Folks, I'm settled in here at the Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.  This is a beautiful arena and it's beginning to fill up right now with the first fight about 30 minutes away.  I've survived the wet, slushy conditions earlier in the day and managed to find a parking spot despite the fact that UFC 68 is sharing Columbus this weekend with the Arnold Classic and the Ohio High School Wrestling Tournament.

Doors opened to the public at 7:30 p.m. EST.  The first undercard bout is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. EST.  The pay-per-view card goes live at 10 p.m. EST.

There is a lot of press here at the event -- 35 other members of the media Octagonside with me and more in an overflow room under the arena.

Early on, I'll be watching the crowd, looking for their reactions to various aspects of the fights.  Stay tuned for recaps of all the fights.  I'm here for the long haul.

Celebrity watch: Joe Rogan -- comedian and UFC commentator -- walked by press row around 7:40 p.m. and stopped to wave at some adoring fans in the stands.

Fun fact: Columbus is in the Eastern time zone, as is Detroit (which the Detroit airport public address system reminds you of on a very regular basis.)