How to Tailgate for the Ohio State vs. Michigan Game

The Game is coming. You’ve got until 11/30 to prep your tailgate party for this year’s installment in the OSU vs. Michigan rivalry. Whether this is your first tailgate or your family chose a side when the feud began, we’ve got tips to streamline and upgrade your tailgate party.

The first tip? Be sure you download the Fetch app to turn your everyday spending into points to pay for your tailgate party or even tickets to The Game.

Earn rewards on tailgate party essentials using Fetch

Snapping the receipt is step one to saving on your OSU vs. Michigan tailgate party, but you can rack up plenty more points to turn into tailgate snacks:

• Offers: Find the latest offers in the Fetch app and earn extra points on specific brands and retailers. Favorite your offers to make a tailgate party shopping list.
• Boosted Brands: Try a new brand of your favorite drink or snack, and if it’s a boosted brand, you’ll take home even more points. The bigger the flame next to the brand logo, the bigger the boost.
• Fetch Shop: Take care of your tailgate party right from your phone so you don’t have to run around town. Find retailers like Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club and more in Fetch Shop and earn points on nearly every dollar spent.

When is the OSU/Michigan game?

The Buckeyes welcome the Wolverines to Ohio State on November 30th (11/30) this year. Will the advantage of playing at home give the Buckeyes what they need to break the Wolverines’ 3-year winning streak? Grab a pair of tickets to see for yourself.

Where to buy tickets for The Game

Unless you live in Columbus, you’ll need to buy your tickets online. Turn your Fetch points into a Stubhub gift card to find the seats you want without leaving the comfort of your home. You won’t even need to leave the app; Stubhub is in Fetch Shop!

OSU/Michigan rivalry history

One of the oldest football rivalries in the history of the game, OSU and Michigan State have been clashing since 1897, doing so annually since 1918 (with a break for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic). The teams take the field at Ohio during even-numbered years and Michigan during odd-numbered years. 

ESPN called it the greatest North American sports rivalry ever, and Encyclopædia Britannica includes the rivalry among their ten greatest sports rivalries in history. There’s more than history at play in the annual OSU vs. Michigan rivalry game; many of their games have determined the Big Ten Conference title and subsequent Rose Bowl matchups.

This will be the 120th game in the series, with a record of 61–51–6 (Michigan leads).

How to set up your tailgate for the OSU/Michigan game

Tailgating and tailgating setup at Ohio State is a bit different, as it’s an urban campus in a densely populated city. 

• Your best parking option, for value and traffic, will probably be West Campus, but it’ll be a hike to the stadium. 
• If you’re bringing an RV, you’ll need an RV permit to have it on a university lot. The permit will get you a 40’x60′ space for your tailgate festivities.
• No RV? You’ll find 8.5’x15′ parking spaces available, and if you need more space, consider teaming up with a friend for a pair of parking spaces.
• The university recommends pop-up style tents, and you won’t be allowed to stake a tent without prior approval. 
• If you’re looking to grill (and who isn’t at a tailgate party), OSU permits liquid propane grills. Charcoal grilling and any other open burning is prohibited.
• Open container laws are in effect in Ohio, so avoid having any open drinks in public spaces.

The most important thing is to be respectful of the space and the rules for wherever you take your party to, especially when it comes to tailgating setup and cleanup. 

Essential tailgate food, snack and drink ideas for The Game

Whether you’re going solo and looking to meet up with other like-minded fans or you’re bringing friends and family with you, you’ll want to be stocked up on snacks and drinks.

Tailgate food and snacks for Michigan vs. Ohio State

Finger foods are the way to go, and here’s a starter assortment of food and snacks to make your shopping list:

• Pretzels, nuts and snack mixes
• Chips and dip
• Sausage and cheese tray
• Hot dogs and burgers
• Impossible or Beyond burgers

If you don’t want to be managing a grill all day, stick to the snacks and consider slow cooker staples like a buffalo chicken dip or li’l smokies.

Tailgate drinks for Michigan vs. Ohio State

Keeping in mind the open container law, remember to store any alcohol in your RV or tucked away in your tailgate. It’s a smart idea to have some common drinks like a case of Coors or Keystone plus whatever else you might want. 

Here are some suggestions to quench the thirst at your OSU/Michigan tailgate party:

• Hard seltzer (think Topo Chico or Vizzy)
• Pre-made cocktails from Bulleit or CÎROC
• Spiked Arnold Palmers
• Sweet tea
• Canned drinks (Brisk, Pepsi and Coke)
• Pitcher cocktails like Pool Party Punch or Alabama Slammers

What to wear for the Ohio State vs. Michigan game

If you’re planning to tailgate at the game, you probably already know what you want to wear. At the very least, you know which team’s colors you’ll be branded with. Tailgaters looking to update their gameday wear can do it right from the Fetch app, in Fetch Shop. You’ll find plenty of retailers with jerseys and branded apparel, including:

• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Fanatics
• Finish Line
• Kohl’s
• Nike
• Shein
• Temu
• Under Armour

Once you’ve got your colors set, it’s smart to wear layers (especially for a game at the end of November). With just a few layers, you can easily adjust to the temperature.

Find tailgate supply deals and offers in the Fetch app

We hope this has been a good start to your OSU/Michigan State tailgate party planning. Be sure to check out the current offers in the Fetch app to earn the most points, and decide if you’re going to save up your points to upgrade your tailgating gear next year or treat yourself as the season goes.