Fans' eyes are on Columbus
Later start of game will extend tailgating; good luck on hotel
Beacon Journal staff report
If you plan to go for a drive this afternoon, you'll probably have the streets to yourself.
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., one of the biggest football games in history will be center stage, and much of Ohio will be watching.
The attention focused on this afternoon has been building.
By 7:45 a.m. Friday, Ohio State University parking lots designated for tailgaters were full, Columbus hotels were booked, and, in the Akron-Canton area, many folks were finalizing plans for parties.
This is the big one.
Jennifer Kirchner of the Ohio State Athletic Department Media Service said it has issued 1,100 media passes, which is a record for her office.
OSU media officials haven't tried to estimate the number of fans expected to go to Columbus without a ticket. ``We don't have a number. It will probably be astronomical,'' she said.
Add those to approximately 110,000 who DO have a ticket, and you have a crowd.
Economic impact
A typical home game can generate $2.8 million in spending, according to rough estimates by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Today's game could push that to $4 million, said Brent LaLonde, commission communications director.
The later-than-usual TV start time of 3:30 p.m. changes the spending dynamics, too. The Ohio State-Michigan game typically has started at noon or 1 p.m. The later start ``will increase visitor spending on different levels,'' LaLonde said.
Grocery stores should do better because tailgater parties that usually begin at 8 a.m. will last much longer.
Fans are more likely to book hotel rooms to stay overnight, too.
However, restaurants, which do well after Ohio State victories, might take a hit because fans won't be out of the Horseshoe until evening.
``There's give-and-take on all ends of the deal,'' LaLonde said.
That give-and-take reaches across the state. Many restaurants are preparing special packages for game time.
Bob Senkar, who owns the BW3's Grill & Pub near Belden Village in Jackson Township and another in Massillon, said he upgraded his televisions for better pictures.
``We're well-stocked with beer and wings. We have a full kitchen and extra staff on duty,'' he said.
The Jackson Township restaurant -- which seats 200 -- anticipates a standing-room crowd, he said.
ESPN's television coverage begins at 10 a.m. with College GameDay. The crew has been in Columbus for several days with live talk radio and a contest among tailgaters -- some of whom have elaborate setups connecting tents, recreational vehicles and barbecues.
The contest winner will appear on the GameDay show.
Thousands of fans are expected to crowd around ESPN's outdoor set in the chilly air (the forecast is temperatures in the upper 40s and cloudy) to watch the pregame show.
Shortly after 1 p.m., about 13,000 fans are expected to fill St. John Arena a few blocks from the stadium for the OSU marching band's pregame pep rally, known as the ``skull session.''
When the arena empties, there will be a sea of red flowing to the stadium.
Other events in city
The anticipation has been building for days, and a convergence of events didn't help.
``Right now, we're anticipating that the city is close to sold out,'' said Patty Geiger, media relations manager for Experience Columbus, the convention and visitors bureau.
Many downtown hotel rooms were booked long ago for the Ohio Star Ball Dance Championships, billed as the world's largest Pro/Am dance competition. The six-day program began Tuesday and draws 5,000 to 6,000 visitors.
In addition, the Mid-Ohio Cluster Dog Show at the Ohio Expo Center attracts a crowd to watch about 3,000 dogs from all over the United States and Canada.
And if this isn't a little overwhelming, imagine being a Michigan fan.
A Columbus newspaper headline this week said that the University of Michigan is sending police officers to Ohio ``to watch over fans,'' and the story said UM was giving out a cell-phone number for Michigan fans to call for ``support.''
UM, however, said the story was a little ``alarmist.''
The university did send an e-mail to students warning them to be on good behavior and providing a cell-phone number for non-emergencies.
The police, on the other hand, are on normal assignment with the team and coaches.
