If you’re coming from out of town, where do you stay?
We often stay in the Arena District to enjoy the walkable restaurants and downtown bar scene. As the proud owners of Whistle & Keg, my brother and I love the downtown area and everything Columbus has to offer.
Where are you going for your morning coffee?
If we are hurrying to get to campus, it’s Buckeye Donuts all the way. But when I have a little extra time, I’m a big fan of Qahwah House Coffee; super unique and always great.
What’s for breakfast?
That’s simple…the only way to kick off the day is with a breakfast sandwich from Hang Over Easy—it's a true Columbus staple that sets the stage for a day of tailgating on campus.
You have a little time before you tailgate—where do you go to spend a little time while you’re in town?
Our pregame ritual involves a trip down High Street to feel the pregame buzz. We love to browse at Long’s Bookstore (now the Ohio State University Bookstore) to get a real sense of the game-day energy.
Any pregame traditions?
I grew up hanging out at Hiney Gate, soaking up the Danger Brothers and heading over to Skull Session to hear “TBDBITL”—Lane Avenue never disappoints.
Tailgate time—where are you picking up your favorite provisions?
We grab our tailgate supplies from Krogers on Lane, its proximity to campus has it buzzing with Buckeye fans. If we stop on the way in from downtown, the North Market is a no brainer for local snacks, fresh pretzels, and, of course, Jeni’s ice cream to go.
Where do you tailgate?
We tailgate right on Lane Ave, near the Varsity Club. It’s the heart of the pregame scene and a time honored tradition.
Game time! Where are your seats? What do you wear to show your team love? Any favorite in-game traditions?
Anywhere we can get them! I love all areas of the stadium. A-Deck brings sideline energy, B-Deck is the true heart of the stadium and C-Deck lets you see everything develop. I’ll take them all!
We’re decked out in scarlet and gray sporting jerseys, beads, and BCKR gear that fits the game day climate perfectly. The best tradition is ‘Carmen Ohio’ at the end of the game — arms linked, and the entire stadium singing. It’s goosebumps every time. I played football for Coach Tressel at Youngstown State University and that is one of the traditions he brought to the Buckeyes that has stood the test of time!
What are you doing after the game?
We make our way down High Street to grab food, a few drinks, and keep the Buckeye spirit going. Then you’ve got to finish the night off in the Arena District back at the Whistle & Keg.
What’s your favorite thing about game day in your college town?
You simply cannot duplicate the electric atmosphere of a game day in Columbus. The streets, the stadium, the fans, and everyone’s there for one thing: Buckeye football! It’s just great to see the whole town come alive in scarlet and gray. You can feel it everywhere you go.
