Going to Columbus.
So here I am, a senior at U of M, football fanatic whose first game as a student was Appalachian State, haven't seen OSU beaten since I was a freshman in high school, haven't seen MSU beaten or been to a bowl since I lived in Markley, and other Generally Depressing Things.
But now it's all changing; we're on the way back up. We're bowl eligible, which is all I can really ask for from this season, so everything else is just icing on the cake. All the same, I have a really good feeling that we might take two of our final three games... And I've never been to the 'Shoe before. I must represent my colors, and watch Denard and our spread run all over the Buckeye defense, regardless of The Game's outcome.
I'm going with one other guy, and I seek some MGoAdvice on the matter. We can't afford to buy two tickets together, but we can buy seats separately. For those of you who have ventured south before, how strictly are seating assignments checked / enforced in Ohio Stadium? We would prefer to sit together to better defend against the hordes of scarlet-clad white trash, but we're willing to fend for ourselves. Aside from the seating thing, how likely is it that a car with a Michigan license plate gets vandalized in whatever parking situation we have to go into? Would it be advisable to spend $40 and rent one for the day (with insurance) just in case?
November 9th, 2010 at 9:34 AM ^
I went two years ago, and parked in one of the lots about a half hour walk away and encountered no problems. Most people there were just parking and going to the game instead of tailgating so there was probably less chance of problems there? $40 isn't a lot to spend for some peace of mind though. Isn't there a surcharge if you are under 25, especially if you want insurance on it?
November 9th, 2010 at 10:12 AM ^
Im going down there too, my best friend actually goes to OSU. Her whole family are osu alums but im going down there with 5 michigan fans and staying at her place decked out in maize & blue, and our seats are kinda in the middle of the FUCKEYE alums section so i hope it doesn't get dicey or we may have to show ohio whatsup.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
There's always a chance that a car with Michigan plates will get vandalized. However, the school has learned from the 02 riot. Most streets that line off campus housing are not allowed to have cars parked on them any more. They light up the alleys with spotlights, and they have police EVERYWHERE. Not to mention the rec centers are set up as temporary holding facilities. I always sold my student ticket to my buddies, but I did go to the 06 game (sigh) and within the students seating isn't really enforced, not sure about elsewhere.
I would suggest parking as far away from student housing as you can (mostly east of High St is where student housing is located). Maybe park a few miles away and then have a cab take you into campus.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:49 AM ^
I was at that riot. I got hit in the head with a beer bottle and pepper sprayed. Literally the worst trip to an opposing stadium ever. It was like Mogadishu.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:59 AM ^
Don't you mean MGoAdishu?
Also, I've lived in Columbus for going on 5 years now. It sucks, strictly because our team is a punchline. I hate to break rank on this, but the popular theory here about Columbus is wrong. There are actual <i>people</i> who live down here, most aren't the Ohio Mouth Breathers who get all the publicity in Michigan. I've surrounded myself with good people, but can say that I truly am glad I made the move...
November 9th, 2010 at 10:15 AM ^
MGoAdishu! Outstanding play on words.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:45 AM ^
November 9th, 2010 at 10:16 AM ^
At about 3am the night before the Ohio State game my junior year a bunch of my guy friends and I decided to head to Ohio state for the game. Notes from the game...
*While walking next to the College Game day area I had a 1/2 full beer can thrown at my head. Which is unacceptable in general but worse because I am a girl.
*We really did run out of there as to not get beat up and we lost!
*My friend who was driving my car left my lights on and the battery died. My friends tried for over 2 hours to get someone to help. I finally made everyone take off their michigan gear and covered up my my car's Michigan plate as to trick the Ohio State fans.
*Aside from the loss I had an insanely good time.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:32 AM ^
So if I park west of High St a good distance, that would probably be safest? I hope we cause a riot. A win would so be worth being pepper sprayed.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
West of High St is where the stadium is located. I would go North of campus, maybe Clintonville, and park on a side street somewhere and then catch a cab to take you towards campus. READ STREET PARKING SIGNS CAREFULLY! I can't stress that enough, each one has about 5 different rules on them. Look for anything that says permit parking, they're usually fine on the weekends, but just make sure if there's a sign anywhere that you read it.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:15 AM ^
Three places, but all are large walks or a short-time bus ride.
West of campus a little ways off is Grandview. It's not really a bad place, there's a high school and some other parking and west campus student parking and athletic fields for Ohio State are in that direction also.
North of campus, you need to head up past at least Ackerman/Doddridge on High St. with Weber Rd. being the closest I think I would park with Michigan plates.
South, you might be able to get away with parking in Victorian Village. Highly patroled area for police and the neighborhood is really well cared for.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
Some good advice...
1)---when driving down, stay in the right lane and do not speed, for those cocksucker Ohio State Police will pull you over for going 1 mile over, just for this Saturday, out of spite. Believe it. Stay UNDER the speed limit.
2)---wear head-to-toe Michigan gear, however the car should have a red sweater on the dashboard to throw off their stupid fans and to prevent vandalism.
3)-- re-read #1 above and believe it.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:55 AM ^
ohio cops pull over michigan plates going 1 over any day of any week.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:09 AM ^
I am living testament. Got pulled in 2007 driving to MI from NJ before the start of the school year on the Ohio Tpk for going 71 in a 65 MPH zone (ok, not literally going 1 over, but you get the point). I had a Jersey license plate, but my car was also decked with 3 U of Michigan stickers. Worst part was that the bastard cop had the audacity to ask where I go to school.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^
Noted. The speedlimit thing is a given, but the sweatervest I might have to employ.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
I've been three times (never seen a win) with friends and we're going again this year. All we want to see is a WIN. Once we see a win, we'll never go back.
Definetly follow the advice about driving the speed limit. Especially now that ohio state troopers don't need radars to pull drivers over for speeding.
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/Media/ohio-cops-radar-gun-ticket-drivers/story?id=10815868
It does get bad down there. I've heard stories about car windows being broken and bags of buckeyes being dumped in Michigan cars. My advice is to stay with big crowds, expept for High Street. For the most part, you'll stay physically safe.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
No joke.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:51 AM ^
those ignant bastards fight dirty.
November 9th, 2010 at 9:58 AM ^
1. Stay low profile before and after the game as much as possible.
2. Set your expectations for human decency as low as you can so that you aren't completely shocked and appalled if something bad does happen.
3.Be prepared to be taunted mercilessly in the stands when Ohio State scores and to be insulted/threatened mercilessly when Michigan scores (especially if you decide to stand up and cheer, God forbid).
4. He isn't kidding about the driving thing. If they see Michigan plates, they will be looking for any reason they can to make your life miserable.
5. As much as your blood may boil with the things you might hear/see, keep any temper in check. While most people won't do something stupid, most people WILL turn a blind eye to whatever happens and will probably say you "deserve what you get."
November 9th, 2010 at 11:03 AM ^
"2. Set your expectations for human decency as low as you can so that you aren't completely shocked and appalled if something bad does happen."
well put, sir. i had this particular problem on my last trip. the most succinct and honest way i could summarize columbus on gameday is:
in columbus, the very basic moral fabric that defines human society in the 21st century has simply erroded, yielding a sad and scary testament to how cruel and barbaric human beings can be. put another way, it's like time travel were you to go back and visit a city during the middle ages.
November 9th, 2010 at 7:01 PM ^
Anywhere else. In Columbus, it's all true. And then some. It's really that bad. I suggest the OP looks up Brian's article on his trip down there by doing a search here (or someone not in the App can do a link for him). We could all repeat our stories ad nauseum, but that one really says it well.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:08 AM ^
Don't react to ANYTHING thrown your way (i'm referring to verbal taunts). Shit will be said to you the entire day, don't stand up and make a spectacle at the game if something good happens, you will get it back 10 fold when something bad happens.
They're trying to get a rise out of you, we have nothing to say right now, so you might as well say nothing. Don't even bother talking about the 90's or Maurice Clarrett. The best advice I can give you is ignore everything, it's the worst opposing fan experience you'll ever have, absolutely classless.
If it's obvious we're going to lose, do yourself a favor and leave the game early, you will be taunted mercilessly while you walk out, but it's much better than being among the crowd as they file out. I seriously saw MAC fans get taunted as if their team was ranked #1.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:00 AM ^
I won't go to Columbus with less than 6 people. You will come across drunk retards in packs and they will fuck with you. I wouldn't sit alone inside either. I am 6'4 213 and can hold my own but you can't take on everyone.
Not trying to scare you but rather prepare you. They are classless C_CK__CKERS (insert OSU)
Buy a University of Toledo sticker to put on the backl of your car. That should help with the vandals.
If we win...TALK SHIT TIL YOU'RE HOARSE!!!!
November 9th, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
I second that sentiment. I went to the Michigan-OSU game in Columbus with my family back when I was about 10 years old. Michigan won and the shitty OSU fans harassed me and my family the whole walk back to our car. I mean, c'mon. I was 10 and my sister was 8 f-ing years old. What the f- is wrong with people, harassing little kids? Thinking back on it now, if I was my father I probably would have punched one of those guys in the throat.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:48 AM ^
well i hope it was one of those games with coach moeller that we crushed them. what year was it?
November 9th, 2010 at 11:00 AM ^
November 9th, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^
I agree with the idea of buying an ohio school sticker. Toledo seems to swing towards whichever school (osu/mich) is winning that decade.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
1) It is a tough place to watch a game as an opposing fan. The crowd is loud and while you might have some respectful folks around you, all it takes is the one enibriated jerk to make your experience even worse.
2) Might be able to get together in the upper decks or student section. Lower bowl season ticket holders will not allow you to squeeze someone in and they will want to hold their ticket.
3) Since it is on Thanksgiving weekend, there may not be the same demand for tickets but it will not be like Purdoo this weekend either.
4) Park far away from the stadium in the university or other lots north of campus. This way the crazies on campus will not see your car. Not a bad idea to back your car in and remove your front licence plate. Just do not be obvious about your car.
5) You are likely safe when it comes to the police once you get to Findlay or further north on your way home. Do be careful on US 23 between Findlay and Columbus.
6) Win or lose, prepared to be heckled and taunted. Don't let them get to you no matter the outcome. Class beats no class at all times.
Have fun and Go Blue!
November 9th, 2010 at 10:38 AM ^
be sure to light a match while down there. it smells like shit.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^
sounds like the title to an upcoming Adam Sandler movie.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:12 AM ^
I'm in grad school right now at OSU.
About sitting in different sections. You probably won't be able to meet up, I got a free ticket to the Purdue game a few weeks ago (left at halftime, osu football is absolutely painful to watch) but there were at least 4-5 ushers who checked my ticket on the way up, making sure i was going to the right section. im sure for us they'll be even more strict.
if you're wearing michigan gear, you're a target. you'll get hazed the whole time here, and if you're walking anywhere east of campus you're going to get things thrown at you from porches (know of a kid wearing a green ohio state shirt the day of the miami game get a bottle thrown at him, OSU students are equal-opportunity haters)
be careful, don't talk shit, don't let the haters get to you and you'll be fine.
also if you can, try and find some more michigan fans to get together with down here, it'll make things a lot easier
i feel like i just gave someone their final briefing before going to war, man i love ohio
November 9th, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^
What you are in for... I have been there several times.
Be cautious and situationally aware. Seriously. Get together and travel in a group if you can. If you can get ahold of an Ohio license plate, swap it out for your Michigan one before you are in Columbus (careful with this). That will protect your car. Do not go shouting Michigan stuff. You will be asking for confrontations.
It is a tough place.
Good luck.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:36 AM ^
My hat's off to you for going into that shithole. You either have the patience of a Jedi Master, or an aversion to violence that would make Ghandi and MLK proud. I just couldn't do it. It's one thing to heckle fans, but the things they do to people is just vile. Women and children are fairgame too, and I have a serious problem with that. I would most definitely catch a case if I went there.
My aunt and uncle moved to that shithole (I refuse to say the name) a couple of years ago, and this year, it's their turn to host Thanksgiving. When asked if I was going to attend I responded with two words: Fuck No! I'd just as soon not set foot in that state for the rest of my days but I can't do that. Damn you Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster! Why couldn't you have been at Michigan's Adventure?
November 9th, 2010 at 12:23 PM ^
Columbass. And if said that way, then you haven't uttered the unholy name.
I'm going for the first time. I'm carrying my jersey in a grocery bag to and from the stadium and flying the colors during the game. My wafer thin companion is scared to wear his gear but he's going to be standing next to me and I will cheer when Robinson rips off a long TD so he has it coming to him despite the cowardly tactics.
I'm thinking of passing out buckeye candy to make peace with those around me at the stadium (chocolate and peanut butter in the form of stupid team namesake). Laced with exlax of course. Can't fight them all but, since I'll be taking a ton of shit, I plan on handing out some of my own (literally). Have to out think these knuckle draggers when they have the numbers. Not hard to do.
November 9th, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^
I feel like a part of my soul departed reading that first paragraph.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:08 AM ^
There's jerks all over Ohio when it comes to Michigan football. What's fun to us is dead serious to them. Years ago I took my family to Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Ohio. My son and I were getting ready to go on one of those tube slides. We waited in line and as we got to the top the worker handed us our rafts.
For the fun of it I told him I was from Michigan and a Wolverine fan. He whipped out his lower leg that had an OSU tatoo on it, said he bleeds scarlet and grey, got in my face and said he was a Buckeye fan. He then grabbed my raft and threw it across the platform. And he wasn't joking.
I was more shocked than anything. The crowd was just sort of watching to see if there was going to be a fight. I really had no desire to fight. I just wanted to have fun with my son.
I also realized that I was the one who provoked him by saying I was a Wolverine. I just didn't think it could lead to a fight. I realized how foolish this was and didn't want to make any more of a scene. So I just walked across the platform, got my raft and went down the slide.
As far as going to the Shoe, I've never been there and have no desire to go there. But I know Michigan people who have and every one of them had a terrible experience. If you go there I would take the suggestion of going with a group of people and never be anywhere alone in that stadium, especially the bathrooms.
I know some Michigan band members who got urine thrown at them while in the bathroom at the Shoe. Many others have said they've gotten flipped off and things thrown at them. Just remember that if you're wearing Michigan stuff in there you are fair game.
November 9th, 2010 at 11:21 PM ^
Sorry for the double post.