
The Ultimate Guide to Watching Ohio State Buckeyes Games in Westerville

Where to Cheer, Eat, and Celebrate Game Day in Westerville
For fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes, there are few experiences more exhilarating than game day. The pulse of anticipation, the sea of scarlet and gray, and the roar of the crowd—even when you’re not inside Ohio Stadium—can make every game a celebration. If you’re in Westerville, Ohio, you don’t have to travel far to soak up the excitement. With a vibrant selection of sports bars, breweries, and restaurants offering special gameday menus and activities, Westerville is fast becoming one of the best off-campus destinations for Buckeye Nation to unite.
Whether you’re a student, local resident, or visiting parent, this guide will help you discover the best places to watch Ohio State football in Westerville, complete with unique offerings that transform each game into a memorable event.
Smash Park Westerville: High-Energy Fun and Gameday Specials
Address: 3969 Merchants Row, Westerville, OH
Website
Smash Park is the latest addition to Westerville’s social scene, and on gameday, it’s nothing short of electric. This massive entertainment complex boasts dozens of TVs strategically placed so you won’t miss a moment of the action. Smash Park’s signature gameday experience combines lively crowds with interactive activities—think pickleball, shuffleboard, cornhole, and arcade games—creating the ultimate sports party atmosphere.
Gameday Menu: Smash Park rolls out a special Buckeye-themed menu featuring crowd-pleasers like loaded nachos, wings tossed in house-made sauces, and signature Smash Burgers. Drink specials include Buckeye Bombs and scarlet-hued cocktails. On Saturdays, you’ll often find beer buckets and pitcher deals, perfect for sharing with friends as you cheer every touchdown.
Activities: Between plays, fans can jump into quick rounds of pickleball, participate in halftime trivia contests, and even win prizes in themed giveaways. There’s sometimes live music before or after the game, or a DJ spinning sports anthems to keep energy levels high.
The Two One at Renaissance Westerville: Classy Gameday Comfort
Address: 409 Altair Pkwy
Website
For those seeking a more upscale gameday experience, The Two One located inside the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel is a hidden gem. This restaurant and bar offers a relaxed environment where you can still catch every play on large HD screens.
Gameday Menu: The Two One crafts a sophisticated menu highlighting Ohio-sourced ingredients—think smoked brisket sliders, Buckeye-shaped desserts, and hearty game day soups. Their drink list features local spirits and creative cocktails, as well as wine specials for those who prefer a quieter toast.
Activities: Guests can participate in pre-game happy hours, and sometimes there’s a live chef’s carving station for halftime. The Two One is an excellent choice for families or those who want to combine Buckeye fandom with a finer dining experience.
North High Brewing: Craft Beer Meets Buckeye Spirit
Address: 525 S. State St.
Website
If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere with a distinctly local flair, North High Brewing is your spot. With origins in Columbus, this brewery is deeply ingrained in Ohio State culture and regularly hosts Buckeye watch parties on their outdoor patio with a big screen TV.
Gameday Menu: North High Brewing serves a robust menu featuring Ohio favorites—pretzel bites with beer cheese, bratwurst plates, and flatbreads topped with locally sourced ingredients. Their gameday specials often include discounted pints of their flagship brews, such as Five14 IPA and Honey Wheat, along with rotating seasonal beers crafted just for football season.
Activities: Expect to find OSU trivia, beer tastings, and raffles for Buckeye merchandise. On big games, the brewery decorates with scarlet and gray and encourages guests to wear their Buckeye gear for a chance to win free appetizers.
Time & Change: The Heart of Buckeye Traditions
Address: 117 E. College Ave.
Website
Named after one of the most beloved OSU alma mater lyrics, Time & Change is a Westerville mainstay for passionate fans. The bar is decked out in Buckeye memorabilia, and every game feels like a reunion of scarlet-and-gray enthusiasts.
Gameday Menu: Time & Change leans into classic sports bar fare—hot wings, loaded fries, burgers, and pizza. Their gameday deals include pitchers of domestic beer, Buckeye shots, and combo platters that make sharing easy.
Activities: Look for live broadcasts of the game on their giant projector screen, halftime karaoke, and score prediction contests. The staff often hosts raffles for tickets to future OSU games and encourages spontaneous renditions of “Hang On Sloopy.”
Other Top Spots for Buckeye Game Day in Westerville
Beyond the standouts above, Westerville offers a variety of other venues where Buckeye fans gather for every kickoff:
- Campfire Brewery: This new brewery is the perfect spot for cozy gatherings—think s’mores, warm drinks, and a laid-back vibe that feels like a fall evening wrapped up in flannel.
- Old Bag of Nails Pub: A classic English-style pub with plenty of TVs and comforting pub grub. Their fish-and-chips is a local favorite, and gameday pints are often discounted.
- Harry Buffalo: Known for its energetic crowd and diverse menu, including bison burgers and spicy wings. Harry Buffalo frequently runs giveaways for Buckeye swag and hosts live DJs on big game nights.
- Westerville Grill: An old-school diner atmosphere with hearty breakfasts served all day on Saturday game days. Grab a Buckeye pancake stack and stay for the second half.
- Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub: A neighborhood favorite with indoor and patio seating—great for early games or night games when the weather’s fine. Watch for signature Buckeye Bloody Marys and platter specials.
- Grizzlybird Brewing Company: This family-friendly nano brewery brings a fusion of inventive bar food, beers and craft cocktails, making it a favorite among fans seeking surprises alongside the score.
- Classics Pizza: Don’t overlook this for your go-to piping-hot pies and cold drinks with plenty of TVs, pool tables and darts to enjoy alongside the game.
- The Draft Room: A lively yet laid-back environment for Buckeye fans looking to celebrate game day with friends. Enjoy an array of rotating craft brews on tap, light snacks for noshing, occasional rotating food trucks, or order food from a local spot to deliver to your table.
Tips for Making Game Day Unforgettable in Westerville
- Arrive early—prime seats at popular locations fill up fast, especially for rivalry games like Ohio State vs. Michigan.
- Wear your scarlet and gray! Many venues offer discounts or free appetizers for fans in Buckeye gear.
- Check social media or call ahead to confirm gameday specials and seat availability.
- Bring friends and family—most spots are kid-friendly and offer activities for all ages.
- Don’t forget to participate in contests and raffles; you might just win tickets or gear for your next Buckeye adventure.
Watching the game from home?
If you prefer the comfort of your own living room, Westerville makes it easy to turn your home into the ultimate game day hangout. Swing by High Bank Distillery for a bottle of their award-winning whiskey to toast every touchdown, or pick up a fresh growler and tempting bites from Temperance Row Brewing Company. For those who love a glass of something special, Good Vibes Winery offers a selection of local wines perfect for sharing with friends, while craft beer fans can swing through Fattey Beer Co. for a cold pack of brews. Pair your picks with favorite snacks, fire up the big screen, and enjoy the Buckeye spirit without ever leaving your doorstep.
Whether you crave rowdy crowds and yard games at Smash Park, craft beer camaraderie at North High Brewing, sophisticated bites at The Two One, or the pure OSU nostalgia of Time & Change, Westerville offers a destination for every kind of fan. With special menus, themed activities, and the kind of friendly atmosphere that turns strangers into fellow Buckeyes, you’ll never have to watch the game alone.
So grab your jersey, gather your crew, and make Westerville your home for every Ohio State Buckeyes game. Go Bucks!