Ohio State Men's Basketball

I attended The Ohio State University Men's Basketball game on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Their opponent was the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The atmosphere was very enthusiastic and loud. It was very exciting to be there a lot different then what I am used to here at Tiffin University. They student sections all had chants it seemed like for every play. The entire stadium was filled with scarlet and gray. There was a special half time show that brought back The Ohio State University 1960 National Championship team. Those men were recognized at half time and a flag for Coach Fred Taylor was hung. When I walked into the arena the first thing I saw was a bunch of stands where Ohio State merchandise was sold and concessions such as Bob Evans, one of the sponsors for Ohio State Basketball. I noticed a lot of advertising while I was attending this event. While seated I noticed that the scoreboard had Nationwide labeled all over the place. It was not only on the scoreboard but the back of the hoops as well. It would also flash across the jumbo tron and around the entire arena. Other sponsors that they would flash across the jumbo tron and arena were Kroger, Muscle Milk, Kroger, Huntington, AT&T and Big Lots. They also had pom poms at each seat in the student section that promoted a Buckeye sports camp. They also have what is called the Big Lots shot at half time. A student is given the opportunity to make 3 shots in 60 seconds and he could win free tuition for a year if he makes all three. They also shot out T-shirts with Donatos coupons in them for a free pizza. They also promoted other OSU teams on the jumbo tron and loud speakers to get students to attend those as well. Another advertising activity that they did was choose a random section and row and passed out coupons for free food at Bob Evans. It was a very fun atmosphere and I noticed that there are a lot of promotional activity and advertising going on. The Buckeyes went on to beat Minnesota 85-63. I have never seen so many dunks in a game it was awesome! GO BUCKS!