Game day at The Shoe is a haloed tradition for many, and one that wouldn’t be complete without the requisite stadium snacks. From hot dogs to nachos, and all the Coke you can drink, food makes the game experience better.
Ohio Stadium has recently partnered with Chicago-based Levy Restaurants, a sports and entertainment dining company, to rebrand and relaunch the concession scene at The Shoe. Visitors to the stadium will now be able to choose from a variety of different vendors all committed to using fresh ingredients, sustainable practices, and a zero-waste program.
The O’wich stand features classic, as well as innovative, twists on the sammy, like the Buckeye O’wich, french toast slices filled with chocolate and peanut butter, or the Veggie O’wich, with sundried tomatoes and grilled vegetables.
Buckeye Cantina serves Mexican-inspired grinders filled with house-smoked meats, like Pork Carnitas Tortas and Ancho Smoked Chicken Tortas. They, like other new stands, also caters to the health conscious by offering a Wild Forest Mushroom Torta, among other vegetarian and vegan options.
Over Loaded is the place to go for loaded hot dogs, brats, and nachos, including The Heater Hot Dog, topped with Buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese slaw. At Brutus Bests, you can chow down on Italian Sausage Sandwiches and Mugs O’ Hot Chili.
A gluten-free cart is also on hand to serve wheat, rye, and barley-free versions of all the fan favorites. And for those who just can’t make it through the game without a serious salt fix, try the Big Brutus Pretzel: a two-pound treat that can feed up to four, served with beer cheese, whole grain mustard, and cake icing dipping sauces.
In addition, Executive Chef Tim Dionisio and his team have created suite packages ideal for both small and large Buckeye groups. The Buckeye Brunch package is perfect for noon games; the Buckeye Tailgater brings the tailgate experience indoors.
Suite patrons are also able to indulge in the mobile dessert cart, with everything from Six-Layer Carrot Cake to White Chocolate Turtles, and a number of Chef Stations, which features unique, made-to-order menus. Guests can order any one of these packages online to customize their game day.
Fans will notice too a rotating variety of food trucks and carts around The Shoe to help round out the Buckeye experience. Among them, Local Hog, Roosters, Yellow Polish boys, and local favorite, Pitabilities.
“We’re bringing the best foods and ingredients from local partners around the state into the Stadium,” states Chef Dionisio. “We have completely reimagined what the college football dining experience can be. Guests will dig into regional specialties and unique Ohio State-only items.”
Photos by Ayana Wilson.
For more on The ‘Shoe and other game day policies, visit OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
