5 things to do in Akron for New Year’s Eve, watch Ohio State football
It’s time to bid adieu to 2022.
But there’s still some unfinished business for Ohio State football fans.
A collision of epic proportions falls on New Year’s Eve, as those wanting to toast a year well lived and those wanting Ohio State to make the national championship are forced to compete.
There are plenty of things to do to celebrate the New Year and also catch the game.
Most bars and even some restaurants in Greater Akron are touting that you can do both as TV screens will not be tuned in to New York’s Times Square, but rather the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Here are five things football- or not-so-football-related to do on New Year’s Eve.
Akron Zoo’s wild party
You don’t have to wait until midnight to celebrate the new year.
And it’s also a chance to give your full attention to that pesky Ohio State football game.
The Akron’s Zoo Year’s Eve celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Year’s Eve.
The theme is outer space, and there will be a scavenger hunt with prizes. NASA research engineer Kerrigan Cain will speak from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in Komodo Kingdom Café. The zoo will host other activities and crafts with the ball drop at noon in the Celebration Plaza.
Watch Ohio State football in theater seats
Cinemark will be showing the big game on the big screen at some of its northern Ohio theaters.
The Ohio State game against Georgia will be shown in North Canton and also at the Valley View theater just south of Cleveland.
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You can spend the whole day at the theater, with the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl featuring Michigan vs. TCU at 4 p.m. and then Georgia vs. Ohio State at 8 p.m.
The only catch is you have to buy a $10 concessions package to watch the game.
Go ice skating in Akron
The Winterblast festivities continue in and around Akron’s Lock 3.
The ice rink in downtown Akron that includes ice bumper cars will be open on New Year’s Eve. The hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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There are several other outdoor ice rinks in Greater Akron including Cuyahoga Falls, Kent and Canton.
New Year’s at the library
The Akron-Summit County Public Library plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve early so kids can participate in the fun.
Noon Year’s Eve parties will be at the main library in downtown Akron and also at the Mogadore branch.
The Portage Lakes branch is throwing Lego bricks in the mix for its Noon Year’s Eve festivities.
Raise a sauerkraut ball
There’s nothing more Akron than sauerkraut balls.
And you don’t have to look far to find one.
These truly unique culinary delights that legend has it were invented in an Akron kitchen are found on the menu of many area restaurants and even some pizza shops.
These appetizers are so popular that places like Waterloo Restaurant have to bring in extra workers this time of year to turn out thousands of them.
Aside from filling your tummy, they might even bring some good luck for the new year.
Craig Webb, who plans on stressing out watching Ohio State football, can be reached at [email protected].
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