If anybody wants it at Columbus, get Ohio State to make an 'offer they can't refuse' to host some state-semifinal games (similar to what Georgia does with their semifinals at the Georgia Dome).

But, 4000 fans in a 100,000 seat stadium is a horrible atmosphere. Then you have fans moving around from game to game, etc. The two-venue back-and-forth setup in 18k-22k stadiums less than a half hour apart are PERFECT.

One venue states with more than 4 titles (PIAA does not apply) have always bored me to tears watching. Wisconsin, Michigan, etc. Talk about centrally located, I'd hate to see your reaction if you lived in the U.P. of Michigan and your high school had to play all the way down in Detroit for a title game.

I've been to 9 title games now in Massillon/Canton (and countless other playoff games), and I've been to Ohio Stadium ONCE for an Ohio State game against Miami (OH) and even with 97,000+ in attendance the atmosphere was nill. The WPIAL's all day melee in Pittsburgh is just as bad.

Canton-Massillon, a perfect setup in an imperfect location.

Sykotyk

justcompete wrote: I wouldn't have a problem with Stark County if there were enough quality hotel rooms and safe neighborhoods. I think the games should be cycled from Cleveland Browns to Ohio Stadium to Paul Brown. The kids would much rather play at those sites. An 18 year old kid has no idea what the history of Massillon Paul Brown stadium is, and doesn't care. My son had the best time in his life playing in Massillon during a snow storm in his tennis shoes because of the POS turf they had up until 3-4 years ago.
Oh yea, the 4-5 cars parked around me really enjoyed replacing their slashed tires also.

Really regretable that a situation like you've described happened but that wouldn't or couldn't happen at any of the other sites mentioned?
These games need to be played on turf - no way you can have multiple games this time of the year on anything but turf?

Plus as far as accomodations - I've been going to these games for over 15 years in Stark County - never had an issue with getting a decent - clean room?

justcompete wrote: I wouldn't have a problem with Stark County if there were enough quality hotel rooms and safe neighborhoods. I think the games should be cycled from Cleveland Browns to Ohio Stadium to Paul Brown. The kids would much rather play at those sites. An 18 year old kid has no idea what the history of Massillon Paul Brown stadium is, and doesn't care. My son had the best time in his life playing in Massillon during a snow storm in his tennis shoes because of the POS turf they had up until 3-4 years ago.
Oh yea, the 4-5 cars parked around me really enjoyed replacing their slashed tires also.

Just gotta know where to stay.

Nippert Stadium would be a good place to host.

Columbus, where they should be plain and simple and should never have left. How would you northeastern Ohio football junkies like to drive down to Columbus for a change? Didn't think so. We went to Massilon a few years back for a playoff game and what an outdated pit.

Be Nice wrote: Columbus, where they should be plain and simple and should never have left. How would you northeastern Ohio football junkies like to drive down to Columbus for a change? Didn't think so. We went to Massilon a few years back for a playoff game and what an outdated pit.

My drive was from West of Findlay -- better than 2 hours until I recently moved 3 years ago.
So exactly where in central Ohio that is better than PBTS and Fawcett. Nothing in Central Ohio that would accomodate the crowds - or "fit" in 12-15k people in a stadium built for 100k++?

boater wrote:

Be Nice wrote: Columbus, where they should be plain and simple and should never have left. How would you northeastern Ohio football junkies like to drive down to Columbus for a change? Didn't think so. We went to Massilon a few years back for a playoff game and what an outdated pit.

My drive was from West of Findlay -- better than 2 hours until I recently moved 3 years ago.
So exactly where in central Ohio that is better than PBTS and Fawcett. Nothing in Central Ohio that would accomodate the crowds - or "fit" in 12-15k people in a stadium built for 100k++?

There are several colleges in Columbus. Doesn't have to be Ohio Stadium. Central location is logical.

ridgerunner88 wrote:

boater wrote:

Be Nice wrote: Columbus, where they should be plain and simple and should never have left. How would you northeastern Ohio football junkies like to drive down to Columbus for a change? Didn't think so. We went to Massilon a few years back for a playoff game and what an outdated pit.

My drive was from West of Findlay -- better than 2 hours until I recently moved 3 years ago.
So exactly where in central Ohio that is better than PBTS and Fawcett. Nothing in Central Ohio that would accomodate the crowds - or "fit" in 12-15k people in a stadium built for 100k++?

There are several colleges in Columbus. Doesn't have to be Ohio Stadium. Central location is logical.

What college in central ohio that has turf ? None that I'm aware of that again could hold a crowd? Or for that matter that has or is interested in bidding for this?

Three come to mind that could host a game. Crew stadium, Dublin Coffman, Ohio Wesleyan. Coffman being the smallest at 8500. Dominican plays football as well but I don't know what their field is like. Just saying there are multiple venues other than the Shoe. That being said, I think they are fine where they're at.

Dominican only holds 2300, Capitol holds 3000, obviously not big enough.

http://panthers.ohiodominican.edu/images/Panther%20Field.JPG

Grove City could hold some games.

http://www.otterbein.edu/athletics/Football/images/stadium_empty.jpg

wesleyan got turf in 06 and holds 9100.

Otterbein 5000.

Crew Stadium in Columbus would be great. Holds 20,000+ , but it is natural turf so that prob makes it 'out'.

Ohio Wesleyan, Upper Arlington HS (saw Davidson play there last week vs Coffman) and Dublin Coffman HS. More eating establishments and hotels/motels. When we went to Massilon a few years ago for a playoff game our hotel and by the way this was a name brand hotel had a truck on cynder blocks jacked up in back of it. Doubt if you would see that in Arlington/Dublin area.

I am not that far from Dublin but would not want the finals there.
The way they kill you by raising the prices at the concession stands stinks and getting out of games there is never easy.

I have been there for playoff games and it stinks.

Upper Arlington would be a very good location.

Keep them where they are now. Fans having the chance to go to the HALL OF FAME is priceless.

Keep them in Canton-Massillon. GREAT atmosphere for HS football. The shoe is a joke for a HS game.

Husky...Hall of Fame? Been there done that. That's the only great site to visit while up there. After a while it gets old. They do have a nice movie theater at Belden Village.

^Lambert....Were you the guy that charged us $10.00 to park in your yard a few years ago in Massilon during a playoff game?

Dave33 wrote: Crew Stadium in Columbus would be great. Holds 20,000+ , but it is natural turf so that prob makes it 'out'.

Seating Capactiy of Crew with the new stage is only 19,000.

As I have said before, Crew would not be eliminated because of natural surface because it is a manicured field that they grow all year round with heating units and covers. The Soccer game in January a few years back is a perfect example.... perfect field... not frozen or torn up.

Perhaps Ohio Weslyan and Crew could share it if OWU has turf.

Lambert- 58 wrote: Keep them in Canton-Massillon. GREAT atmosphere for HS football. The shoe is a joke for a HS game.

I think everyone agrees that Ohio Stadium would be a bad choice for these games. Too big. But Crew, UA, Dublin Coffman, Ohio Weslyan are all viable options.

newarkcatholicfan wrote: I am not that far from Dublin but would not want the finals there.
The way they kill you by raising the prices at the concession stands stinks and getting out of games there is never easy.

I have been there for playoff games and it stinks.

Upper Arlington would be a very good location.

I have to agree, the concession issue is a major strike against Coffman. Nice Stadium and facilities, but always shudder when you have to go to any of the Dublin's for playoff games because you can bet the concession stands will jack up the prices to gouge the attendees.


That is why I always prefer UA for playoff games over the Dublins.