The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff has been a success for Ohio State so far, but it has not come without its share of challenges—at least not for some of the Buckeyes’ dedicated fanbase. Ohio State, having advanced to the Cotton Bowl against the Texas Longhorns, is just one win away from securing a coveted spot in the national championship game. While the playoff system has allowed the Buckeyes to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the nation, a rather humorous mishap regarding playoff ticket purchases has highlighted the complexities of the system and the sometimes-unintended consequences for fans trying to catch the action live.
Ticket Mix-Up: The Ohio State Fans Who Went to the Wrong Game
During his coverage of the Nittany Lions’ Orange Bowl matchup against Notre Dame, Penn Live’s Johnny McGonigal shared a comical story of a few Buckeye fans who accidentally purchased tickets to the wrong game. While it’s not uncommon for sports fans to make such mistakes, the situation was made even more ironic by the fact that these Ohio State fans were heading to the wrong playoff venue altogether, thinking the Buckeyes would be playing in the Orange Bowl.
In a lighthearted post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), McGonigal detailed how he ran into a group of Ohio State supporters in the hotel elevator. “Just ran into Ohio State fans in the hotel elevator,” McGonigal tweeted, “They misread the bracket and thought Ohio State would play in the Orange Bowl. They’ll be at Penn State-Notre Dame tonight.” Clearly, these fans had made a mistake when reviewing the playoff bracket and had bought tickets for the wrong game.
The mix-up didn’t end there. In a follow-up tweet, McGonigal revealed that the Ohio State fans he encountered appeared to be students who were genuinely confused by the playoff system. “For those wondering, they looked like students,” he wrote. “Said they ‘misread the bracket.’ Didn’t say if they literally misread and booked or misread how it would play out, thinking OSU would play in the Orange Bowl, and booked weeks ago. Funny either way and stunned they didn’t sell.”
This mix-up, though lighthearted in nature, draws attention to the complexities and potential confusion that can arise when dealing with the expanded playoff system. The Buckeyes had their sights set on a semifinal appearance in the Cotton Bowl, but these fans somehow got caught up in the wrong game entirely. It’s a situation that’s likely to leave them with a funny (albeit expensive) story to tell, but it also illustrates the challenges fans face in keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of the College Football Playoff bracket.
High Ticket Prices: The Financial Burden of Attending Semifinal Games
For fans of any team making it to the College Football Playoff, attending a game in person can be an exciting but expensive endeavor. Ohio State fans are no strangers to shelling out significant amounts of money for the chance to see their team in action, especially when the Buckeyes are participating in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. However, with ticket prices for the semifinal games and national championship skyrocketing in recent weeks, it has become clear that attending the games can quickly turn into a financial burden for many fans.
As the games approached, ticket prices for the College Football Playoff semifinal games—and the eventual national championship—began to climb, with prices for certain tickets exceeding $1,000. With such high prices, fans were forced to carefully weigh the costs of attending the games in person. For those who already live in the cities hosting these games—whether it’s Ohio, California, Texas, or Georgia—attending a playoff game may not be as financially taxing. However, for out-of-state fans who have to travel, the costs become even more prohibitive. Travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and dining can add up, making the total investment in attending a game skyrocket.
Moreover, with the large-scale nature of the expanded playoff system, fans from all over the country are converging on these games, which only drives up the cost of attendance. The challenge of attending these high-stakes games is amplified for fans who want to ensure they are getting the best experience, including premium seating options or staying at hotels near the stadiums. The financial strain is evident, and for many, the idea of shelling out thousands of dollars to watch a single game may feel like a difficult decision.
The Timing of the Games: An Opportunity to Watch Live Without Missing a Beat
Despite the hefty price tag that comes with attending playoff games, the timing of these events offers some advantages for fans. Both the Cotton Bowl semifinal, where Ohio State faces Texas, and the Orange Bowl, which pits Penn State against Notre Dame, will kick off at the same time—7:30 p.m. ET—on Thursday and Friday, respectively. With the games scheduled in the evening, fans who want to attend both games—whether in person or via television—are not faced with overlapping conflicts.
This scheduling symmetry is advantageous for fans who want to see all the action without missing a single play. While it doesn’t solve the issue of high ticket prices or travel expenses, the scheduling of the games at the same time means fans can attend one game live and watch the other from the comfort of their homes or in nearby sports bars and restaurants. For the dedicated fanbase of teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Notre Dame, the timing of the games offers a chance to remain fully immersed in the college football action.
A Dilemma for Dedicated Fans: Invest in the Experience or Watch from Home?
The situation facing Ohio State fans (and fans of other teams) regarding ticket prices and travel expenses is not unique. While the opportunity to witness your team in the postseason is an unforgettable experience, the financial realities of attending these games are difficult to ignore. For some fans, the cost may simply be too much to justify, especially given the other expenses involved. For others, attending the games is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cheer for their team on the biggest stage, no matter the price tag.
Ultimately, it’s clear that the expanded College Football Playoff has brought about both exciting opportunities and logistical challenges for fans. While Ohio State and other teams have benefitted from the expanded playoff format by securing more opportunities to compete for the national title, dedicated fans have been left grappling with the financial reality of attending these games. The Ohio State fans who mistakenly bought tickets for the wrong game may have had a funny story to tell, but their situation also highlights the complexities that come with navigating the world of College Football Playoff tickets in 2025.
As for Ohio State’s fans still planning to attend the games in person, it’s clear that the passion for supporting the Buckeyes is unwavering. Despite the challenges and high costs, these fans remain dedicated, proving once again that the love for college football and the teams they support is truly priceless.
