The Buckeyes are on at Cedar Point

Friday, 29 September 2006

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Cedar Point wants Buckeye fans in the park on Saturday.

No excuses.

For the first time ever, Cedar Point is broadcasting a football game on the park's giant outdoor screen.

The motivation behind breaking out the 50-by-72-foot-tall screen in the fall -- when it's reserved for the Hot Summer Lights show in the warmer months -- is obvious to football fans.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, 3-0 and ranked No. 1 in the country, are playing against Iowa, 4-0, and ranked No. 13. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.

"We know it is a big game between two nationally-ranked teams," said Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards.

It's no longer an excuse for dads who say they can't come to Cedar Point because the game is on, Edwards said.

The game will play on the screen located between the Iron Dragon and WildCat roller coasters. Chairs will be set out for football fans. Hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks can be purchased nearby.

"We aren't sure if we will do this again. It depends on the popularity," Edwards said. "This is just special."

A few years ago, Cedar Point opened Game Day Grille, located by the Blue Streak roller coaster. Sports enthusiasts can also catch the game there Saturday.

In fact, big and small televisions were added to the former saloon when it opened as the Game Day Grille, because guests, especially men, like to stop in and watch sports during their day at Cedar Point.

Edwards said Saturday's big-screen event doesn't have to coincide with a visit to Cedar Point, either. Those who want to catch the game on the park's giant screen could come to the park in the evening specifically for the game. The cost of a Starlight ticket, good from 5 p.m. to midnight, is $24.95.

Edwards said there will be security in the area during the game, but he doesn't expect too much trouble.

"There might be a few Iowa fans in the park on Saturday," Edwards said, laughing.

FunCoast.com is your online guide to summer fun for Cedar Point, the LakeErie Islands and Sandusky area. Our site offers up-to-date information on area attractions, restaurants, hotels, gasoline prices, ferry schedules, swimming, birding and fishing, along with a complete listing of events happening in the Sandusky/Cedar Point area. To use our Webcam and zoom in on Cedar Point's rollercoasters, go to http://funcam.funcoast.com

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