far as trends are concerned.  Smile!

A few years back I went there for grad school interviews and was pleasantly surprised.  Of course, I'd expected Dresden, Germany after the fire bombing.

My cousin (a former resident) once described the town as a mediocre Big Ten university surrounded by a million hillbillies.  Seems about right, but it could be worse (all hillbillies and no culture).

blue4ever

March 28th, 2011 at 4:50 PM ^

There are very few words or phrases that are appropriate in this situation, in fact, I can only muster 2 phrases that may help you.

1. There are other/plenty of fish in the sea.

          - This is appropriate if you are moving there for either your wife or your job

2. Go Blue

Now I need to go get a tissue. Good luck

 

 

bluebyyou

March 28th, 2011 at 4:51 PM ^

 

I'm Michigan through and through, but as far as the women go, you can do just fine in Columbus.  

Having spent a fair amount of time in Ohio, I find that most  OSU alums tend to be OK people.    They bust your chops because they have to but the generally are OK to deal with.  The same cannot be said for the blue collar wannabees around Columbus - they are scary.  Read Brian's story of his trip to Columbus for a game a few years ago - great read and it will tell you what to expect.

These days, Tresselgate is a great equalizer.

ColsBlue

March 28th, 2011 at 5:16 PM ^

Been down here for about 4 years now, you'll be fine.  Above all, fly your M flag on the house, wear your M cap out on the weekends, and speak proudly of the M teams and university.  I've been surprised with how many fellow Alums will stop me in the grocery store or Lowes to say "Go Blue".  They're around and have been too quiet lately.  And, yes, join the alum club of Cental Ohio for events.  We've done charity work, wine tastings, hockey games, and heard guest speakers (J. Bacon).  The Wings come down several times a season and M comes down for hockey and bball.

The local buckeyes are a fun loving bunch who'll roast you if you get angry when they taunt you.  Just give 'em a smile, maybe a few friendly words, and they'll slink away to the hole they came from.  The bad ones have no connection to the university but most alums will be civil.  I've been kicked, spit on, and berated (in front of my young kids).  Always by some uneducated leach with the trademark buckstache, mullet, and pleather O State jacket.  Welcome to Columbus. 

Wolverine 73

March 28th, 2011 at 5:30 PM ^

a big suburb surrounding a second tier university, a bunch of government workers putting in their time, and a gaggle of insurance companies and what they bring to the table.  the only reason it is growing in population as opposed to most midwestern cities is that it is essentially geographically coterminous with the metropolitan area.  no pro football (except tosu), no major league baseball, no NBA, no cultural scene to speak of.  have a blast.  enjoy German Village, the cineplex and the Blue Jackets.

TMS-Mr. Ace

March 28th, 2011 at 5:51 PM ^

I live in Columbus, about 10 minutes east of downtown.  You're going to run into some moron Fuckeye fans no matter how hard you try to avoid it, but it isn't THAT bad.  I've only been here just over a year, but have enjoyed my time thus far.

There are bars all over, but during football season you're going to have a hard time finding one not overrun with anOSU fans.  But most are friendly, especially if you go somewhere that serves some decent beer like Barley's...good beer attracts smart people and keeps those chugging Natty away.  And you can always find the Michigan game somewhere.

Anyways, good luck.

ZBov82

March 28th, 2011 at 5:59 PM ^

I grew up a Michigan fan in Columbus (my Dad went to UM), and lived there for most of my life before starting my MBA at Ross about eighteen months ago.  There are certainly some things you'll have to watch out for, but Columbus is actually a good city in many respects.

The Bad:

  • Don't even bother turning on sports talk radio.  All they talk about is OSU 24/7.  Occasionally they'll take a break to talk about the Blue Jackets, but its almost all OSU
  • As a few people have mentioned, most alums and OSU fans in general are respectful.  I've had some great conversations with Buckeye fans about the rivalry, Bo & Woody, and what not.  That said, there are a fair share of jerks out there, but you won't hear much from them
  • There's no Michigan bar.  Usually you'll find a few scattered Michigan fans at the bar and around town (there are far more Michigan fans in Cbus than there are OSU fans in Michigan)

The Good:

  • Columbus is one of the few midwestern cities that is actually growing.  A big part of that is because the city has a wide radius and extends out to what would likely be suburbs in other metros.  There are a lot of nice neighborhoods, including the Short North, Victorian Village, German Village.  Dublin, Westerville, and Worthington are pretty nice suburbs. 
  • The Arena District and Short North has a lot of nice bars.  Blue Jackets games are a lot of fun, and the Red Wings obviously make it to town regularly.  The city's AAA baseball team, the Clippers, has a great new stadium in the Arena District as well.  Definitely one of the nicest minor league parks I've been to.
  • As others have mentioned, you'll get all the Michigan games on the Big Ten Network.  All the Michigan coverage you got in Cleveland you'll have in Columbus

allicatum

March 28th, 2011 at 6:22 PM ^

Hi All,

Long time lurker, first time poster.  My BF and I have lived in C-bus (New Albany technically) for almost 9 years since we both graduated from UM.  There are some advantages.  First of all, it is great to be in AA when any UM team beats OSU...however it is WAY better to be here to watch the buckeye faithful mope and make excuses when anything doesn't go their way.  Don't get me started on how great 2 back to back national title screw ups was to watch and then force them to talk about the next day. This tatoogate has been pretty awesome as well.

I have met some great friends here, but I am a girl and I can more easily avoid talking about sports.  You will also quickly find and befriend the few obstinate folks that have been UM fans born/living in Columbus and refuse to give anyone the satisfaction of converting.

All in all it is a great place to live and raise a family.  I also hear there will be a Wolverine tailgate near campus so there is always that for FB season, but I just cannot take those buckeye fans in person, so we mainly watch the games at our house.  Go Blue!

neoavatara

March 28th, 2011 at 7:22 PM ^

For almost four years.

I agree with much of the advice listed above.  I wear my Michigan gear everywhere...and usually, get a whisper complement.  Almost got picked up by a hot chick because I wore Michigan gear when I first moved here...my wife was not pleased.

Do not, ever, turn on sports radio...you think Hineygate is bad?  And you have to ignore most people during the fall, because all they talk about are the buckeyes.

The best though?  To see a total city in depression when they lose.  I have never seen that, even in cities that lose the Super Bowl.  Here, it is like a wake when the Bucks lose. 

The city is growing, unemployment is low, housing is cheap, the airport is accessible, the weather is much better than you expect. 

And always remember...Michigan fans are here too. 

True Blue in CO

March 28th, 2011 at 7:43 PM ^

1) You will develop thick skin as you get told countless times that you will eventually become a tOSU fan

2) The alumni are reasonable folks that have the right to be passionate for their team. It is the undereducated proletareate that are hard to deal with.

3) This is the largest small minded college town in the county. Without an instate rival, the OSU fans never get a humility check. Until an Ohio MAC school surprises them, their arrogance will continue.

4) With proper training you can raise your children to be loyal Michigan fans

5) This mess with Tressel is fun to watch from the front row

no joke its hoke

March 28th, 2011 at 8:20 PM ^

Its waaaayyyyyyyyyy better to move there right now then say 2 years ago. I live in southern ohio and if a bucknut smarts off to me now all I have to say is "OSU and Jim Tressel,making the SEC look like the Ivy League since 2001! Or some shit like that.

Six Zero

March 28th, 2011 at 9:35 PM ^

Repent, while there is still time... for our God is a compassionate one who does not wish this fate on any of his flock. Repent, son, and you shall be spared.

The Blue in Ohio

March 28th, 2011 at 9:45 PM ^

I live in Reynoldsburg just east of columbus, ptetty much every game is on cable. every now and then it wont be on but that hasn't happened recently that i can think of. if it's not on a big network then it'll be on bigten network. us M fans are scarce around here, but we are here.

BlueDragon

March 28th, 2011 at 11:13 PM ^

It'll be OK.  Sarcasm is your secret weapon in the big city.  Luckily there have been plenty of Buckeye gaffes lately and the moral bedrock of the Tressel regime is badly cracked and the Buckeyes are vulnerable.  Know your facts and don't be afraid of these swine.  Oh, and there are a TON of Steelers fans in town.  I guess unthinking loyalty to the State of Ohio doesn't extend to rooting for the pro football teams, such as they are.

Picktown GoBlue

March 29th, 2011 at 2:03 AM ^

As an M dad and long time fan, I'm always proudly sporting Michigan wear in Cbus, flying the flag in the front yard, etc.  Lived here 19 years now - if we ever have to sell the house, may have to change out the "Michigan turns me on/OSU turns me off" light switches, though.  Hopefully in 2012 things will get back to normal and the Pickerington schools will once again get to host the U of M Marching Band when they come down for The Game - it's a great time to be able to cheer on The Victors in a central Ohio gymnasium (that's a lot of sound for a small space!).

What I would really like, though, would be some Michigan radio stations to boost their power or get closer affiliates (than Toledo) so there'd be some different sports perspective to listen to in the car.  There was one season (2002 I think) that one of the local stations, "The Zone" was broadcasting Michigan feeds as their "spy audio" but that's long ago.

oriental andrew

March 29th, 2011 at 10:38 AM ^

My sister, a UM grad, lived in C'bus for several years.  She lived in Powell and worked in Dublin.  Both were very nice areas and close to the zoo, which was a big hit with our kids.  A note about the zoo is that it's pretty nice and expanding, thanks to Jack Hanna, who is a c'bus guy.  A lot of corporate headquarters there, including Nationwide Insurance and Limited.  Wendy's HQ is still there, I believe, but they are now owned by a private equity firm based in Atlanta.  

I've worked a bit with a client in Columbus and I do have to say that the Short North and German Village areas are pretty nice, especially if you're into good food.  I was surprised at how many quality restaurants there were.  

The one thing you do have to be aware of is that people in C'bus seem more enamored of their buckeyes than fans in other Big Ten cities.  You'll see a ton of red just walking around the city - in restaurants, malls, stores, etc.  It's actually kinda weird.  

Haven't spent a ton of time on the osu campus, but the city proper and the suburbs are nice enough, as long as you don't gag at the site of red and block o's. 

jraiderh

March 29th, 2011 at 1:52 PM ^

Born and raised in cow town.  Was brainwashed as a young lad to pull for the communist regime.  Broke away from their tyranny in 1985 and have been true BLUE ever since.

Now reside south of the city and have only the following advice to pass along:

  1. 97.1 is a great sports talk station in the AM when it is ESPN programming, in the PM you'll want to switch over to 1460 AM which maintains the ESPN programming.  97.1 switches to all tOSU programming after the Cow Turd Show.
  2. All tOSU players past and present are considered saints by virtually everyone in the town.  Where else could talents like Demetrius Stanley & Craig Krenzel get steady radio gigs?
  3. Don't waste your time arguing with the tOSU fans as you can not win a battle of wits with a nitwit.
  4. Any police that are not the Columbus Police or the State Highway Patrol will pretty much look for any reason to pull you over and give you a ticket so if you are in a local that has their own force, watch yourself.

Welcome to the area and GO BLUE!

kehnonymous

November 25th, 2011 at 9:30 PM ^

Long time lurker, first time caller, as the talk radio parlance goes.

Like many here, I've also lived in Columbus for some time - it'll be 10! years this spring.  I love Columbus as a place to live - all my friends are here and people are generally cool.  (I am never going to say this out loud, of course)   I just make it a point to not befriend the trailer trash, gap-toothed, cooler poopers who comprise the majority of Buckeye Nation.  The actual OSU grads usually aren't too bad.

re: 97.1, I've been listening to that station a lot - mostly out of some masochistic streak, but there's been some great schadenfreude to be had by listening to the tools there bloviate about Tresselgate.  Dimitrious Stanley is just awful to listen to.  I can honestly say I'm stupider for having listened to him.

Never been to Gallo's - for peeps who are part of the UM Central Ohio alumni club, do you guys meet there for every game?  I'm not a member, but I am an alum (class of 95) and Gallo's isn't far from where I live