“Fringe” Benefits By Jameson C. Rehm

Soccer’s now 18-team league. The league is growing by leaps and bounds, I love “fringe” sports. Variety is the spice of and with foreign soccer becoming more prevalent on American television, this is life, or so they say, and with the warm weather your chance to learn about the beautiful game while enjoying cool summer finally upon us, allow me to encourage you to evenings in friendly surroundings. The season runs from March -October, with partake of a few of the “fringe” sports teams Dollar Dog and Beer Nights (again not the animal, and I agree, this joke is Columbus has to offer. now lame), fireworks and, while not mentioned on the schedule, the Irish punk band Flogging Molly has been known to put on a concert after a game. Prices are a bit more expensive, ranging I’ll admit it. I’m that guy who shows gorgeous place to catch a game. The from $29-$35. off his sports knowledge not just by ticket prices are more than fair ($4.75 The final team is the ultimate in naming the Buckeyes starting offensive for lawn seats to $15.50 for lower level “fringe” sports, but is worth a look. line, but by explaining the differences sideline seats), and the level of The Roller Girls compete in the between Aussie Rules football and is actually pretty good for you snobs Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building in rugby at the same time. I love “fringe” out there. If you need a bit more than , that sport you’ve probably sports. Variety is the spice of life, or so the game to get you in the seats, they heard about, but didn’t know actually they say, and with the warm weather offer multiple Dime-a-Dog nights (the existed. Tickets are only $14, and the behind us, allow me to encourage you food, not the animal), fireworks and season runs from March - August. look forward to warmer days and something only known as the break That’s all I know about roller derby, partake of a few of the “fringe” sports dancing bat boy. I don’t know either. but I’ll see you there. teams Columbus has to offer. The season runs from April - September If you’d rather partake in a fringe The first team to check out is the and is a cheap, great way to get outside sporting event, as opposed to just baseball team, the Columbus Clippers. to enjoy the weather, while enjoying watch, Columbus offers the number Now I understand that baseball isn’t America’s national pastime. one sport of the Winter Olympics, exactly a “fringe” sport. But, minor Before I mention this second team, curling. Think shuffleboard on ice. league baseball is absolutely “fringe.” allow me to be completely forthcoming. Held in the numerous ice rinks around The Clippers are the AAA affiliate I’m a soccer fanatic. I took days off to Columbus, the Columbus Curling for the , which watch the World Cup. It’s an illness. Club offers lessons, leagues, and single basically means their team is stocked Therefore, I highly recommend driving event opportunities to become your with guys almost good enough to play to that stadium you pass all the time favorite Olympians and curl with your in the major leagues. The ballpark, on Route 71, with the picture of some friends. You can contact the Columbus Huntington Park, is located right worker guy in yellow, and check out Curling Club through their website behind and is a the . The Crew is one (www.columbuscurling.com) for more of the original teams in Major League information.

Jameson C. Rehm [email protected]

26 Winter 2015 Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly