Tailgating Again
This Year!
Walkers have told us that the Walk for Diabetes is a great opportunity to socialize with friends and family. This year, we have received permission to tailgate so that you can relax, enjoy, and have the snacks that your family prefers.
Pack your coolers and picnic baskets with those yummy family treats that can be enjoyed by all ages. Just in case, a reminder from the authorities: open-container and other laws regarding alcohol will be enforced, both on campus and off.
Entertainment
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., WBNS-10TV Anchors Angela An and Andy Hirsch will serve as event emcees, welcoming walkers to Ohio Stadium's south stands. Kids will enjoy inflatables, face painting, and games. Kroger will once again feed the walkers, which last year totaled nearly 6,000. Bring your autograph books in case you see Rufus the JDRF Bear or Pink Panthero!
Schedule of Events
9:00 - Walk Day kicks off with children's activities, registration, vendor exhibitions, and food donated by Kroger. Rufus the JDRF Bear will be there, too!
10:30 - Walk begins
11:15 - Walkers return to enjoy the festivities
- Kroger supplied hot dogs
- Velvet Ice Cream Treats
T-Shirt Submissions
Team T-Shirts to be condisered for the contest can be dropped off at the stage, unless you dropped them off at the JDRF office before walk day.
Directions
The OSU Stadium street address is 411 Woody Hayes Dr Columbus, OH 43210. For directions and the OSU campus map, refer to the OSU site by clicking here. The Walk to Cure Diabetes festivities will be set up on the south side of the stadium, at the South Stands.
Parking
Good news! For Walk participants, parking around the stadium will be free and won't require a permit. As that space fills, please note that garage parking is available at the Tuttle garage on the east side of the stadium. In addition, there are large lots north of the stadium at both St. John's and the French Field House.
Walk Route
The planning committee has designed the route to utilize the campus sidewalks as much as possible and to provide several pleasant areas for a rest stop, if needed. The route map marks the restrooms, rest stops and includes written directions. Please note that sometimes the route is along clearly marked streets and sometimes the route is not along streets at all but instead using the many sidewalks that connect the campus.
FAQs - Frequently
Asked Questions
- I need a meeting point for all my teammates. What do you suggest? Stadium gate numbers are marked above the openings into the stadium. Gates 31-36 are on the south side and some teams are meeting outside of a designated gate. If you are tailgating, you could also ask people to meet at your car.
- Why do I keep being asked to register early? This has many benefits. First of all, once you are registered, you have the online donation tool that friends and family can use to process credit card donations. Many people like the ease of using the online tool. Secondly, it provides the organizers a better indicator of the attendance to plan for so that services will accommodate the crowd.
- What is "Matching Funds" and why is it important? One of the best ways to make your donation dollars stretch is to use your employers Matching Gifts Program. Most large corporations have them and all have their own requirements for matching dollars.
- How can I learn about Corporate Matching Funds? Your company resources, the benefits department is the best source to advise you. If they have a matching plan, they will provide a form for you to give to JDRF. In addition, the JDRF national site provides the following list: http://www.matchinggifts.com/ob/ for more information.
- I live out of town and won't attend the walk. How can I donate funds for the Walk? Yes, it is easy to donate to the Walk. Our online system for donations can be reached at www.walk.jdrf.org. In addition, you may contact our office at 614-464-2873 for assistance.
