Sam Newhouse

Die-hard Buckeyes fans mobbed local bars Monday to cheer on their favorite OSU players.

As fans warmed up for the game with pre-kickoff shots and wings at Ziggy’s Sport Bar & Grill on Park Avenue in Amherst, early television flashes of LSU players were met with rampant boos, while chants of “O-H…I-O” could be heard echoing from none other than the men’s bathroom.

“Being here with everybody beats sitting at home,” said 32-year-old Jessica Winard of Lorain. “I’m sure it’s nothing like being at the stadium, but I probably have a better view.”

With last year’s upset a distant memory in the minds of fans, bar and restaurant owners prepared for packed houses by making sure there was plenty of hot food and cold beverages.

At Smitty’s Place on East Bridge Street in Elyria, the staff got involved in the football frenzy, all wearing Ohio State gear and adorning the walls with Buckeyes banners.

“It’s great because the game brings together young people, middle-aged people, older people, and they’re all here for one cause — all rooting for the same team,” said Shannon Nurray, kitchen manager at Smitty’s.

Of course, when a game this big comes along, there’s a big turnout of customers. That meant figuring out specials for some Smitty favorites, such as chili cheese fries and nachos, and offering cheap draft beers to keep fans fed and happy. “Sales are high for the fact that the game is on, and people come out to see it,” Nurray said.

In Amherst, the Church Street Bar & Grille hosted a football party even though the establishment is under renovation.

Staff served up gumbo and special Cajun dishes while fans watched the Buckeyes opening lead get erased before halftime on the wall of big-screen televisions. “It’s like last year, but better,” said 22-year-old Chris Newhouse of Vermilion. “By this time last year, (the Buckeyes) were getting blown out. We can’t lose this year. We won’t lose.”

At the end of the night, even though the Buckeyes lost, fans showed that they have plenty of heart. And, well, there’s always next year.

Contact Sam Newhouse at 440-329-7155 or metro@chroniclet.com.
Contact Stephen Szucs at 440-329-7129 or sszucs@chroniclet.com.

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