Tailgating New 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. 

Gates will open from 8:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for tailgaters. Please note that tents must not exceed 10 ft. x 20 ft. This is a great place for your family to gather.  

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 Heather Pick and Angela An will serve as event emcees, welcoming walkers to Ohio Stadium's south stands.  Participants will also be entertained with live music performed by The Staplers, a local band comprised of employees from Discover Financial Services.  Kids will enjoy inflatables, face painting, and games.  Kroger will once again feed the walkers, which last year totaled nearly 5,000.  Bring your autograph books in case you see some OSU Basketball players or Scooby Doo! 

Schedule of Events

8:00 - gates open for tailgaters set up

9:00 - Walk Day kicks off with Staplers Band music, children's activities, registration, Crimson Cup coffee, vendor exhibitions, and food donated by Kroger

10:30 - Walk begins with the 97.1 radio station van leading the way!

11:15 - Walkers return to enjoy the band and festivities

• Graeter’s Ice Cream treats
• Kroger supplied hot dogs, chips and fruit
• Children’s activities to include face painting, hair painting, and inflatables
• Exhibitors and information tables

11:45 - Heather Pick and Angela An announce winner of Most Creative T-shirt and name the individual who turned in the most money by September 26 and earned the Rick Nash jersey.

 

12:30 - Walk Day is a huge success & activities end

 1:00 - Tailgating lots close

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.   
Click here to see the route!       

Assistance at the
South Stands

• Medics will be available
• Information people will be dressed in traffic safety green with balloons

FAQs - Frequently
Asked Questions

1. 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.     
2. What if my walkers need medical attention? Two medics will be at the South Stands and the OSU hospital is less than a mile away.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Will classes be in session? Yes, Classes begin September 19th.
7. Where are the bathrooms? Restrooms will be open at the stadium south stands located at the start and finish. A port-a-potty will be available at the corner of 18th and College which is approximately at the half way mark of the route.
8. Why can't I get more t-shrts for my friends? T-shirts have been generously designed and donated by Abercrombie and Fitch to reward the walkers who collect over $100. Supplies are limited and we want to ensure that those who have earned the shirt, will receive one.
9. 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.
10. Will Paramount's Kings Island tickets be available this year?  Unfortunately, due to the change in ownership of Paramount’s Kings Island, they have decided not to participate as a local sponsor for the Columbus Walk to Cure Diabetes.  We thank Paramount’s Kings Island for their years of local support and thank them for their continuous support of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter.