Ohio State fans making plans to follow team in the playoffs

The second-ranked Buckeyes are one of the hottest teams in the country, and they’re a hot ticket for fans who want to see them face Clemson in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State fans have some options to follow the team to Arizona. The alumni association is offering tour packages to Ohio State graduates, previous travelers and President’s Club members. The PlayStation Fiesta Bowl packages include chartered airfare, hotel accommodations, game tickets and access to alumni association-sponsored events.

Debbie Vargo, director of alumni tours, said more than 200 alumni have already signed up. This will be the 51st year the alumni association has escorted alumni to a bowl game.

The bowl package includes three nights at the Mountain Shadow Resort in Scottsdale. The tour leaves Thursday, Dec. 26, and returns Sunday, Dec. 29.

Reserved game tickets will be in the designated Ohio State section. The location of alumni tour seating is determined by the university athletic ticket office.

Ohio State alumni won’t be alone on the trip out west. The Office of Student Life is offering a three-night tour Dec. 26-29.

The bowl package is offered to currently enrolled students, Ohio State faculty and staff members, and parents of Ohio State students. The package that includes airfare is sold out but a deal that includes hotel, tickets and events is still available.

Those signing up for the Student Life tour will stay in the Scott Resort and Spa in downtown Scottsdale. Buckeye fans have already shown they are excited to follow this team on the road. The university quickly sold out of its allotment of more than 11,000 tickets to the Big Ten Championship game last week. An overwhelming number of Ohio State fans watched the football team win a record third-straight championship game.

For details on registration, pricing and availability, go to the Ohio State Alumni Association or Office of Student Life bowl pages.