Ohio loves sports, so it’s no surprise there are iconic stadiums and sports venues within driving distance of downtown Delaware, OH. There’s college football and NHL hockey in nearby Columbus, PGA golf down the road in Dublin, and last but not least, a hometown college arena with an iconic name on the gate. No time to waste if you’re a sports fan, so let’s drive!
The Ohio Stadium
Also known as “the Shoe” because of its iconic horseshoe shape, the Ohio Stadium is the home field for one of the nation’s best-known college football teams, The Ohio State Buckeyes. About 22 miles and 31 minutes south of downtown Delaware at 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, the Shoe has been a mainstay for Buckeye football fans since the first home game against Ohio Wesleyan in 1922 (more about Wesleyan later).
The Shoe’s home-game capacity of 102,780 makes it the nation’s fourth-largest on-campus facility. From tailgating outside to the cheering inside, the game day atmosphere at the Shoe is nothing short of electric! Given a chance, don’t miss the pageantry and tradition that envelops Ohio Stadium on Saturdays from September to November.
Nationwide Arena
Also in Columbus, Nationwide Arena is a multipurpose indoor arena located at 200 West Nationwide Boulevard, where it hosts the home games of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets. Your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s navigation system will direct you almost 25 miles and 33 minutes due south via OH-315 S to reach the Arena.
The Blue Jackets, an NFL expansion team founded in 2000, has had limited success in terms of reaching the playoffs but enjoys the enthusiastic support of a loyal fan base, including those who make the trip to Columbus from Delaware to rub shoulders with up to 18,500 other hockey fans.
Muirfield Village Golf Club
About 17 miles and 25 minutes south of Delaware, the Muirfield Village Golf Club hosts the PGA’s annual Memorial Tournament, traditionally played over the Memorial Day weekend. Founded by Jack Nicklaus in 1976, the tournament attracts the world’s top golfers and is played on a challenging course designed by Nicklaus himself, making it one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour.
Branch Rickey Arena
Delaware, Ohio is home to Ohio Wesleyan University and Branch Rickey Arena, a 2,300-seat arena at 105 S Sandusky St. It opened in 1976 and is named after Branch Rickey, an Ohio Wesleyan alumnus (Class of 1904) best known for managing the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he recruited Jackie Robinson to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier in the 1940s.
No matter your preferred sport, there’s a local gathering spot to enjoy a game with fellow enthusiasts! Make plans with family and friends to catch a game, then grab your tickets and head on out for some fun!
Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
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