Ohio State Buckeyes Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Chris Holtmann

Team Mascot: Brutus Buckeye

Year Opened: 1998

Capacity: 18809

City / State: Columbus / Ohio

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Ohio State vs Michigan

Rival Team: Michigan Wolverines

Ohio State-Michigan is arguably the best rivalry in college football and the states of Ohio and Michigan have had a fierce rivalry since the Toledo War, so it should come as no surprise that the Buckeyes and Wolverines have a strong rivalry on the hardwood. If you want to see the Jerome Schottenstein Center at its best, then be in attendance when the Wolverines come to town.

Ohio State Buckeyes Stadium Guide

In Game

Despite the fact, Columbus is home to an NHL team, and there are six pro sports teams throughout the state of Ohio, the Buckeyes rule the state. Sports fans in Ohio love the Buckeyes and Buckeyes basketball is no exception. The fans inside the Jerome Schottenstein Center are among the most loyal and passionate around, which goes a long way toward making the Jerome Schottenstein Center an excellent basketball venue.

In addition to the fervent support Buckeyes basketball fans provide, they are also very friendly. While the support for basketball may not be quite as strong as football, the fact Buckeyes basketball fans are a bit more relaxed helps make a trip to the Jerome Schottenstein Center a fun experience.

The fans aren’t the only thing that makes the Jerome Schottenstein Center an excellent basketball venue, the amount of history on display inside matches that of almost any stadium in the Big Ten. All around the concourse you’ll see tributes to the biggest moments and best players in Buckeyes history. There are even special tributes to the best of the best including Olympian Jesse Owens.

Finally, you won’t leave Columbus hungry thanks to the outstanding concession options found inside the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The arena is home to a wide variety of choices including Brutus Pretzel, Donatos Pizza, and Graeter’s Ice Cream.

You’ll have an outstanding time attending a basketball game in Columbus where the city’s love of the Buckeyes makes attending an Ohio State game an unforgettable experience.

Things to check out

Championship and Retired Number Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the Jerome Schottenstein Center are banners honoring Ohio State’s legendary basketball players and championship teams. Check out these banners to remember all of your favorite Buckeyes players and moments when attending a game at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.

Ohio State Athletics Timeline

Stop and learn more about the history of Ohio State athletics by looking at the Ohio State Athletics Timeline. The timeline shows off all the biggest moments in Buckeyes history and is a must-see for Ohio State and college sports fans.

Team Shop

The Buckeyes team shop has all kinds of Ohio State gear, so no matter what you’re looking at you’ll find it here. The team shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Columbus, so make sure to check it out.

Honored Athletes

Make sure to check out all the displays honoring the best athletes in Ohio State history. These tributes are a must see and a great way to remember the best of the best including Olympian Jesse Owens.

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Brutus Buckeye

Brutus Buckeye is one of the most famous mascots in college sports and a big part of any Ohio State game day. Brutus made his debut in 1965 and, in 2007, he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, so keep an eye out for him at Buckeyes games.
Buckeye Nuthouse - The Buckeye Nuthouse is one of the craziest and most passionate student sections in the Big Ten. It wraps around the lower level behind the team benches and under the basket the opponents shoot at in the second half, giving the Buckeyes a great home court advantage. You can’t miss the Buckeye Nuthouse when attending a game, so join in on their chants to show your support for tOSU.

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Pep Band

The Buckeyes pep band puts on quite the show playing all of your favorite Ohio State tunes including “Hang on Sloopy,” “Buckeye Battle Cry,” “Carmen Ohio,” and many more. The band has an excellent pulse on the game and will get you up and cheering no matter what the score.

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“Hell’s Bells” Pregame

The Ohio State students kick the game off by locking arms and swaying back and forth to AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells” before the game. The tradition is quite the sight to behold and gets the arena rocking, so arrive early and don’t miss this incredible tradition.

Fight Songs

  1. O-H-I-O Chant

    O-H-I-O

    O-H-I-O

    O-H-I-O

  2. Hang on Sloopy

    This song has been designated as the state rock song of Ohio and is played before the start of the fourth quarter at every Buckeyes game. Fans typically perform the O-H-I-O chant during the interval between refrains, which gets everyone pumped up.

    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on

    Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    And everybody, yeah, tries to put my Sloopy down (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    Sloopy, I don’t care what your daddy do (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    ‘Cause you know, Sloopy, girl, I’m in love with you (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

    And so I sing out
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on

    Sloopy wears a red dress, yeah, as old as the hills (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    But when Sloopy wears that red dress, yeah, you know, it gives me the chills, oh, oh (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    Sloopy, when I see you walking, walking down the street (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    I say, “Don’t worry, Sloopy, girl, you belong to me” (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

    And so I sing out
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on
    Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
    Give it to ’em right now

    Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
    Let it hang down on me (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
    Let it hang down on me, yeah, yeah (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

    Come on, Sloopy (Come on, come on)
    Well, come on, Sloopy (Come on, come on)
    Well, come on, Sloopy (Come on, come on)
    Well, come on, Sloopy (Come on, come on)

    Well, it feels so good (Come on, come on)
    You know, it feels so good (Come on, come on)
    Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, Sloopy (Come on, come on)
    Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah (Come on, come on)
    Oh

    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on
    Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on
    Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
    Hang on, Sloopy
    Sloopy, hang on

  3. Carmen Ohio

    After every game, the school’s alma mater Carmen Ohio is played. This tradition is a great way to wrap up a game and show off your school pride.

    Oh come let’s sing Ohio’s praise
    And songs to Alma Mater raise
    While our hearts rebounding thrill
    With joy which death alone can still
    Summer’s heat or winter’s cold
    The seasons pass the years will roll
    Time and change will surely (truly) show
    How firm thy friendship … OHIO!

    These jolly days of priceless worth
    By far the gladdest days on earth
    Soon will pass and we not know
    How dearly we love Ohio
    We should strive to keep thy name
    Of fair repute and spotless fame
    So in college halls well grow
    And love thee better … OHIO!

    Though age may dim our mem’ry’s store
    We’ll think of happy days of yore
    True to friend and frank to foe
    As sturdy sons of Ohio
    If on seas of care we roll
    Neath blackened sky or barren shoal
    Thoughts of thee bid darkness go
    Dear Alma Mater…OHIO!

  4. Across the Field

    The older of the two Ohio State fight songs, Across the Field features lyrics about the football team.

    Fight the team across the field
    Show them Ohio’s here,
    Set the earth reverberating
    With a mighty cheer,
    Rah! Rah! Rah!
    Hit them hard and see how they fall,
    Never let that team get the ball,
    Hail, hail, the gang’s all here,
    So let’s win that old conference now.

  5. Buckeye Battle Cry

    In old Ohio (Columbus) there’s a team, That’s known thru-out the land;
    Eleven warriors, brave and bold,
    Whose fame will ever stand,
    And when the ball goes over,
    Our cheers will reach the sky,
    Ohio Field will hear again The Buckeye Battle Cry.

    Chorus
    Drive! Drive on down the field;
    Men of the scarlet and gray;
    Don’t let them thru that line,
    We’ve got to win this game today, Come on, Ohio!
    Smash thru to victory,
    We’ll cheer you as you go;
    Our honor defend So we’ll fight to the end For Ohio.

    We’ll scatter to the east and west, When college days are done;
    And memories will cling around, The dreams of everyone;
    We’ll play the game of living,
    With head and shoulders high!
    And where in wear the spirit of
    The Buckeye Battle Cry!

    Repeat Chorus

Ohio State Buckeyes Bars & Restaurants

  1. Marcella’s

    Columbus Crew Marcellas

    Pasta, pizza & specialty cocktails are dispensed in a vintage-style dining room with an upbeat vibe.

    615 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

    614-223-2100

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  2. Village Idiot

    Columbus Crew Village Idiot

    Can never go wring with Village Idiot's selection of drinks and food combinations.

    1439 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-230-2544

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Jack’s Corner Pub

    Backyard Grill Beer Turfway Bar & Grill Beer The WingHouse of Daytona Speedway Beer The Golden Fleece Tavern Beer Darcys Restaurant & Bar Beer Hammers Sports Bar & Grill Beer MVPs sports Bar and Grille Beer Mtn Jax Beer Keg South of Homestead Beer Purple Turtle Beer The End Zone Pub Beer Gallaghers Bar and Lounge Beer

    You'll be amazed with the fantastic atmosphere and great drinks.

    2480 Summit St, Columbus, OH 43202, USA

    614-261-9240

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Oddfellows Liquor Bar

    Columbus Crew Oddfellows Liquor Bar

    Brick-lined joint with old-timey kitsch & a patio for craft draft beer, clever cocktails & trivia.

    1038 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-923-9631

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza

    Adriaticos New York Style Pizza

    A unassuming campus mainstay vending pies, subs, pasta & salads along with beer & wine.

    1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-421-2300

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  6. The Library

    The Library

    The Library Bar is one of the best spots in Columbus for OSU nightlife and has been a High Street icon for years.

    2169 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-299-3245

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. The Thirsty Scholar

    The Thirsty Scholar beer

    Best burgers on campus and killer deals on drinks.

    2201 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-298-9805

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Out-R-Inn

    Out R Inn

    Voted one of the TOP 50 college bars in the COUNTRY!

    20 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-294-9259

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Varsity Club

    Varsity Club

    Established in 1959, this old-school sports bar with pub grub has TVs, patio seating & free Wi-Fi.

    278 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-299-6269

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant

    Schmidts Sausage Haus und Restaurant

    Unpretentious, long-running German eatery in a historic livery stable with live oompah music.

    240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

    614-444-6808

    Bar website

    european - $$

  11. North Market

    North Market

    The North Market is a public market located in Downtown Columbus, Ohio.

    59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

    614-463-9664

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Hang Over Easy

    Hang Over Easy beer fries

    Breakfast cures all.

    1646 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-586-0070

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Northstar Café

    Northstar Cafe

    Modern cafe with an open kitchen serving up organic New American fare & house-baked sweets.

    951 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-394-8992

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  14. Melt Bar & Grilled

    Melt Bar Grilled

    Informal sandwich shop featuring over-the-top grilled cheeses plus burgers, beer & wine.

    840 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

    614-453-1150

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Thurman Cafe

    Thurman Cafe bar

    Bustling, rustic American haunt with oversized, toppings-loaded burgers & a full bar.

    183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

    614-443-1570

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

    Raising Canes Chicken Fingers

    Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

    5132 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Buckeye Donuts

    Buckeye Donuts

    24-hour donut shop in the heart of the OSU campus area serving breakfast fare, donuts & Greek gyros.

    1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-291-3923

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. PJ’s

    PJs hotdog sandwich

    Boisterous counter-serve pit stop for late-night overstuffed sandwiches, fries & beer.

    15 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-299-2113

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Wings & More

    Wings, fried chicken & burgers round out the menu at this no-frills joint with late-night hours.

    2513 Summit St, Columbus, OH 43202, USA

    614-569-3495

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. King’s Pizza

    Kings Pizza

    New York-style & Sicilian pizza, plus basic wings, burgers & pastas, are served here until 4 am.

    1950 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA

    614-298-9000

    Bar website

    pizza - $