Buckle Up, Buckeyes, Round Three Delivered!
On September 26, along the banks of the Olentangy River, the Ohio State Buckeyes welcomed the Illinois Fighting Illini to Ohio Stadium while Greenwald Sales & Marketing’s welcomed our colleagues for our third annual tailgate spectacular – which did not disappoint. After two legendary Buckeye bashes, we raised the bar once again and had a blast doing it.
This wasn’t just any home game. It was Ohio State’s Big Ten home opener, and it marked Illinois’ first trip to the Horseshoe since 2017. Nearly a decade since the Illini last felt the roar of 100,000+ scarlet-and-gray-clad fans, and our crew made sure they felt every bit of it.
The Battle for the Illibuck
Ohio State and Illinois have been trading blows, and a carved wooden turtle named the Illibuck, since 1902. Heading into Saturday, the Buckeyes carried a nine-game win streak in this rivalry, with a whopping 42-19; clenching another Buckeye win! Whatever the final tally, being there for a century-plus-old rivalry made the day feel like more than just another Saturday.
Touchdown in Tailgate Heaven, Take Three
Once again, we teamed up with professional tailgaters to build a tailgate experience worthy of a home opener. Elevated setups, prime real estate near the Schottenstein Center = zero hassle, just pure game-day energy from the moment our guests rolled in.
And the spread did not disappoint:
- Anthony Thomas’s famous peanut butter buckeyes.
- Buckets and buckets of barbeque from City Barbecue.
- Espresso martinis and Super Lyte’s started flowing early and often, because fall Saturdays call for yummy drinks to watch the game.
- Jello shots and homemade vodka slushies in official Tablecraft To Go Pouches
A Home Opener to Remember
There was something different about the energy of this Big Ten home opener. The crispness of the first real fall air, the sea of scarlet pouring into the Horseshoe, the anticipation of a full conference slate ahead; it all came together for a Saturday Columbus won’t soon forget. Add a rare visit from Illinois, and this tailgate had a storyline nobody wanted to miss.
What Went Down on September 26th
- Our incredible manufacturers flew in from across the country to soak in the authentic Buckeye experience.
- TBDBITL brought the house down before kickoff with Script Ohio.
- Plenty of high-fives, halftime debriefs, and new stories to tell next year.
- Some industry friends stopped by to say hello and join the fun.
- A tailgate crew that treated every guest like family, because that’s just how we do it!
The Illibuck Is Home!
Three tailgates in, and this one was our best yet. Whether you’re a longtime partner or joined us for the first time, September 26th was a Saturday to remember in Columbus. Until next time, keep your Buckeye spirit high and your tailgate game strong.
Go Bucks! 🌰🏈
