Traveling to Columbus
I'm sure this question comes up every two years, but now it is my turn to ask it.
Going to Columbus for The Game. I have never been to Columbus before, but have heard plenty of horror stories from other peopel. Is there a section that Michigan fans generally sit in? How about parking? Do I need to worry about walking around in my Michigan jersey? Any and all information would be helpful. THANKS!
November 8th, 2016 at 9:08 AM ^
I suggest wearing one of these when walking by any building that has more than one story to it...
November 8th, 2016 at 9:22 AM ^
Here's a picture of us tailgating at Ohio State in the early 1970s.
Brought our own sandbags too.
November 8th, 2016 at 11:53 AM ^
Made my day!
November 8th, 2016 at 1:07 PM ^
Was this near Mirror Lake?
November 8th, 2016 at 9:09 AM ^
In the stadium isn't that bad. I've been to probably 8 of the last 10 in columbus since I was a kid and in teh stands is fine....
It's the festivities outside before the game I always got the most crap. Oddly enough I got more crap when I was a 12-18 year old versus now.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:11 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:14 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:23 AM ^
I live in the Columbus area and it's mostly what you have heard. I was wearing a Woodson jersey this one time, and a Ford F250 with OSU fans drove by me and yelled obscenities at me with young children all around me. That was a great experience. Additionally, this one time I walked into a bar, wearing a Michigan shirt before the game, and for 5 minutes, the entire bar chanted "ASSHOLE!" towards me. You learn a lot about yourself with self-control, and then even a little bit of pity on the population. The majority of them allow it to define who they are.
Truthfully, keep a low profile. If/When we win, walk swiftly back to your car and don't make eye contact with the fans. I am not saying don't wear maize and blue, but I would expect to see humanity at its worst. They take it to a new extreme down here. Businesses, local media, and even religious figures live and breathe OSU.
Also, OSU campus police are real jerks. I had a propane fire pit at a tailgate and they tried writing me a ticket for that one year. They also like to hand out tickets for cars that come even remotely too close to them when they direct traffic, and if they see you pour beer into a Solo cup, they'll write you up for open container.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:28 AM ^
Live in Cleveland and while it's way tamer up here you still get the random comment when I wear my Michigan gear.
My best Columbus game story took place in 2002 walking in to the stadium. We were in a group of four all wearing Michigan gear but saying nothing to anyone but ourselves. Out of nowhere a drunken dude ran up and start dropping F bombs on us and then sucker-punched one of our guys in the side of the head RIGHT IN FRONT OF A COLUMBUS POLICEMAN. Our guy goes down and he takes off into the crowd and the cop doesnt move an inch or say a word. I look at the cop and say "arent you going to do anything?" and his response was "you shouldnt have worn the shirts guys."
So apparently it's ok to assult Michigan fans if they commit the crime of wearing anything that says Michigan on it.
What's also funny is that they absolutely believe that the OSU fans are treated the same up in Ann Arbor even though you cant find one person who had it happen to them. They are convinced that attacking opposing team's fans is normal behavior for all schools and wont hear otherwise.
I would expect it be pretty rough this year as the stakes are going to high and for the first time in forever they might actually lose and they know it. They won't be happy.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:36 AM ^
"What's also funny is that they absolutely believe that the OSU fans are treated the same up in Ann Arbor even though you cant find one person who had it happen to them. They are convinced that attacking opposing team's fans is normal behavior for all schools and wont hear otherwise."
I think that this is generally true across rivalries. Surely you are not suggesting extrapolating your anedoctal evidence across an entire fanbase? How should we extrapolate michigan fanbase/football players from this event? http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/video-shows-university-michiga…
My experience matches common sense. You will be heckled out in public for wearing rival colors. Escelating the situation is probably not a good idea. In the stadium is fine.
November 8th, 2016 at 10:10 AM ^
If you've been to games in both cities you'd know that the level of hostility and physical violence the average OSU "fan" exhibits is on a whole nother level to that of any other school. A few years ago Texas fans were treated similarly, Texas who had never even played OSU before, and the general response was "what's wrong with these people?"
I'm a Browns season ticket holder so I see it first-hand there too. It's just not ok to these folks to support another team - it's just not. I've been to probably 20 or more Michigan/OSU games and I've never seen anybody cursed out wearing scarlet & red much less punched in AA and I've never not seen it in Columbus.
I've been to games in every B1G stadium except Nebraska and I can tell you it's not even close to the same anywhere else. People down here are insane.
November 8th, 2016 at 10:24 AM ^
Didn't the President of OSU at the time write a letter to the Texas President apologizing for the behavior of the OSU fans after that game?
November 8th, 2016 at 12:43 PM ^
As it happens, I grew up in Columbus, went to OSU for undergrad, and Michigan for grad school. Having worn rival colors in both cities and games, I found the experiences to be roughly the same.
November 8th, 2016 at 2:13 PM ^
I'm guessing OSU. In my experiences most fans stick with their undergrad teams. At least all the MSU alums in my U of M grad school did...
November 8th, 2016 at 3:59 PM ^
I'm calling bullshit on this one. From 1986 through 2014 I went to every OSU game in AA and 5-6 in Columbus. Each year in AA took OSU friends who wore their gear to the tailgate, in the stadium and to the bars afterwards. The WORST I saw was a buddy who had a really cute drunken coed go up to him at Frasers Pub and said "Fuck you Ohio State man" and I think she was flirting with him.
My experience in Columbus was NOTHING like that. Not once, not ever. I would love to see just one pic of you in AA wearing OSU gear or vice versa. The OSU fans here in Cleveland who claim "it's all the same" have, without exception, never stepped foot in Ann Arbor and just assume its the same everywhere.
That you went to OSU I believe. That you went to Michigan and saw the same treatment of OSU fans that you did Michigan fans in Columbus I 100% do not believe.
November 8th, 2016 at 12:50 PM ^
accurate. And the behavior has only worsened over time. I went to two Michigan-Ohio State games in Ann Arbor and never witnessed any fan on fan violence instigated by school colors and believe me Buckeyes have no qualms about coming to Michigan and trying to take over when ticket avialability allows.
Also, the outrage that was spawned by Buckeye fan behavior toward Texas fans when they played a huge early season matchup when Pryor and company faced off against them led to a huge backlash against The Ohio State for thug-like shennanigans which other schools fanbase stories could easily reinforce and prompted the school itself after official action to begin a campaign of organized civil behavior that has more or less governed fan behavior ever since. Of course, most of this was about fan conduct inside the Horeshoe, not outside it where most of the rowdy and downright dangerous stuff goes on.
We routinely have these conversations here but I never felt comfortable driving through Ohio with Michigan plates on my car. Even now, when forced to go through That State and That Part of that state I feel a deep queasiness. Never like to spend a dollar in That Community or its environs because of it. And while many Buckeyes disavow this behavior it is part and parcel of the community's insecure makeup.
November 8th, 2016 at 2:32 PM ^
Ann Arbor is much tamer for visiting Ohio State fans than the other way around. It's not even close.
Also, unlike Columbus the activities outside Michigan stadium are even tamer. There is no Hineygate qquivalent where you are a marked target for what is basically a contained mob.
I almost wish Ann Arbor was a little more hostile.
November 8th, 2016 at 3:12 PM ^
Would also argue that if you are of the home team you don't pay attention as much to what happens to the opposing teams fans. I would also say that any given rivalry game there would be 10-15% assholes who are looking to start something.
I went to a Basketball game(I know it isn't football) wearing a Michigan shirt and I got nothing. I had an old guy come over and talk shop and inside the stadium it was all good humor.
I too live in the Cleveland Area and I get the old O-H crap(which I find to be of the saddest of fan chants. Not because it is OSU, but who wants to need 2 people to spell a 4 letter word) Simple Go Bucks works or as I get often in Cleveland a Go Blue.
Maybe my face doesn't scream dickbag because I apparently attract the decent rival fans who enjoy talking about the teams and rivalries.
I am just not a fan of the annoying Columbus sucks because it is a solid city. Ohio sucks because it is a great state. At some point people have to grow up and realize sports are drastically more enjoyable when you get above caveman and learn you can talk sports with rivals as adults and it is pretty cool.
November 8th, 2016 at 6:03 PM ^
Been twice, will not go back. Most rivals' fans are decent folks; in several places (Maryland, Nebraska) we've been treated really well. Not so Columbus. Go once to say you did it; I doubt you will want to make a habit of it.
November 8th, 2016 at 11:16 AM ^
I was born and raised in Michigan, have lived in Columbus for a decade, and have been to a number of games in both stadiums. You have no idea what you're talking about. It is different down here. I have plenty of rational Buckeye friends who acknowledge the difference.
November 8th, 2016 at 11:33 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 11:35 AM ^
STFU about living in Cleveland. Jesus, it's half your posts.
November 8th, 2016 at 3:44 PM ^
"What's also funny is that they absolutely believe that the OSU fans are treated the same up in Ann Arbor even though you cant find one person who had it happen to them."
Well, there were those two kids who supposedly picked a fight with Taylor Lewan at Ricks . . .
November 8th, 2016 at 9:18 AM ^
Don't forget to get your shots.
A full round of immunizations is recommended.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:18 AM ^
100% honesty: It is as bad as you have heard and then some.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:19 AM ^
Eight Times over the past 20 years. First and foremst you are going to catch some grief win or lose for your Michigan jersey, especially if Michigan wins. Most of the ribbing you wil endure is in their spirit, not yours, so they mean it to be playful under their conditions. They like to bystander around complete a-holes, don't engage give them thumbs up and keep moving, the somewhat respectable OSU fans will not lend their support of decorum. Common ground is always Woody and Bo. Parking is parking, I generally like to park near or around the Varsity Club on Lane Ave. close to stadium lots of action and I have never had my car set on fire nor turned over. Also sits near High street where you can eat and so forth. I strongly suggest to get there early to parked, if the clock says 1030am youre screwed, be there at 9am.Have fun, Go Blue!
November 8th, 2016 at 9:22 AM ^
with Ohio plates when you cross the border. Leave your own car at the rental place.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:43 AM ^
This. Do not drive a car with Michigan plates. Do not be seen getting out of your car wearing Michigan garb. Wear a rain jacket.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:26 AM ^
There'll be a house flying a Michigan flag on the south side. That's a safe house.
November 8th, 2016 at 10:36 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:32 AM ^
I have a feeling most of this horror stories are coming from the 90s and early 00s. I was there a few years back it it was more pity than anthing else. That probably chnages this year since we'll be competitive.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:33 AM ^
Seriously, ignore the fools and their obscene gestures and words. Good idea to have no Michigan identifiers on your car, so those removable magnetic Michigan logos are great to have. I've never had a problem beyond drunken verbal abuse, but I'm 6 ft 2 in about 220 lbs and wear a NRA jacket with my Michigan hat and sweatshirt!
November 8th, 2016 at 9:33 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:34 AM ^
I drove to Columbus a few months ago . I was surprised by how nice of an area it was. Didnt go by the Stadium though.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:52 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:54 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:34 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 5:10 PM ^
My dad and I have our tickets in 10c
November 8th, 2016 at 9:49 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 12:37 PM ^
Before Uber, this is essentially what we would do - connect with other alums in Columbus and go to the game in an Ohio-plated car basically. It usually worked quite well honestly, and sometimes - if you knew the person well enough - you even got the use of the spare room for the evening too.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:49 AM ^
here and heed most of it. Definitely rent a car with Ohio plates, if you have Michigan plates there's a chance some drunk idiot will key your car. Just ignore the idiots and keep walking if people start yelling and taunting. When in the stadium, cheer for Michigan, but don't be obnoxious about it. Basically just enjoy the game, but don't draw attention to yourself and everything should be fine.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:49 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 9:51 AM ^
I will also be in Columbus that weekend. I have no idea where the Michigan allotment for tickets is, but I will be sitting in section 2C row 8. Seats are high up in the endzone. Would be happy to have as many Michigan fans nearby as possible.
November 8th, 2016 at 9:52 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 10:06 AM ^
I recently got word I will likely be heading down as well, I have never made the trip before and am both eager and, admittedly, a little worried.
November 8th, 2016 at 10:18 AM ^
It is my first time as well. My sister lives in Columbus and probably won't live there much longer so this may be my only chance for free lodging. I couldn't resist. I'm nervous but excited. I will continue to campaign for as many Michigan fans as possible to buy tickets in section 2C as that's where my ticket is.
November 8th, 2016 at 10:18 AM ^
November 8th, 2016 at 10:21 AM ^
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November 8th, 2016 at 10:29 AM ^
Saw Henson run a naked bootleg to win, and haven't witnessed victory down there since then.
In 2002, I went with some college buddies, fairly tame, lots of yelling and unwitty banter.
In 2004, more of the same, although I did witness a friend of a friend receive a full beer on her head.
In 2006, shit really hit the fan. I took my girlfriend, now my wife and she was assaulted in the bathroom. I also had 2 random guys come up to me on the walk down Lane Ave and sucker punch me or throw a shoulder in to my chest. Keep in mind I was with 3 other women. When we left, a couple beer bottles were tossed in our direction, but thankfully missed.
In 2008, literally nothing happened.
In 2010, I sat in a suite with some high rollers from Columbus, again, nothing happened.
In 2012, we sat in the Michigan section which is 5c. Other than a few idiots inside the stadium yelling obscenities it wasn't bad.
In 2014, eerily similar to 2008, more pity than hate.
I expect this year to be fairly similar to 2006. I have a parking pass for the lot outside the stadium.
Parking/Tailgating - I would suggest not tailgating. I disagree with the statement above, about getting there early. The best approach is to try and get there at 11:30 and park in a fairly big lot. If you get there early and try to tailgate and don't have Michigan colors on but don't have OSU colors on they will figure it out. I have honestly parked every year with this philosophy and never had a problem. And I always wear my Woodson jersey to this game and I have it on before we get in the car.
Walking in to the stadium - Keep your head on a swivel, walk in groups. There will be other Michigan fans walking in as well, try to pair up.
Inside the stadium - Don't interact with anyone that is clearly drunk (remember they serve beer at the stadium).
Leaving - If we win, you need to migrate towards a section/area with a lot of Michigan fans. Stay and enjoy the moment or leave right away, but make sure you do it with a larger group of fans.
November 8th, 2016 at 10:29 AM ^