Not long ago, a driver passing by the Schottenstein Center on Lane Ave. on the eve of a big Buckeye basketball game would be treated to the sight of a small village of brightly colored nylon inhabiting the sidewalks outside Ohio State's home arena.
Rain, sleet, snow or shine, students would pitch tents in Mattaritaville — named affectionately after the now-former Ohio State head coach — for what was sometimes multiple nights before a game to ensure themselves front-row, courtside tickets in the NutHouse student section.
The tents first arrived during the 2011-12 season when the Buckeyes hosted Duke.