The heart of Columbus is about to go scarlet and gray this Sunday as Ohio State University's football team gets ready to celebrate their just taken home victory over Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Celebration events at iconic Ohio Stadium, otherwise affectionately called "The Horseshoe," are set for noon.

Public and free, the gates will open at 10:30 a.m. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis around Ohio Stadium, St. John Arena and the Schottenstein Center. The fans bundled up against the expected winter chill but high in spirits, will take part in celebration of the ninth national championship.

The event will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network for those viewers nationwide and on 10TV for those locally so that those who cannot make it to the event in person can join in the celebration. Ohio State's Athletic Director Ross Bjork will emcee, with scheduled speeches from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Ohio State President Ted Carter, head coach Ryan Day, and select players from the championship squad.

The atmosphere promises to be electric with fans certain to chant the Buckeyes' rallying cry of "O-H," "I-O," echoing in the stadium. Ohio Stadium, in which many defining moments occurred for this season, would once again bear witness to an unforgettable instance in Ohio State's storied football history. It will celebrate the story of this team, from its regular season loss to Michigan that called into question the direction of the team and the job security of Coach Day, to the triumphant march through the playoffs en route to the title.

Among the senior day recognitions will be one for quarterback Will Howard, whose performance in the championship game turned out to be pivotal. His 56-yard completion to freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith in the fourth quarter will be replayed to deafening cheers from the fans. The presence of players like Howard, defensive end Jack Sawyer, and others who have pledged to return for the celebration despite their looming NFL Draft decisions will drive home the camaraderie and cohesion that carried the team to victory.

It also serves unofficially to tee up the Ohio State recruiting season since many of the top prospects will be in attendance to experience the passion and tradition that is Buckeye football. A time, not only to remember past successes, but to get a glimpse of the hoped-for future in Ohio State football.

There will be concessions, but few and well thought out, to offer fans things that warm them up, such as water, hot chocolate, and coffee-since it will be a slight chance of precipitation. The cold does not stand a chance this Saturday against Ohio State spirit. That is the statement of the Ohio State fans who are loyal and dedicated to their team, no matter the weather.

All in all, Sunday's Ohio Stadium celebration of the championship will little more than be a show-and-tell but a collective appearance of Buckeye Nation, celebrating not only a championship but resiliency, team, and spirit that is Ohio State football. It'll be one day to appreciate the highs and lows of this past season, setting up the stage for what many hope is another chapter of success in the coming years.