Updated Media Advisory: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center staff to celebrate with 'Beat Xichigan' tailgate

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Media are invited to cover a “Beat Xichigan Tailgate” for employees of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday (11/22) at the Phyllis A. Jones Legacy Park across from The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 460 W. 12th Ave. 

 

The event is an expression of gratitude and the first major celebration for faculty and staff since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to join in the fun of Rivalry Week leading up to the big football game between Ohio State and TTUN at noon on Saturday. 

 

The medical center postponed a previously planned topping out ceremony to mark the installation of the final structural beams on the new inpatient hospital. Out of an abundance of caution, steel work has been temporarily paused on the project. On Monday morning, cracking was found in one concrete column. The cracking appears to be isolated and localized to one column, and there are more than 60 additional concrete or steel columns on each level of the structure. Based on an initial review from the structural engineer of record, at this time Ohio State has been advised that there is not a safety issue that impacts the remainder of the building. The structural engineer of record and an additional third-party engineer will further examine the site to determine when steel work and related construction can resume.

 

Interim Wexner Medical Center co-leaders Dr. Andrew Thomas and Jay Anderson will give brief remarks at noon during the tailgate party. The event will feature videos of past Buckeye-Michigan football games, along with tailgate-style snacks. Former Ohio State football player Zach Boren will sign pictures of him sacking a Michigan quarterback. 

 

In addition, Brutus and Buckeyes cheerleaders, as well as Shelly Graf – a former Ohio State drum major, will lead the crowd with cheers and singing “Carmen Ohio.” Buckeye Paws therapy dogs will mingle with the tailgaters.

 

Media should contact Eileen Scahill at Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu or 614-354-9660 to make arrangements to cover this event. 

 

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