Holiday Inn Checks Out

NBC 4: An Ohio State campus area institution will close its doors Monday afternoon. After 36 years of hosting potential students, cancer patients and the infamous Hineygate, the Holiday Inn on Lane is in its last weekend…

Fred Harris walks the reception area at the hotel as general manager for the last 35 years. For Harris, the final weekend is bittersweet. “We’ve made countless friends, long-lasting relationships that will go on long past the passing of the Holiday Inn,“ Harris said.

Home to the Hineygate since its inception 26 years ago, the Holiday Inn has hosted OSU fans every home game. Martin Sims runs the food and beverage department of the tailgate and remembers the meeting that gave birth to the popular pregame party and the good it has done for Central Ohio charities. “We’ve donated tens of thousands, no hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities here in Columbus. So in addition to having a great time, kids benefit from it, too,“ Sims said.

With the state high school basketball playoffs this weekend, young men and their families will be the last overnight guests at the hotel. The hotel closes at 2 p.m. Monday. When it opens again, OSU students will call it home, bringing to new memories to a building loaded with history.