🏈 It’s Game Time! 🏈
The Buckeyes kicked off their 2019 season last weekend which means its time for tailgates and game watching. What if you want to go to the ‘Shoe with your kids in tow? That’s what we did last weekend with my 8 and 4-year-old.
Here are my top tips for taking kids to a Buckeye football game.
Show up early and park in the West Campus Lot
If you aren’t lucky enough for a parking pass, my best option for parking is in the West Campus lot. The cost is $20. There is a free shuttle bus that departs from that lot and drops you right in the middle of the action by the stadium. My 4-year-old thought the bus ride was just as cool as the game. I thought not having to carry a 4-year-old whose legs would “be tired” after a few blocks was cool too.
Pre-Game Festivities
Since you arrived at the game early to snag a parking spot (we arrived at 10:00 for a noon kickoff), check out the tailgate area North of the ‘Shoe. The marching band hosts their Skull Session here in St. John’s Arena two hours prior to kick-off. It’s loud, so bring some noise-reducing headphones if your kids are sensitive to noise. There are food trucks lining this area and several vendor booths that have free activities (corn hole, football toss) to entertain kids. Last week the Giant Eagle tent had a prize wheel where we won an entire pack of Oreo’s and a $5 gift card! You can’t take food into the stadium, so we made some friends and devoured the entire package while we walked over to the ‘Shoe
Getting Inside the ‘Shoe
Head into the stadium at least 15 minutes before game time. No bags are allowed in the stadium (wristlets 5x8x1 permitted). However, if you have childcare needs you can bring a bag (14x14x4), but you must enter the stadium through the Steinbrenner Band Center Entrance (glass doors between Gates 10 & 12) or at the Press Entrance (glass doors between the Huntington Club and Gate 23) to have your items inspected.
During the 15 minutes prior to kickoff, you get to see the band play and the team run out of the tunnel. My boys thought the “fireworks” were “way-cool” on either side of the team running out. My 8-year-old is learning the words to the Star-Spangled Banner and loved the opportunity to practice.
The First Half
My eight-year-old loves football and was engaged in the game every second. My four-year-old (who begged to come) was less enthused. He covered his ears during the pre-game, as it was loud for him. (Headphones would have helped here too). We took a nice walk during the second quarter to check out the stadium. If it’s your child’s first game, head to any Guest Services and pick up a First Game Certificate. While there, you can also pick up a Child ID bracelet for your child to wear with your contact info. If needed, you can find family restrooms and nursing rooms located near the First Aid stations.
In addition to the normal stadium concessions, we encountered Panera, Bake me Happy, and more. We headed back to our seats with some Dippin’ Dots, which kept my little one busy for a good 15 minutes.
Half Time & The Second Half
Both boys LOVED the band’s half time show. If you need snacks, grab them before half time to save time in line and so you don’t miss the show. When my 4-year olds interest waned again in the second half Ohio State’s free WiFi came to the rescue. For me to cheer on the Buckeyes in the second half of the game Paw Patrol and Rescue Bots on my phone helped out a bit. After the game, we headed back to the shuttle stop and rode the bus back to the West Campus Lot and easily made our way home.
Overall, we all had a great afternoon! There was a bit of give and take, and it’s definitely different than when I go with just adults, but watching my boys get excited about the Buckeyes and learning football Saturday traditions was a fantastic family outing.
Author Bio: In addition to being a Mom of three boys, I enjoy traveling and crafting. Follow me at Jens Crafty Corner to see more of my crafty work!
