COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Buckeyes are headed to California and many in Buckeye nation are ready to follow.

With a 10-2 record, the No. 6 Buckeyes will play in the 108th Rose Bowl Game against Pac-12 champion No. 11 Utah.

Buckeye fans will be boarding flights this holiday season. Becca Dance plans to start 2022 in Pasadena, California, watching the Buckeyes play in the Rose Bowl.

“My friend, my roommate and her family, we’re all going to go,” said Dance.

Ticket prices start at $185 for the New Year's Day game, but public tickets are no longer available through the Ohio State ticket office. Third-party ticket apps like Vivid Seats are selling tickets starting at $266 before taxes and fees. 

OSU fans will be grouped together along the west sidelines of the Rose Bowl stadium. 

Students and faculty may still purchase tickets through the OSU ticket office. Dance said she plans to bring her Buckeye spirit.

“It's so cool, because Buckeye fans are all over the nation,” said Dance. “I know that it will be just as fun and intense there as it would be in The Shoe.” 

It is Ohio State's 16th Rose Bowl appearance. The Ohio State Alumni Association is offering travel packages starting at around $2,300, but those interested must be an alumni member to purchase. 

Bryce Layman is a freshman at Ohio State and attended all of the Buckeyes’ home games.

“I’ve been a Buckeye fan my whole life, and I've loved watching them,” Layman said.

He said he doesn’t plan on traveling to California, but is excited to see some Buckeyes play one last time.

“I'm excited to see the seniors play their last game,” said Layman. “Chris Olave, Master Teague and unfortunately, I think it’ll be the last time we see Garrett Wilson in a Buckeyes uniform, but I'm excited to watch them play one last time.”

Everyone attending the game will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of the event. Masks will be required no matter vaccination status.

While some Ohio State fans will be cheering the Buckeyes on in person, Natalie Thomas plans to be with the team in spirit.

“I'll probably be down here watching it at a bar or something with my friends,” said Thomas. “I'm hoping that next year that we’re just better right off the bat. Obviously, we just had that loss at the beginning that wasn’t great for us, but mostly just a win from Michigan next year.” 

While the public may no longer purchase tickets through the Ohio State ticketing office, various travel agencies are offering packages for the game.