College Football Saturday's are Heaven

I've been fortunate to attend college football games throughout the country. I guess I can call it an addiction, following the Ohio State Buckeyes from coast to coast. From my experiences, these are the top thirteen places to see a game. The whole game day (weekend) experience is taken into consideration.

1. Ohio State University - Being an alum I guess I have to put Columbus at the top of the list, though there are a few things I'd love change, one being the open container laws on campus... Gameday's start early in Columbus. There is always a kegs and eggs open early. Hineygate is a storied tradition featuring the Danger Brothers at the Holiday Inn, always a raucous crowd. Skull Session occurs two hours prior to kickoff in St. John Arena, featuring the all brass and percussion marching band and the team on their way to the stadium. Then into the stadium, it's hard to be 105,000+ crazed fans. O-H-I-O around the stadium, Script Ohio and of course is always great as well as Carmen Ohio after a big win.

2. Penn State University - I've had the opportunity to travel to State College on three occasions and the atmosphere has been phenomenal each time. Tailgating is a great time as well as a trip to the Creamery for so ice cream! 110,000+ fans greet you in the stadium and I have this bad feeling that the giant erector set will come crashing down every time they play Zombie Nation. The only downfall is that if Penn State happens to win, watch out. For a big game you could camp out in Paternoville for a couple of nights!

3. Arizona State University - I've seen the Buckeyes play two games in Tempe, vs. Miami in '03 and Notre Dame in '06, both times great experiences. Tempe has beautiful weather and a great party atmosphere. Mill Avenue is a great experience, especially the Piano Bar. Sun Devil Stadium is a great open air stadium, much better than that monstrosity in Glendale.

4. University of Washington - Seattle is a great town in general, but Husky Stadium offers one of the most majestic views in all of college football. The only drawback is the track around the field, but that will soon be gone as a renovation is set to take place soon. The tailgating by boat is quite a sight to see!

5. University of Wisconsin - They know how to party in Madison! Even though the band was suspended for unruly behavior for the weekend, Camp Randall was still jammin' for three hours on a cold October Saturday night. They know how to party!

6. University of Ilinois - I've been to Champaign three times and always had a great time. It usually turns into Columbus West, just a lot cheaper to get tickets! The Illini like to drink, and I like that. There's nothing like having a keg in the parking lot!

7. University of Michigan - Well, it's Ann Arbor, but a good time can still be had. The golf course is a great tailgate location with cars lining the fairways. It's a certainly a much better time after a victory, but fun can even be had inside the Toilet Bowl.

8. University of Iowa - I've made the trek to Iowa City once, 2006, and watched the Buckeyes beat a over hyped Hawkeye team. The tailgating was superb. We were parked at 7:30 AM for the 7:00 PM kickoff and the lot was already packed. Kinnick Stadium was a great old stadium with a lot of atmosphere, at least early on!

9. University of Southern California - While the Coliseum is truly in the ghetto and the visitor seating sucks, it is still an experience to see in a game in a venue that has held Super Bowls and the Olympics. Plus being in LA isn't too bad either.

10. Northwestern University - There's definitely plenty to do in Chicago for a weekend, so that makes it nice. The campus in Evanston isn't the most lively, but the surrounding city makes up for it.

11. Purdue University - West Lafayette is a true college town and the tailgating is great, especially on an 80 degree October afternoon. Though I question the fan base when tickets are selling below face value for a night game between undefeated conference foes.

12. North Carolina State University - I'll have to go back to Raleigh sometime because I experienced a couple days of straight rain. It's the closest I've come to the south for a game, but it certainly has potential.

13. Michigan State University - Interesting experience in East Lansing, another Columbus North. It's a shame though when the Spartans field a competitive team and $70 tickets are selling for $25 an hour prior to kickoff.

14. Indiana University - What's football? Bloomington is certainly a basketball town.

15. University of Minnesota - The on-campus stadium in 2009 should vault Minneapolis up this list. The Baggy Dome just doesn't cut it.

Also... New Orleans Super Dome - Not listed because it's not a true college stadium, though Tulane plays there, but great experience on Bourbon Street in 2008. If only the results were different!!