Buckeyes Back at the Princess – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 3, 2007
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For the fourth time in the last five years, the Buckeyes are back at the Princess.
The Ohio State football team, coaches, support staff and official travel party checked into the Fairmont Princess Resort and Spa Tuesday in Scottsdale, Ariz., a northeast suburb of Phoenix. There, No. 1-ranked Ohio State has up base camp in preparation for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game Monday night against No. 2 Florida at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
It is the same resort the Buckeyes have called home in their last three trips to the Valley of the Sun and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl – all Ohio State wins.
“Ohio State has just been the most incredible group of people to work with,” Patty Peppin-Benner, sales manager for the Princess, said. “They are like family and there is no question the folks with Ohio State are just special people. After four years, I know them personally now, so that just adds to the whole experience for them and for us here at the Princess.”
For the players and coaches, Tuesday marked their second move-in day of the bowl trip after a four-day stay at a nearby hotel. The Radisson at Fort McDowell served as the Buckeyes’ home since arriving to the area Friday. Ohio State needed to wait until Tuesday for the Princess to become available after the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale Monday night.
“The Princess is an immaculate place,” Tim Schafer, senior offensive lineman, said. “The scenery is beautiful. We’re all so glad to be back here. For us fifth year seniors, this is our fourth time being here and there is no where else we’d rather be for our last time around.”
The Princess is an all-inclusive resort that includes five heated pools, six restaurants, a world-class day spa and 651 guest rooms, including 119 Casitas, 16 Master Suites and two Presidential Suites. Located next to the Princess are two TPC golf courses.