OT: Arnold Classic, Columbus Ohio
February 27th, 2014 at 1:11 AM ^
I know multiple people he have come down or even live there where something had happened either because of something on the outside of the vehicle or even something UM related on the inside that was visible. You may get lucky though.
If you need any good places for food or anything in the area, let me know...
February 27th, 2014 at 1:21 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 1:31 AM ^
Downtown is pretty decent and some good places for food and a beer if you drink. Also if you have the time and haven't been, drive by the horse shoe and take a look. It's only 10-15mins away from where you will be.
February 27th, 2014 at 1:39 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 1:50 PM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 8:55 AM ^
Be wary of someone who tries to make their point with some version of "if anyone says anything different, they dont know what they are talking about," rather than stating facts or logical arguments.
You will be fine. Be confident, but dont be a douche. Dont wear some meathead UM t-shirt that is 3 sizes too small to show off your guns. Just be a normal, respectful guy. Represent the university well, and people will treat you with respect and courtesy.
February 27th, 2014 at 11:51 AM ^
You, sir, are correct. I've lived in Columbus for 7+ years, have worked on campus, and it's pretty well known that I am a Michigan fan. I wear Michigan gear once every week or two. I think there has been only one occasion where a situation has gotten out of line. Be respectful, and you will be treated with respect type stuff. Expect some ribbing, but don't expect to be hit with piss bottles or something stupid like that. It's more civil down here than is being reported.
Michigan fans are everywhere in Columbus. It's not uncommon to see Michigan flags as you drive around town. None of the cars or houses appear speckled with poo, either.
February 27th, 2014 at 1:34 PM ^
Why would you consciously choose to live in C-bus and work there, especially as an M fan? 284562,34342,34553,5532343 other places to live and work in the world that are preferable.
February 27th, 2014 at 1:45 PM ^
Just stating what I've seen and know. Sure lots of people have never had anything happen, but you're still taking a chance. I had to take my alumni association sticker off my car because it was keyed. It was just a small sticker on the back side window.
The rest of the stuff I've seen all happened to people I know personally and not stupid made up internet lore. Why insult me for sharing my view?
February 27th, 2014 at 3:38 PM ^
Wow, it might just be over-reactions like this that lead you to feel like a UM fan is in such danger in Columbus. Blanket statements like "anyone who does not agree with me does not know what they are talking about" lack in logic, and are not the basis for a productive discussion. I can see how you get yourself into trouble down there. As many responses in the thread demonstrate, there are in fact many people who do not agree with you and who do know what they are talking about.
I'm sorry that someone pointing out that you and the OP need to be open to different sides of an issue is a personal attack to you. You will indeed have a tough time anywhere when taking things so personally.
February 27th, 2014 at 5:45 PM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 9:20 AM ^
Lived in Columbus for most of my life and i never had a problem with any of my stuff being vandalized because it had Michigan items in it, on it or around it. I'm sure there is a possibility since people can be stupid. I'm sure there are a few dumb buckeye fans who are a 6 pack away from rampaging on some poor Michigan bumper sticker but over all the chances are minimal. At the Arnold Classic you tend to get people from all over the US. I wouldn't be worried
February 27th, 2014 at 2:45 AM ^
I've lived down here for eight years without a single incident. That stuff is way overblown. Honestly, I believe it's mostly made up.
February 27th, 2014 at 7:02 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:09 AM ^
The car will be fine, enjoy the event.
February 27th, 2014 at 8:38 AM ^
I live in Columbus and have for the past 5 years. I wear Michigan stuff everywhere, and have never had a problem. I've had maybe 1 or 2 instances of someone joking that they are going to charge me more for something because of my shirt, but that's the worst I've ever gotten.
The best comeback, I've learned, is to just ask them what year they graduated from Ohio State, and watch them reply awkwardly that they never went to school there.
February 27th, 2014 at 8:40 AM ^
That's pretty dickish to ask a cashier trying to be friendly with you.
February 27th, 2014 at 9:24 AM ^
it's not impossible that the cashier didn't go to OSU. What would really be funny if they replied "Class of 98 bitches, OH"! Least it was funny that way in my head
February 27th, 2014 at 11:30 AM ^
What are you? An msu fan?
February 27th, 2014 at 1:12 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 1:18 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 1:29 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 1:18 AM ^
You'd probably be alright but I wouldn't risk it.
February 27th, 2014 at 1:28 AM ^
If you are parking near the convention center it is a very safe area filled with young professionals. The convention center is located on the edge of the arena district and the short north, both of which are very nice areas that have little to no vandalism. My parents have parked their car, which has a personalised UM license plate on it, numerous times and have never had a problem You can buy a parking pass near the convention center in one of the arena district parking garages. Use this link:
http://arenadistrictparking.clickandpark.com/
It may seem expensive, but it is safe.
I will say that if you happen to park on/near campus and it would stay there over night when students are drinking that anything could happen. Also, what type of UM stuff? A sticker on the back windshield? adecorative license plate cover? a flag in your back window?
February 27th, 2014 at 1:32 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 1:31 AM ^
Do you even lift?
February 27th, 2014 at 1:37 AM ^
If you are worried and really want to save on gas money just take off the license plate cover(s) and cover the sticker with some gray duct tape. It'll take you 5 minutes and no one will ever be curious about the duct tape unless the sticker you have is the size of your rear windshield.
February 27th, 2014 at 1:51 AM ^
I can almost guarantee it. I was born at St. Joes in Ann Arbor, family moved here when I was 4 months old...never had a problem and every singe one of our cars is plastered with UM stuff. If your car gets vandalized it is due to the fact that place the convention is held is right next to "The Bottoms," probably the worst area in the city. I can almost assure you that people from the area walk the lots looking for cars to break into, whether or not they succeed I cannot say. I would take all valuables out of your vehicles, or put them well out of sight.
I will say, other than the constant draft of suckeye unintelligence that runs through the city...I love Columbus. Probably the cleanest city and one of the most friendly cities out of all the others I have visited. You may get a little harassment by an ohio fan if you wear some UM gear, but unless they are one of the rabid morons it will be all in good fun.
February 27th, 2014 at 2:33 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 6:50 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:09 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:28 AM ^
the only good thing to ever come out of Columbus (well, and Trey Burke, and a few other players)
February 27th, 2014 at 7:54 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:33 AM ^
Have fun!
Seriously, I wouldnt worry about it. I am at OSU for medical school and my wife and I have not had any problems related to michigan since we moved here three years ago. However, if you leave your wallet/anything valuable in the open obviously you're leaving yourself open to have a bad night. But even then its a slim chance something happens.
If you want any food reccomendations, I'd be happy to give some. Enjoy the Arnold and take your time. Too many people rush through it for the supplements that they don't realy enjoy the experience.
If you want to get to the ON or Bodybuilding.com Booths....get there early and make a dash straight to them because the lines get very loooooooooooooooooong.
February 27th, 2014 at 9:19 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:39 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:43 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 7:50 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 8:26 AM ^
Both UM alum. She used to stress out when my car laden with block M's would be left out on the street, but nothing ever happened. Only occasional snide remarks from neighbors. This was in the 90's when we repeatedly steamrolled over highly ranked John Cooper teams, so maybe that had something to do with my vehicle leaving C-bus unscathed. I've gone there over 20-30 times with nothing horrible happening.
February 27th, 2014 at 8:37 AM ^
I think you should at least wear a Charlie Bauman jersey to the show and around ColumbASS.
February 27th, 2014 at 8:41 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 8:43 AM ^
I taught at OSU for a semester last year and parked on campus. Worst I got was the occasional "UM SUX" or "GO BUCKS" written in the dust layer of my car / windshield. I have actually had more problems at the Columbus airport parking lots or gas stations with dickheads yelling stuff to me than vandalism to my car. Signature block story not withstanding.
February 27th, 2014 at 8:45 AM ^
Nothing will happen to your car. Just don't be cheap when you park - it's going to be a mess in that area this weekend so if you see a lot charging $20 just take it. The convention center is nowhere near any of the bad areas of Columbus. If you have any desire to eat dinner make sure you get a reservation - try "Knead" right accross the street.
And if you want Jeni's just walk three blocks north on High Street - no need to go to Easton mall.
February 27th, 2014 at 8:52 AM ^
I go down there and attend something at the convention center around mid to late January every year and I've never had a problem.
Especially when you're there for an event at the convention center, most of the people around you aren't from around town anyway and probably aren't OSU crazies. Obviously there is always some risk, but I'd say its pretty low; no more likely to happen than if you drove around any other Big Ten town with Michigan stuff.
I think most of the stories that go around come from football games. When I go down there for The Game, I am extra careful, because all the crazies ARE in town at that point and you are going right into the eye of the storm. For that you would want to take every necessary precaution and avoid any unnecessary risk, but for a convention, you'll be fine.
February 27th, 2014 at 9:00 AM ^
Short North, good pubs and good food.
February 27th, 2014 at 9:01 AM ^
February 27th, 2014 at 9:07 AM ^
and I read above that you're going to bite the bullet and drive the fiance's car, which is the safest option. I've been to C-bus enough times, sporting UM gear and not had any problems but all it takes is one asshole to ruin an otherwise fun trip.
Short story: I went there last summer for a charity golf tournament my wife's family plays in every year and it was right around the time of all the ohio players getting arrested for fights in bars and such. I wore my Maize and Blue proudly and when I got some hell for it from a number of people, my standard response was "I wore this so no one would mistake me as an ohio football player and arrest me." Most took it well, though.
February 27th, 2014 at 9:18 AM ^
I've lived in Columbus for the past 9 years, and for the most part, it is good natured ribbing. However, I would never put anything on my car or wear Michigan gear to a restaurant. Aside from drunks flexing for their boys, anyone that would do something dispicable wouldn't do it to your face. Like I said, most people are cool, but it only takes one coward to key a car or put some "fromunda" cheese on your steak. That being said, the Convention Center and Arena district is a great place to hang out. The Arnold is a cool event and great for people watching. Be sure to check out the North Market and tsio campus is a short drive up High Street if you want to see what people not smart enough to get into Michigan look like. Go Blue and keep Louisville weird!
February 27th, 2014 at 9:28 AM ^
I've lived in Columbus my whole life and I'd say you should be alright. You'll be in the downtown/Arean district/Short North area. There are a lot of great restaurants and little art galleries in the Short Nort. Not to mention the Norht Market as mentioned above. Good food and bars in the Areana district. If you are a hockey fan there is a good hockey bar there that my friend owns called the R-Bar (shameless plug). Just north of there is the osu campus, so I would try to avoid that. I've never been to the Arnold Classic but I'm sure with all the people coming in from all over, wearing your Michigan stuff you'll be fine. I wear mine all over and no one really says anything. Can't say the same holds true once some of the schmucks get some alcohol in them. But I'm sure that holds true most places. Also, since it's not football season, most of the people just don't care especially since they are fairweather basketball fans. It's really not a bad city if you exclude osu. Hope you enjoy yourself.