Ohio State Football Transportation
Ohio State football game days bring excitement, tradition and some of the heaviest traffic of the year to the area surrounding Ohio Stadium. Parking can be difficult, roads may be restricted and leaving after the game can take considerable time.
A reserved private ride lets you enjoy the game without worrying about finding parking or driving home afterward. Smart Ride Central Ohio provides scheduled transportation to and from Ohio State football games, with every ride personally driven by owner Steve French.
Why Arrange Transportation to an Ohio State Football Game?
More than 100,000 fans may travel to the Ohio Stadium area on a home football Saturday. Traffic begins building hours before kickoff, and nearby parking may require advance permits, long walks or significant parking fees.
Private transportation allows you to reserve your ride before game day and communicate directly with your driver about the pickup address, number of passengers, desired arrival time and plans for returning home.
- A scheduled pickup from your home or hotel
- No need to search for stadium parking
- No need to navigate heavy game-day traffic yourself
- A known driver and vehicle
- Direct communication before and after the game
- A planned ride home after the event
How Close Can a Driver Get to Ohio Stadium?
Vehicle access near Ohio Stadium may be limited on game days because of police traffic control, pedestrian crowds, parking restrictions and temporary road closures. The closest practical drop-off location can vary depending on the time of arrival and current traffic conditions.
Passengers should expect that some walking may be required. Steve will discuss a practical drop-off point based on the game, your preferred arrival time and any mobility considerations.
What Time Should You Leave for the Game?
The best departure time depends on your pickup location, kickoff time and how early you want to arrive. Many fans arrive well before kickoff to visit tailgates, explore the stadium area or allow time for security and finding their seats.
Traffic delays can become more significant as kickoff approaches. Leaving earlier can provide a more relaxed arrival and reduce the risk of missing the beginning of the game.
Where Will You Be Picked Up After the Game?
Postgame transportation requires flexibility because thousands of pedestrians and vehicles leave the Ohio Stadium area at approximately the same time. Some roads may remain closed or restricted until crowds begin to clear.
The most effective postgame meeting point may be outside the immediate stadium area. In some situations, passengers may need to walk to a nearby location that the vehicle can reach safely and legally.
Steve will remain in direct communication with you and adjust the meeting location when traffic restrictions or road closures make the original location inaccessible.
How Long Will It Take to Leave After the Game?
Travel time after an Ohio State football game can vary considerably. Traffic may remain heavy for an extended period, especially after highly attended conference games, rivalry games and night games.
Even with a reserved ride, passengers should expect delays while roads reopen and traffic begins moving away from campus. A private reservation provides the reassurance of having a specific driver coordinating with you rather than requesting a ride after the game.
Transportation for Tailgating
Transportation can be scheduled to arrive several hours before kickoff if you plan to attend a tailgate. When requesting your quote, provide the location of the tailgate and the time you would like to arrive.
Any coolers, folding chairs or other belongings should be discussed in advance so Steve can confirm that there is sufficient vehicle and cargo space.
Can the Ride Include a Restaurant or Hotel?
Your transportation may include a hotel, restaurant, tailgate or another stop before or after the game. All planned stops should be included when requesting a quote so the correct route, timing and price can be calculated.
Out-of-town visitors can also arrange transportation from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to a hotel and schedule a separate ride to the game.
Transportation for Families and Small Groups
Smart Ride can transport individuals, couples, families and small groups to Ohio State football games. The primary vehicle can accommodate up to six passengers, although five may be more comfortable depending on passenger size and the belongings being carried.
Provide the total passenger count and information about coolers, bags, mobility equipment or other items when requesting your reservation.
Transportation for Seniors and Guests with Mobility Concerns
Seniors and passengers with mobility concerns should discuss their needs before making a reservation. Game-day road restrictions may prevent vehicles from reaching the stadium entrance, so it is important to understand the possible walking distance between the vehicle and Ohio Stadium.
Steve can help identify a practical transportation plan, but the available drop-off and pickup locations may depend on game-day traffic controls and instructions from law enforcement.
Why Not Request Uber or Lyft After the Game?
Rideshare service may be available after the game, but high demand can lead to longer waits, increased pricing and difficulty locating an assigned driver. Road closures and large crowds may also prevent rideshare drivers from reaching the location where passengers are waiting.
With private transportation, your ride is reserved in advance and you communicate directly with a known driver who understands your plans. The pickup location may still need to change, but you will not be starting the process of finding a driver after the game ends.
Why Choose an Owner-Operated Car Service?
Every Smart Ride Central Ohio trip is personally driven by owner Steve French. Your reservation is not assigned to an unknown contractor or transferred to a different driver at the last minute.
You communicate directly with Steve about your game, pickup time, passenger count, drop-off plan and postgame meeting location. This creates greater consistency, accountability and personal attention throughout the trip.
How Far in Advance Should Football Transportation Be Reserved?
Ohio State football transportation should be reserved as soon as your game plans are confirmed. Home games create significant transportation demand throughout Columbus, and Saturday availability may fill well in advance.
Early booking provides the best opportunity to confirm Steve’s availability and develop a transportation plan based on the kickoff time and your desired game-day schedule.
What Information Is Needed for a Quote?
- Date of the football game
- Scheduled kickoff time
- Pickup address
- Number of passengers
- Desired arrival time
- Tailgate, restaurant or hotel stops
- Coolers, chairs or other belongings
- Any passenger mobility considerations
- Whether return transportation is needed