First Trip to Ohio Stadium

[bigfed]

Lifelong Buckeye fan living in California.
My father, brother and myself are traveling to Ohio Stadium for the first time for the 'BIG' game on Nov. 18th.
I need help with information on tailgating. Very hard to find info on the internet. What are the best pregame bars or areas for tailgating? Will be renting an SUV for the tailgate possibility.
I know the 'Varsity Club' will be hopping...actually hung out at the remove Varsity Club in Tempe for the National Championship game.
Can anyone provide and tips?
Thanks.

[seed702]

I'm sure everyone's going to list their favorites, but me and a friend went to, I think it was called The Varsity Club before Washington in 2003, amazing crowd.

If this game ends up being what everyone's talking about, I'm sure you won't have trouble finding the place.

[TGfan06]

Yeah, Varsity Club/Hineygate is a good place to start your day. Lane Avenue is where both are located. There are also tailgate areas at St. Johns, and in front of the horseshoe.

Also, 2 hours before the game starts, they have a thing called Skull Session at St. Johns. That is where the band preforms and the team walks through. One can only imagine what that will be like before the game. FYI, if you do go to skull session, might want to get there early.

[grnvllbuck]

If you haven't seen The Danger Brothers (the band that has played at Hineygate for "forever") you must check that out. It is an absolute great time and I believe is the country's largest tailgate party. The Varsity Club the night before is a good time. If Hineygate ends too soon for you, check out the party in the back of the Varsity Club great time/great people. I've also heard the there is some type of Tailgate party Friday afternoon at the French Fieldhouse with Earl Bruce and some former Buckeye players. Would be interested to hear how good of a time that is. But, if you are a first timer, you ABSOLUTELY MUST CHECK OUT HINEYGATE.

[Best Buckeye]

The Buckeye Grove at the SE end of the Stadium.
The Band come to the stadium, At the Rotunda, N. end.
There is actually so much to take in, the fans, the tailgating you might want to get at the stadium about 4 hours early just to take it all in.

[bigfed]

Thanks to those of you who replied.
I'm definatley checking out the Varsity Club. Should have plenty of time to check things out as I arrive in town on Thursday. Going to be one tough recovery day on Sunday!

[BrianO]

That should be quite a first experience.

I took my step brother to his first game in the horseshoe for Michigan in 2004. We had a great time prior to, during, and after the game.

Enjoy and yell loudly.