Columbus, Ohio: Vols Fans Gear Up for Playoff Showdown

Columbus, Ohio: Vols Fans Gear Up for Playoff Showdown

The Tennessee Volunteers are set to face the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday in a highly anticipated College Football Playoff game. The contest kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at the iconic Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Shoe,” which boasts a seating capacity of 102,780. Both teams bring impressive records to the matchup, with Tennessee and Ohio State each standing at 10-2 for the season.

Excitement Grows Among Tennessee Fans

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel expressed no surprise at the committed efforts of Vols fans to secure tickets for the game despite the stadium’s capacity constraints. Commenting on the situation, Heupel stated, “Not (surprised) with this fan base.” He emphasized the proximity of Columbus for Tennessee supporters, noting, “It’s a nice short drive up there. Christmas is around the corner, and (a CFP ticket) would make a great Christmas present. Hope to see a bunch of our fans up there.”

Limited Availability for Tickets

According to the College Football Playoff regulations, Tennessee is limited to approximately 3% of the seating in Ohio Stadium, which translates to around 3,500 tickets. However, a significant portion of those tickets is earmarked for institutional needs, including players’ families and the marching band, leaving around 1,000 tickets for donors. This scenario contrasts starkly with the 5,000 tickets typically available for visiting teams in SEC regular season games.

Ticket Demand and Secondary Market Activity

Despite the limited official ticket allocation, Tennessee fans have demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness in obtaining tickets through the secondary market. Reports on social media indicate fans have even managed to access Ohio State’s presale opportunities to secure additional tickets. These efforts have raised alarms among Ohio State officials, as they worry about a possible invasion of Volunteers fans.

Ohio State’s Concern

Ohio State athletics director Ross Bjork voiced his concern on a local radio show, urging Buckeyes fans to refrain from selling their tickets. “Tennessee fans, they’re rabid fans,” Bjork remarked, acknowledging the likelihood of seeing a wave of orange colors in the stands. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson mirrored that sentiment, recalling the atmosphere during a previous matchup at LSU, which felt almost like a home game for Vols fans. “That’s what I expect from Tennessee fans. I can’t wait to get out there and see a whole bunch of orange,” Sampson added.

Predicted Attendance Mix

While an estimate from UT Systems President Randy Boyd suggested that 30% of the fans in attendance could be Tennessee supporters, such projections remain speculative. Considering the high demand for playoff tickets, the prospect of even 10% orange in the stadium would represent a significant achievement for Tennessee’s fan base.

A Testament to Fan Loyalty

The enthusiasm of the Vols’ fan base is well documented, with Tennessee boasting 20 consecutive sellouts at Neyland Stadium, which can accommodate 101,915 fans. Additionally, the season-ticket waiting list for the university has surpassed 20,000, indicating a significant commitment from the community. As the playoff game approaches, the displays of support from Tennessee fans promise to create an electric atmosphere in Columbus this Saturday night.

The anticipated clash not only showcases the talent of both teams but also highlights the passionate support each fan base brings to the game. With the scene set for an unforgettable night of college football, all eyes will be on Ohio Stadium.