Ohio state game day traditions

The border rivalry extended to football just a few decades later and has since been one of the most storied rivalries in history. Privacy Policy Disclaimer. University of Illinois » University of Illinois ». University Of Illinois. University of Indiana. University of Michigan. Michigan State University. University of Minnesota. University of Nebraska. Northwestern University. John Arena in front of a stadium full of fans to hold what is virtually a pep rally. The first Skull Session was held in , when the usually closed band rehearsal was opened up to family and friends.

Week by week the audience grew larger, and the "mini-concert" became one of the more popular pre-game must-dos for Ohio State fans. The free event features the band playing school songs, as well as a stop and quick speech from Urban Meyer and the team's players, as they go on their "team walk" from The Blackwell Hotel to Ohio Stadium. The school's alma mater, the singing of Carmen Ohio following a Buckeyes game has become one of the most coveted traditions for Ohio State football.

By many accounts, the song was composed by freshman athlete Fred Cornell in , on the train ride home from Ann Arbor after the Buckeyes suffered an loss to the Wolverines. The song didn't gain popularity until it was published in the school paper, The Lantern, in , as well as in the game program for the Michigan game that same year.

Growing with popularity ever since then, fans and the team gather at the end of every game, win or lose, to sing the school's alma mater together. One of the song's most famous moments was when OSU player Cie Grant sang it see video above during the team's national championship celebration. It was an easy choice for number one on this list, as nothing at Ohio State, and possibly in college football, beats the incomparable Script Ohio.

Starting with the impressive ramp entrance by the Ohio State University Marching Band and going all the way to the Dotting of the "i", this tradition gives Ohio State fans chills every time it is performed. The formation was first performed by the band on October 24, , at the OSU vs. Indiana game, although it is said that a similar "floating formation" was first performed by the Michigan band during the season.

Bruckmann said many first- and second-year students have either never attended an Ohio State game or never experienced it as a student. Few organizations are better equipped to channel that energy than Block O. With elaborate card stunts and students covered in scarlet and gray body paint, the Block O football supporters can be found bringing excitement to the north and south stands at Ohio Stadium.

The organization supports student sections for 10 sports at Ohio State. For Block O membership committee member Jaci Taylor, a fifth-year computer science and engineering major, the game day traditions are critical to the overall student experience at Ohio State.

Bruckmann said the interest and involvement for Block O remains high. A Welcome Week sign-up event in a driving rainstorm still ended with dozens of students joining, and Block O football tickets sell out quickly.

Beyond the desire to share game day traditions with their peers, both Taylor and Bruckmann said the student sections are critical for sports beyond football and basketball. Block O students are often the loudest supporters at wrestling, hockey or volleyball events.