Buckeye Nation
Usually whenever people hear I go to OSU, the first response is something to the effect of, "Wow, that's a big school, I'm not sure I could handle that." I understand it isn't for some people, but I would say to those who are on the fence that there are some great benefits of going to a big school.
Over the weekend I visited my boyfriend in Atlanta (he's an OSU student completing a Co-Op) and like all loyal OSU fans, one of the first plans we had to make was where we were going to watch the football game. For a few months, my boyfriend had been telling me about this awesome bar that shows all OSU games. So, off we went to try this place. I wasn't sure how many OSU fans would be in Atlanta, Georgia, considering it is SEC territory, but boy was I wrong.....
The bar is called Cocktail Cove. It's decorated with the beach in mind. It has a wooden deck that wraps around the entire building with fake palm trees outside (not exactly what you would think of when you think OSU bar); however, on OSU game days it is decked out. There are OSU jerseys hanging around the bar, signs that read "Buckeye Parking Only" and one of my favorites was something I dubbed the "Buckeye Porsche" (grey paint job, red leather seats, and buckeye leaf decals all over the back of the car) parked right in front of the entrance. Once we got seated and I was able to look around for a few minutes I realized I was practically home. Everyone in the bar either had an OSU jersey or an OSU t-shirt. There were easily 150-200+ people there all in their red, OSU apparel, ready to cheer on the Bucks.
Before every kickoff they play the national anthem, followed by Carmen Ohio. During halftime, there is an Alumni Association raffle, complete with all kinds of buckeye gear. The Alumni Association also makes announcements about upcoming events in the city of Atlanta and what the association is doing for the school from Georgia. The DJ also yells OH randomly throughout the night. The fight song is sung whenever a touchdown is scored. They also serve "O Bombs" that are supposed to be red colored on game days. The Ohio State University Atlanta Alumni Club is alive and well at Cocktail Cove.
It's an incredible feeling to know that even in the southern United States you can find Buckeye fans. To me, is a one of the huge pluses of coming to OSU. Yes, it can be big and sometimes a little overwhelming with all of the people and all there is to do, but once you become a buckeye, you are one for life. When people tell you that by coming to OSU you join a community, they really are telling the truth. However, what people sometimes forget to tell you is that you are joining a community that truly is global. When you're away from Columbus, whether it be for vacation or after you've graduated, OSU suddenly doesn't seem so big when you are able to meet fellow buckeyes almost anywhere you go and still get that feeling like you are home.