Ohio State Football At Wrigley Field Was Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

You could see it in the streets and sidewalks surrounding Wrigley Field on Friday. Buckeye fans lined the area, stoking their excitement and soaking in the history, fixed upon the unique experience ahead of them.

A full day before Ohio State and Northwestern were to meet inside the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field for a football game, there were fans throughout the Wrigleyville neighborhood. They were bar hopping, apparel-shopping, taking photos, and gawking in awe at things they’d only ever seen before on television and in photos.

It was a little like watching kids on the one field trip they’ve been looking forward to all year long.

They were in sports heaven.

And the game was still a day away.

Then came Saturday morning. It was smiles for miles, and that wasn’t just from the fans spanning from bar to bar. It was everybody. They understood that this doesn’t happen every year and it doesn’t happen for everyone. But it was happening for them, and they were not going to take it for granted.

The Buckeye fans had an anticipatory appreciation and they were showing it.

Then the gates opened.

Some Buckeye fans rushed in, but most were still soaking it all in. The Old Style was flowing like wine, and kickoff was still two hours away. There was no last call, only next call, so why leave just yet?

After all, you’ve gotta make hay while the sun is just starting to sneak a peak over the morning skyline.

And all of this for an 11:00 a.m. local kick.

Then there was the game. The second-ranked Buckeyes against a Northwestern team with a losing record trying to make it to a bowl game.

But it was never about the opponent. It was about the Buckeyes, the game, and the experience of such a unique venue.

Ohio State fans took over the stands. Call it 10/1 or 20/1 or 30/1 in terms of support in favor of the Buckeyes, the exact accuracy of the mathematics doesn’t really matter. This was a home crowd for Ohio State, and throughout the game, you could see those Buckeye fans posing for photos with each other.

Don’t forget to get the iconic Wrigley Field scoreboard in the background.

Can you see the ivy? Yes? Good.

After the game, whether still inside the stadium or outside, fans were taking one last glance at Wrigley Field. Like the last look as you leave the house you were staying in for your we-spent-a-little-more-than-we-planned-on summer vacation.

There was an appreciation for the moment, the opportunity, and the privilege.

Wrigley Field is American history, and it was revered as such by the Buckeye fans in attendance. It was the first time — and likely only time — they’d ever gotten to watch Ohio State play at Wrigley.

What a cool thing to get to experience.

Cubs fans are so lucky to have this.

And you know what — every game at Ohio Stadium brings that same kind of feeling for somebody.

Every home game for the Buckeyes is somebody’s first time being in the Horseshoe, and it’s been something they’ve been wanting to do for most of their life.

The anticipation builds on Friday as they walk High Street, where they stroll from where some bars used to be to where some other bars used to be. They walk campus. They exude their own sense of excitement. They don’t need to be told what tomorrow will mean for them because it will be something uniquely personal to each person.

The first time they walk into the stadium, the size and the scope begins to set in. This is not normal and it should not be treated as such. Then comes the first big play and the stadium erupts in one living breath.

There is nothing else like it and you know it the first time you feel it.

On the very day Babe Ruth was calling his shot in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series in Wrigley Field, the Buckeyes were opening their 11th season of football at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State dispatched with Ohio Wesleyan 34-7 in that one, in case you were wondering.

That game also kicked off somewhere in the very early afternoon.

Ohio Stadium has been home to more memories than most venues. The ghosts there have ghosts. Over 100 years of patina, callus, and crust, which can also just be called history.

Yes, history is a thing of the past, which is why it is so worth appreciating in the moment.

And Ohio Stadium has been home to some incredible moments.

This was where the Snow Bowl was played.

This is where Woody Hayes went for two against Michigan because he couldn’t go for three.

Orlando Pace once used another human man to create such a massive divot in the ground that a second body could be placed inside of it.

Beanie Wells once ran through Michigan’s defense like a Drano milkshake.

Ohio Stadium is living history, and every opportunity to watch the Buckeyes play inside the ‘Shoe could be the opportunity to watch something that will never be forgotten.

The Buckeyes have two home games remaining in the regular season, and both are going to help define this season. A top-five Indiana team comes into the Horseshoe this weekend, followed by Michigan the week after.

Memories are going to be made, and the fans in Ohio Stadium can help make them happen. If you are at the game, don’t forget to appreciate the moments and the history.

And don’t forget to be loud enough to be a part of both.

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