Ohio Stadium is perhaps the most recognizable building on Ohio State’s campus. Also known as “The Horseshoe” this is the stadium that The Ohio State football team plays their home games in. The stadium was built in 1922 because the previous stadium was to small to seat everyone who wanted to see the games. Originally built to seat 60,000 there were concerns that the stadium would never be full! Eventually the school made several renovations and the current capacity is now listed at 102,329.
Many people follow and treat Ohio State football religiously. If Ohio State football is a religion, then “The Horseshoe” is the cathedral in which the many faithful followers come to worship. On saturday’s during football season I often feel as if fans are attending their weekly religious session. The stadium contributes greatly to this feeling, but why? Is it the history? Is it the tradition? Is it the actual architecture? All of these things contribute. It could be the victory bell thats played after every win. It could be the rotunda and the columns that give the stadium a very Romanesque feel. Is it just the pure wave of sound that issues from the stadium on gameday. Or is it the traditional singing of "Carmen Ohio" after every game, win or lose? Whatever is it, It makes for the best game day experience in America. I don’t think anyone can answer the question. The only thing people can do is explain the feeling that they receive when they attend a Buckeye game with 105,000 other believers. Trust me, it’s a great feeling.
Aaron Stevenson
My favorite part of this is "If Ohio State football is a religion, the 'The Horseshoe' is the cathedral in which the many faithful followers come to worship." I've never thought about the Horseshoe like that. This blog really describes the Horseshoe and someone who has never been there could definitely picture its greatness. You make it sound like so much more than a football stadium, which to most OSU fans it is.
ReplyDeleteAaron,
ReplyDeleteI actually read your entry last night for some inspiration, and really liked how you arranged your response out to the prompt. Including background information/history that you acquired from an outside source made your entry interesting and informative. I learned things I never knew about a building that is in my backyard. I too feel that buckeye spirit, especially on Saturdays. It is an awesome feeling and an incredible structure. I can't believe they thought 60,000 seats would not be capable of being filled! That is crazy to believe after filling one of those now 102,329 seats myself. I liked your comparison of the Horseshoe to a cathedral. It was witty and true! I never thought of it like that, but you're right, people attend games like a religious weekend event. Great entry, and use of rhetorical questions! GO BUCKEYES!
The best part of this is the analogy that you used to compare The Shoe to a cathedral. I also like the use of rhetorical questions. The history behind of the structure was a nice touch also. Plus the picture is awesome. This would be a wonderful description for someone who has never seen The Horseshoe or maybe even a visually impaired individual.
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