James
There are numerous global sports events that have so much stature that they almost become cultural events. In the United States, for example, the Super Bowl is almost like an unofficial national holiday. As an individual event, nothing compares to the FIFA World Cup Final in terms of global attention. Each nation will have its own marquee events, too, like the Melbourne Cup in Australia or the All-Ireland GAA Final in Ireland.
But whether you are an American football fan or not, there is something incredibly unique about the matchup that has become so intense that it is simply known as “The Game”. We are referring to the college football match between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan, forming one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. If you are a keen traveler, one for whom experiencing one-of-a-kind sports events forms part of your bucket list, The Game should be on your agenda.
The Game Is One of the Greatest Sports Rivalries
For those not au fait with US college sports, the matchup and rivalry can be difficult to explain. It has been ranked as the greatest rivalry in North American sports, exceeding anything thrown up by the professional leagues. It has been going on since 1897, and it is now often the most-viewed college football game on television each season, even exceeding the championship game.
Much of the history of the rivalry can be compared to that of other sports rivalries. The universities are in neighboring states; the two football teams play in what is now the Big 10 division; both colleges have had much success. The Wolverines, for instance, have won more games in college football history than any other team. However, Ohio State has won more championships than Michigan.
The rivalry has also taken on a life of its own. The golden period was arguably the 1970s, when both teams had elite programs, challenging for national championships and each other. That still holds true today, as both teams have championship ambitions this season, but the 1970s have become almost mythologically worshipped as the best era of the rivalry. However, today, it has become bigger in scale; almost, like we said, a state holiday for fans of the two teams.
Ohio State Favorites to Win the 2026 Game
The 2026 game will take place at the end of the regular season on November 28 at the Ohio Stadium (nicknamed the Horseshoe) in Columbus. The Buckeyes are the favorites for the college football championship, so it’s no surprise to see them backed as favorites in college football game lines with DraftKings for the 2026 matchup. Yet, with a rivalry so intense, betting lines tend not to matter so much. Anyone can win.
As you might expect, getting tickets for The Game is not always easy, even if the Horseshoe has a capacity of over 102,000 (It is the 3rd biggest stadium in US sports; Michigan’s stadium is the biggest, giving the Wolverines fans some extra bragging rights). Most tickets (for non-students) must be purchased through resale sites, which can add an extra premium. It’s not quite the level of the Super Bowl on price, but you would expect to pay several hundred dollars for a ticket.
Even if tickets are not available, making a trip to Columbus or Ann Arbor (when Michigan is the home team) is well worth it. Many events have sprung up to support The Game, making it like a festival in the days before and after the matchup. There is a carnival atmosphere in the air – you can almost sense the excitement building. It’s well worth the trip, offering a unique flavor of the American heartland and the tradition of college sports. There’s nothing quite like it.
