You’ve scored tickets to one of the biggest concerts hitting Columbus this summer. Now it’s time to find the best bars near Ohio Stadium and The Schottenstein Center to make a full night of it.
Columbus has no shortage of great bars within walking distance of both Ohio Stadium (The Shoe) and The Schottenstein Center. Whether you’re looking to grab a drink, split some food with your crew, or just soak up the pre-show energy, knowing where to go ahead of time helps your plans run smoothly.
Read Next: The 8 Best Ohio State Bars
We’re located at 222 W. Lane Ave., right next to Victory Lap Columbus and less than a mile from both venues. Pro-tip: Victory Lap Columbus offers free parking validation to their guests.
Upcoming Concerts at OHio stadium and The Schottenstein Center in Columbus (2026)
Before we get into the bars, here’s what’s coming to both venues so you can start planning ahead:
Ohio Stadium / The Shoe – 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
- Bruno Mars — Wednesday, May 20
- Buckeye Country Superfest (Tyler Childers, The Red Clay Strays & more) — Saturday, June 13
- AC/DC — Wednesday, July 15
Schottenstein Center – 555 Borror Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
- Megan Moroney — Friday, May 29
- Josh Groban — Wednesday, June 24
- Lionel Richie / Earth, Wind & Fire — Saturday, June 27
- Thomas Rhett — Friday, September 11
Got your show on the list? Keep reading to know exactly where to go before the doors open.
1. Victory Lap Columbus — Best Overall Pregame bar
Distance from The Shoe: 0.5 miles / 12-minute walk
Distance from Schottenstein Center: 0.6 miles / 14-minute walk
Address: 200 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
If you’re looking for the best place to pregame a concert in Columbus, Victory Lap Columbus is the place to be. Located on Lane Avenue just steps from Ohio State’s campus, Victory Lap is a 12-minute walk from The Shoe and a 14-minute walk from the Schottenstein Center, meaning you can walk straight to the venue after your last round without worrying about parking, Ubers, or logistics. Inside, you’ll find wall-to-wall TVs, a high-energy atmosphere, and some of the best drink specials in the neighborhood.
Parking validation is also available to Victory Lap bar-goers.
Weekly Specials (Summer 2026):
- Daily: $3 VL lager draft
- Tuesday: $3 margaritas, $3 tequila, $3.50 pizza slices from 7PM
- Wednesday: $3 domestic beers, $4 draft beers, 6 for $10 Wing Wednesday
- Thursday: $4 wells, $5 pint and slice special 4–8PM
- Friday: $12 liquor pitchers, $5 pint and slice special 4–8PM, $9 VL lager pitchers
- Saturday: $14 beer or mimosa pitchers, $12 liquor pitchers, $9 VL lager pitchers
Follow along at @victorylapcolumbus for updates on events and specials.
2. The O on Lane
Photo courtesy of The O on Lane.
Distance from The Shoe: 0.2 miles / 4-minute walk
Distance from The Schottenstein Center: 0.4 miles / 10-minute walk
Address: 1615 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
The O on Lane is located directly north of Ohio Stadium, practically in the shadow of the horseshoe. They have an expansive menu, including appetizers, wings, quesadillas, pizza, and more. Pro-tip: for major concerts, it gets packed fast, so arrive early.
3. Varsity Club Restaurant & Bar
Photo courtesy of the Varsity Club Restaurant and Bar.
Distance from The Shoe: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
Distance from The Schottenstein Center: 0.5 miles / 12-minute walk
Address: 278 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
A Columbus institution for over 66 years, Varsity Club is one of the great pregame bars near Ohio State. On a big concert night, you can hear the buzz from The Shoe before your first drink is finished. Solid burgers, cold beer, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time.
4. The Thirsty Scholar
Distance from The Shoe: 0.5 miles / 12-minute walk
Distance from Schottenstein Center: 0.7 miles / 16-minute walk
Address: 2201 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
The Thirsty Scholar has been a staple near Ohio State’s campus for decades. It’s the kind of neighborhood dive that welcomes first-timers and regulars alike. Reviewers have specifically called it out as a go-to before concerts at the Schottenstein Center — so you’re in good company if you make it your pregame stop.
5. The Library Bar
Distance from The Shoe: 0.8 miles / 19-minute walk
Distance from Schottenstein Center: 1 mile / 20-minute walk
Address: 2169 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Nestled at the biggest intersection on Ohio State’s campus at Lane and High, The Library Bar has been a cornerstone of the bar scene since 1971. Some of the students drinking here today likely have parents who sat at the same cedar wood bar during their time at OSU. Ice-cold drinks, darts, pool, a multi-story layout with outdoor seating, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time before a big night.
Tips for Pregaming Concerts at The Shoe and the Schottenstein Center
Walk when you can. Both venues are within easy walking distance of Lane Avenue. Avoid the concert parking fees, expensive rideshares, and no scrambling to get back after the show. Victory Lap to The Shoe is 12 minutes on foot.
Get there early. On big concert nights, every bar near campus fills up quickly. Arriving 90 minutes before doors open gives you time to enjoy your pregame rather than fight for a spot in line.
Eat before you go in. Stadium and arena food can be expensive and the lines are long. Grab a slice at Side Piece Pies.
Check drink specials ahead of time. Victory Lap runs specials nearly every day of the week. Check out what’s on offer on the night of your concert before you arrive and tell your friends!
Parking for Concerts at The Shoe and Schottenstein Center
Ohio Stadium / The Shoe: Ohio State’s official concert parking information can be found at here. You’ll find pre-purchase parking options named “Concert Parking Permits” across multiple lots. All other parking spaces are sold the day of show on a first come, first serve basis only, starting at $30/vehicle.
Schottenstein Center: Full parking and directions information for events at The Schottenstein Center can be found here.
Our parking recommendation: Park near Lane Avenue and walk. Victory Lap Columbus also offers free parking for their guests. Park in the Rambler Columbus garage, located directly behind Rambler, with the entrance on W Norwich Avenue. Ask a team member inside if you have any questions. Directions to the Rambler Columbus garage can be found here.
Your Next Concert Night Starts on Lane Avenue
Location is everything when it comes to pregaming concerts at The Shoe or the Schottenstein Center. The bars on this list put you close to the action and out of the parking chaos that derails too many concert nights before they even start.
Check out the full Victory Lap Columbus experience at victorylapbar.com/columbus and follow them on social at @victorylapcolumbus.
And if you’re thinking about living within walking distance of The Shoe, the Schottenstein Center, and everything else Lane Avenue has to offer, get in touch with the Rambler Columbus leasing team. We’d love to show you around.
