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Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium
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Ohio Stadium is an American football stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on the campus of Ohio State University. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and is also the site for the university's Spring Commencement ceremonies each May. Common nicknames for the stadium include "The Horseshoe", "The Shoe", and "The House That Harley Built".

Key Information

From 1996 to 1998, Ohio Stadium was the home venue for the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer prior to the opening of Columbus Crew Stadium in 1999. The stadium also was the home venue for the OSU track and field teams from 1923 to 2001. In addition to athletics, Ohio Stadium is also a concert venue, with U2, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Metallica among the many acts to have played at the venue.

The stadium opened in 1922 as a replacement for Ohio Field and had a seating capacity of 66,210. In 1923, a cinder running track was added that was later upgraded to an all-weather track. Seating capacity gradually increased over the years and reached a total of 91,470 possible spectators in 1991. Beginning in 2000, the stadium was renovated and expanded in several phases, removing the track and adding additional seating, which raised the capacity to 101,568 by 2001 and to 102,329 in 2007. In 2014, additional seating was added in the end zone, raising the official capacity to 104,944. Another renovation to add more luxury suites began in 2017 and will eventually lead to a decrease of 2,600 seats. It is the largest stadium by capacity in the state of Ohio, and the third largest on-campus football stadium in the United States. Ohio Stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.[3]

Construction

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Ohio Stadium near the end of construction

As early as 1913, Ohio Field at High Street and Woodruff Avenue was unable to contain the crowds attracted to many Buckeye home football games. This led to faculty discussion of moving the site elsewhere and building a new facility. The growing popularity of football in Ohio led to the design of a horseshoe-shaped stadium, conceptualized and designed by architect Howard Dwight Smith in 1918. A public-subscription Stadium Campaign to fund the project began in October 1920 and raised over $1.1 million in pledges by January 1921, of which $975,001 were actually honored. [4]

The stadium was built in 1922 by E. H. Latham Company of Columbus, with materials and labor from the Marble Cliff Quarry Co. at a construction cost of $1.34 million and a total cost of $1.49 million. The stadium's original capacity was 66,210. Upon completion, it was the largest poured concrete structure in the world. Many university officials feared that the stadium would never be filled to capacity.[4]

Smith employed numerous revolutionary architectural techniques while building the stadium. At the base is a slurry wall to keep out the waters from the Olentangy River; the stadium rests on the flood plain. Instead of building a large bowl like the previously constructed Yale Bowl, Ohio Stadium was designed to have an upper deck that would hang over part of the lower deck, giving Ohio Stadium its "A", "B", and "C" decks. Instead of employing numerous columns like those at Harvard Stadium, Smith designed double columns that allow for more space between columns. The rotunda at the north end of the stadium, which is now adorned with stained glass murals of the offensive and defensive squads that comprise the Buckeye football team,[5] was designed to look like the dome at the Pantheon in Rome.

History

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Postcard of Ohio Stadium c. 1930–45

The first game in the stadium was against Ohio Wesleyan University on October 7, 1922, and brought a crowd of around 25,000, which left people concerned because the stadium was half empty. This concern was put to rest at the stadium's formal dedication against Michigan on October 21, which the Wolverines won, 19–0. The crowd was announced at the game to be 72,000, but no one is really sure how many people made it into the stadium. This attendance mark was broken in a game against Michigan in 1926 when 90,411 came out to support the Buckeyes; this is also the last time standing-room-only tickets were sold for a game.[4]

The stadium did not regularly sell out until after World War II, and in the 1920s and 1930s most games only drew in 20,000 or 30,000 fans with many more attending the annual game against Michigan. The 1935 contest with Notre Dame was a sellout, with over 81,000 in attendance.

In 1923, a cinder track was built around the football field, which would later be named after Olympian and Ohio State athlete Jesse Owens. The stadium was home to the OSU track and field teams until the opening of Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in 2001.[4]

Renovations

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As time passed, minor adjustments raised the seating capacity to more than 90,000. In 1984, a new $2.1 million scoreboard was installed. The stadium was heavily renovated from 1998 to 2001. The press box was replaced, additional seating was installed, and 81 luxury suites and 2,500 club seats were added. The south end zone scoreboard was also replaced by a 90-by-30-foot (27.4 m × 9.1 m) video board that is able to show replays, highlights, animations, graphics and statistical information. Additionally, a smaller version of the south end scoreboard was added to the north end and a new LED ribbon board that runs end-zone to end-zone was added to the balcony prior to the 2009 season. In 1998, the track was removed and a 45-foot (14 m) slurry wall was built underneath the field to allow it to be lowered 14.5 feet (4.4 m), which places it below the water table. After the 1999 season, the field of play was lowered to add seating closer to the field.[6] The temporary bleachers in the south end zone were replaced with permanent seating. However, the south end of the stadium remains partially open, thus allowing the stadium to maintain its notable horseshoe configuration.[4][7] General improvements were made in the seating and concourse areas. The result of the $194 million renovation was a capacity that rose to 101,568. 80% of the cost of the renovation was funded by the sale of leases on the suites and club seats, with the remaining 20% funded by donations and the sale of naming rights for portions of the stadium. No public or university money was spent in the renovation process.[4]

Stadium endzone in 2009
Scoreboard as seen in 1987

In 1971, the natural grass field was removed, and AstroTurf was installed, compliments of a donation by Lou Fisher in dedication to fellow football player Joseph Campanella. A plaque was placed on the southeast corner in memory of Campanella. In 1979, the surface was replaced with SuperTurf. In 1990, natural grass made its return to the Horseshoe, in the form of a special grass called "Prescription Athletic Turf." New field designs were put in place for the 1992 season and existed through the 2006 season. During the 2006 season, problems with the natural grass began to arise. After serious damage to the field during use in the spring of 2006, the field never recovered and had to be re-sodded. That grass never took root because of bad weather, and the university was forced to re-sod the field again only three weeks after the old sod was laid. The university spent approximately $150,000 to perform both soddings. In response to this, OSU replaced the natural grass with FieldTurf for the 2007 season. This new artificial turf looks and feels like real grass but requires minimal upkeep.

Stadium exterior in August 2020

In March 2012 the university announced a $7 million renovation to the scoreboard installed during the 2000–01 renovation. The project began April 23 and was completed in time for the 2012 season opener on September 1. The current scoreboard includes a Panasonic HD screen, stretching 124 by 42 feet (38 by 13 m), and incorporates upgrades to the audio system and the LED running boards (which are the smaller screens underneath the larger screen that usually display score updates and advertisements). A Pro Sound audio system with 25 different speakers flank the scoreboard. Older speakers throughout the Horseshoe received improvements and will eventually be replaced by new speakers fitted into the existing framework.

Prior to the 2014 season, 2,500 seats were added to the south stands. These seats were built over the entrance tunnels and raised the official capacity of the stadium to 104,851, making it the third largest stadium in the country and the fourth largest stadium in the world. The renovations also included permanent lights added to the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium, as well as atop the press box, and the playing surface was replaced.[4][8]

Field name

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The playing surface at Ohio Stadium is known as Safelite Field, named for Columbus-based Safelite, a glass repair company. The naming rights deal was announced August 26, 2022, and allows the company’s logos to be displayed on the field. The name of the facility, however, did not change.[9]

Timeline of seating capacity

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Panoramic view during a football game in 2007
Tennis and basketball courts outside the stadium
Capacity Years
66,210 1922–1943
72,754 1944–1947
78,677 1948–1957
79,658 1958–1960
79,727 1961
81,109 1962–1968
81,455 1969–1970
81,475 1971
81,667 1972
82,567 1973
83,080 1974
83,112 1975–1981
85,290 1982–1984
85,399 1985–1988
86,071 1989–1990
91,470 1991–1994
89,841 1995–1999
95,346 2000
101,568 2001–2006
102,329 2007–2014
104,944 2014–2017
102,082 2018
102,780 2019–present

[10]

Night football games

[edit]

Before the 2014 renovations, Ohio Stadium did not have permanent lights at the stadium, thus night games were rare. Ohio State's first night game in the stadium was played on September 14, 1985, when the #9 Buckeyes defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers, 10–7. Ohio State did not play another night game at Ohio Stadium until September 11, 1993, when the 16th-ranked Buckeyes defeated #12 Washington 21–12. Ohio State played a total of 12 more night games before permanent lighting was installed, nine of which were against ranked opponents.

Below is a table of teams the Buckeyes have faced in multiple night games at Ohio Stadium.[needs update]

Matchups Opponent OSU Record
3 Penn State 2–1
2 Nebraska 2–0
2 Washington 2–0
2 Wisconsin 2–0

Largest attendance

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Rank Date Attendance Result
1 November 26, 2016 110,045 #2 Ohio State 30 – #3 Michigan 27 (2 OT)
2 October 28, 2017 109,302 #6 Ohio State 39 - #2 Penn State 38
3 September 9, 2017 109,088 #5 Oklahoma 31 – #2 Ohio State 16
4 November 21, 2015 108,975 #9 Michigan State 17 – #3 Ohio State 14
5 November 5, 2016 108,750 #6 Ohio State 62 – #10 Nebraska 3
6 November 29, 2014 108,610 #6 Ohio State 42 – Michigan 28
7 October 17, 2015 108,423 #1 Ohio State 38 – Penn State 10
8 September 16, 2017 108,414 #8 Ohio State 38 – Army 7
9 September 27, 2014 108,362[11] #22 Ohio State 50 – Cincinnati 28
10 November 7, 2015 108,075[12] #3 Ohio State 28 – Minnesota 14

2024 commencement death

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On May 5, 2024, a woman fell to her death from the stands atop the stadium during Ohio State's commencement ceremony. The ceremony was not stopped, and no speakers acknowledged the death.[13]

2025 sucicide incident

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On September 26, 2025, first responders were notified after the discovering of a deceased body at the northeast side of the Stadium.[14][15] Several Columbus fire and Campus Police officers arrived shortly after and had blocked off the scene on the same day.[15] The person was identified later as William Meyers, a third-year student attending the university for an accounting degree.[15] A spokesperson of the university, Ben Johnson, gave his condolences to the family of Meyers and to the students of Ohio State.[15] This event did not interfere with any of the stadium's scheduled events of that week, as The Ohio State Buckeyes' football team were at an away game at Washington.

Buckeye football

[edit]

The largest crowd in stadium history is 110,045, set November 26, 2016, in a game against Michigan. The attendance broke the previous record of 108,975 set the previous year for the game against Michigan State. Ohio State has ranked in the top five for attendance for many years, and was the national leader in attendance for the 2014 season, averaging 106,296 people per game.[16] The school set the national spring game record on April 16, 2016, when they drew 100,189 fans for their 2016 spring game. This broke the previous record of 99,391 set by the Buckeyes in their 2015 spring game.[17]

Mel Kiper, Jr. ranked Ohio Stadium second in atmosphere in 2002, behind the Army–Navy Game, and quoted Beano Cook in saying "There is nothing that beats when the Ohio State Marching Band and the sousaphone player dots the 'i' for Script Ohio."[18] The crowd attending these home games is known for creating harsh and difficult environments for opponents. University of Iowa coach Hayden Fry complained after a 1985 loss that the fans were too loud for his quarterback, Chuck Long, to call plays and suggested sound meters be used to gauge the noise level, penalizing home teams if there was too much noise. He said, "It's a realistic fact that happened. He became mentally disturbed for the first time since he's been a starter for us because of his inability to communicate."[19]

O-H-I-O

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"Script Ohio"

One famous chant by the Buckeye fans, usually starting with the students in the South Stands, is O-H-I-O. The entire South end yells O then the East stands follow with H, the North with I and the West with O. The chant loops around the stadium loudly sometimes for 5 to 10 minutes. Before kickoff the entire stadium screams O continuously until the ball is kicked; immediately following the kick the stadium shouts in unison O-H-I-O.

Events

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Columbus Crew

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Major League Soccer games were held at Ohio Stadium between 1996 and 1998. The home opener was held on April 13, 1996, against D.C. United before 25,266 fans. Brian McBride scored 2 goals and had an assist in a 4–0 rout. The field at Ohio Stadium was the smallest in the MLS, measuring only 62 yards wide by 106 yards long, limited by the track surrounding it.[20] Because of the smaller market for soccer than Ohio State football, B Deck, C Deck, and the South end zone seats were closed, leading to a capacity of 25,243.[21]

Attendance stayed strong through the first season, seeing a record audience of 31,550 September 15, 1996 win over the MetroStars, 2–0.[22] Despite the facility's size, problems like field dimensions and the lack of lighting pushed the Crew to find a new home. Jamey Rootes, Crew president and general manager stated, "We prefer a smaller, more intimate environment (than Ohio Stadium) … We've got to create a major league environment. Ohio Stadium is a great stadium, but we cannot create a major league environment in a facility that is way too big for us."[23] The Crew finished their tenure at Ohio Stadium 30–18.

Concerts

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Date Artist(s) Opening act(s) Tour / Concert name Attendance Revenue Notes
May 28, 1988 Pink Floyd A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour 63,016 / 63,016 $1,260,320
May 22, 1992 Genesis We Can't Dance Tour 71,550 / 71,550
May 29, 1994 Pink Floyd The Division Bell Tour 75,250 / 75,250 $2,406,920
August 6, 1994 Billy Joel
Elton John
Face to Face 1994 67,606 / 67,606 $2,710,335
May 24, 1997 U2 Fun Lovin' Criminals PopMart Tour 43,813 $2,246,977
September 27, 1997 The Rolling Stones Blues Traveler Bridges to Babylon Tour 60,621 / 60,621 $3,553,069
May 9, 1998 George Strait Tim McGraw
Faith Hill
John Michael Montgomery
Lee Ann Womack
Asleep at the Wheel
Lila McCann
George Strait Country Music Festival 69,954 / 69,954 $2,773,080
July 19, 2003 Metallica Mudvayne
Deftones
Linkin Park
Limp Bizkit
Summer Sanitarium Tour 2003 41,458
May 30, 2015 The Rolling Stones Kid Rock Zip Code Tour 59,038 / 59,038 $7,911,843
August 18, 2015 One Direction Icona Pop On the Road Again Tour 31,626 / 31,626 $2,492,794
July 7, 2018 Taylor Swift Camila Cabello
Charli XCX
Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour 62,897 / 62,897 $6,606,529 First woman to headline a concert at the stadium.
August 16, 2018 Beyoncé
Jay-Z
Chloe X Halle
DJ Khaled
On the Run II Tour 35,083 / 35,083 $3,142,160
August 12, 2023 Morgan Wallen HARDY
ERNEST
Bailey Zimmerman
One Night At A Time World Tour
May 20, 2026 Bruno Mars Anderson .Paak
Leon Thomas
The Romantic Tour[24] TBD TBD

Buckeye Country Superfest

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Year Day Main act(s) Opening act(s) Attendance
2015 June 20 Blake Shelton Rascal Flatts
Lee Brice
Tyler Farr
Cassadee Pope
~90,000
June 21 Kenny Chesney Keith Urban
Cole Swindell
David Nail
Parmalee
2016 June 18 Jason Aldean Lady Antebellum
Thomas Rhett
Aaron Lewis
A Thousand Horses
June 19 Luke Bryan Florida Georgia Line
Dierks Bentley
Randy Houser
Jerrod Niemann
The Swon Brothers
2017 June 10 Keith Urban Zac Brown Band
Kip Moore
Jana Kramer
Craig Campbell
Darrell Scott
June 11 Kenny Chesney Miranda Lambert
Billy Currington
Lanco
Frankie Ballard
2019 June 8 George Strait
Blake Shelton
Chris Janson
Midland
RaeLynn
55,402
2022 July 23 Luke Combs Cody Jinks
Zach Bryan
Kameron Marlowe
Morgan Wade
63,000
2023 May 27 George Strait Chris Stapleton
Little Big Town
Warren Zeiders
Larry Fleet
63,891[25]
2024 June 22/23 Zach Bryan Billy Strings
Turnpike Troubadours
Charley Crockett
Charles Wesley Godwin
127,000[26]
2025 June 21 Jelly Roll
Kane Brown
Megan Moroney
Treaty Oak Revival
Dasha
Vincent Mason
80,000[27]
2026 June 13 Tyler Childers The Red Clay Strays
Lord Huron
Sierra Ferrell
Flatland Cavalry

Classic For Columbus

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On August 28, 2021, Ohio Stadium played host to the Classic For Columbus, which matched up two HBCUs, in Central State Marauders and Kentucky State Thorobreds. Kentucky State won 20–6 in front of approximately 20,000 fans.[28]

High school

[edit]

The stadium hosted the Ohio High School Athletic Association football championship games for all seven divisions from 2014 to 2016.[29] The stadium had previously hosted the championships for Divisions I and III in 1982 and all divisions (five at the time) from 1983 to 1989.

International soccer

[edit]

The 2016 International Champions Cup match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain was held at Ohio Stadium on July 27, 2016. The match, won by Paris Saint-Germain 3–1, drew 86,641 fans, the largest crowd to ever see a soccer game in the state of Ohio.[31]

Chelsea F.C. and Manchester City F.C. played in a friendly match at the stadium on August 3, 2024, with 71,280 in attendance. Manchester City won 4–2 with a hat-trick scored by Erling Haaland. The stadium had a temporary grass pitch installed over the normal turf surface for the match, which was criticized by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.[32]

Date Team #1 Result Team #2 Tournament Spectators
July 27, 2016 Spain Real Madrid 1–3 France Paris Saint-Germain Friendly
2016 International Champions Cup
86,641
August 3, 2024 England Manchester City 4–2 England Chelsea Friendly
2024 Florida Cup
71,280

Ice hockey

[edit]

The National Hockey League (NHL) announced on February 15, 2024, that the Columbus Blue Jackets would host the Detroit Red Wings in the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025.[33] The Blue Jackets would win 5–3.

Date Away Result Home Spectators
March 1, 2025 Detroit Red Wings 3–5 Columbus Blue Jackets 94,751

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ohio Stadium, commonly known as "The Horseshoe" due to its distinctive U-shaped design, is an outdoor stadium located on the campus of in . It primarily serves as the home venue for the team of the and has a seating capacity of 102,780 as of 2025, ranking it as the fourth-largest on-campus stadium in the United States. Completed in 1922 at a cost of $1.3 million and designed by architect , the stadium was the first permanent home for Ohio State football after years of playing on temporary fields like Ohio Field. It opened on October 7, 1922, with a 5-0 victory over and was dedicated during a game against later that season. Listed on the since 1974, Ohio Stadium is celebrated for its iconic architecture and role in college football history. The stadium's construction began in 1921, funded largely through private donations and student contributions, reflecting the growing popularity of football at Ohio State during the early . Originally built with a capacity of 66,210, it was the world's largest poured-concrete structure at the time and featured a pioneering double-deck design that influenced future . Over the decades, multiple expansions—including upper decks added in the 1950s and 1960s, and further seating in the 1990s and 2000s—have increased its size while preserving the signature horseshoe shape, which opens toward the . These renovations have also modernized facilities with luxury suites, improved concessions, and enhanced fan amenities, ensuring the venue remains a premier destination for college athletics. Beyond football, Ohio Stadium has hosted a variety of events, including concerts by artists like and , NCAA championships, and the 2025 . It is deeply embedded in Buckeye traditions, such as the marching band's formation and the ringing of the Victory Bell after wins, fostering an electric atmosphere that draws over 100,000 fans weekly during the season. As a symbol of Ohio State pride, the stadium continues to undergo upgrades, including recent installations of LED lighting and video boards, to meet contemporary standards while honoring its historic legacy.

Construction and Design

Planning and Original Construction

The planning for Ohio Stadium began in the late 1910s amid growing demand for a larger venue to accommodate the rising popularity of football, which had outgrown the existing Ohio Field. In 1919, the university dedicated 92 acres of land along the banks of the in , selected for its close proximity to campus and scenic riverfront location that enhanced accessibility and aesthetic appeal. A public campaign launched in October 1920 successfully raised over $1.1 million—nearly all through private donations from alumni, fans, and supporters—explicitly avoiding any state taxpayer funds to ensure community-driven support. This effort, led by university president William Oxley Thompson and a dedicated building committee, enabled the project to proceed without public debt. Architect , an Ohio State alumnus from the class of 1907, was commissioned to design the stadium in 1918, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman coliseums and aqueducts to create a distinctive horseshoe-shaped structure that maximized seating efficiency around the playing field while evoking classical grandeur. Smith's innovative U-form design featured reinforced concrete arches for durability and open sightlines, earning him a from the in 1921 for public building excellence. The total cost reached approximately $1.3 million, reflecting the ambitious scale of a facility intended to seat over 60,000 spectators. Construction commenced with a ceremonial on August 3, 1921, overseen by Governor Harry L. Davis and university officials, and progressed rapidly under the general contracting of the E.H. Latham Company of Columbus, utilizing local labor and materials from nearby quarries. The project required about 40,000 cubic yards of poured , 4,000 tons of reinforcement, and 1.8 million feet of , with workers completing the build in just 10 months despite the complexity of the framework. To facilitate material transport, a temporary short-line railroad was constructed on-site, underscoring the ingenuity employed. The stadium was finished in time for its official debut on October 7, 1922, when Ohio State defeated 5-0 in the inaugural game before a crowd of around 25,000.

Architectural Features and Nickname

Ohio Stadium is distinguished by its iconic horseshoe shape, a double-decked U-form design that wraps around the playing field on three sides while leaving the ends open. This configuration, envisioned by architect , draws inspiration from classical Roman architecture, including arches reminiscent of the and aqueducts, as well as a rotunda modeled after the Pantheon. The open ends promote natural ventilation and provide unobstructed views toward the adjacent , enhancing the stadium's integration with its riverside location on The . The stadium's construction utilized as its primary material, with facing and terra-cotta trim adding aesthetic depth to the exterior walls, towers, and colonnades. Notably, upon completion in 1922, it stood as the world's largest poured- structure, requiring approximately 40,000 cubic yards of and incorporating reinforcement for structural integrity without relying on a full steel skeleton. Key architectural elements include the original arches supporting the grandstands and colonnades that frame entryways, contributing to both the visual grandeur and functional stability of the double-deck seating arrangement. The field itself sits slightly below surrounding grade level, optimizing sightlines from all seats and amplifying acoustics through the enclosed bowl design. The nickname "The Horseshoe," often shortened to "The Shoe," originated from the stadium's distinctive U-shaped grandstands and has been used since its opening in 1922. It reflects the enduring architectural identity that sets Ohio Stadium apart from rectangular or fully enclosed venues. The playing field measures the standard 120 yards in length by 53⅓ yards in width for , while the overall stadium footprint spans 14.5 acres, encompassing a length of 919 feet and a width of 679 feet.

Historical Development

Early Years and Opening

Ohio Stadium opened on October 7, 1922, with Ohio State defeating Ohio Wesleyan 5-0 in the inaugural game before a crowd of approximately 25,000 spectators. The stadium quickly became the central venue for Buckeyes football, replacing the smaller Ohio Field amid surging popularity during the "Chic Harley era" of the late 1910s, when attendance had outgrown the prior facility's capacity. Designed to seat 66,210, the structure accommodated additional standing room, allowing for larger gatherings that reflected the 1920s boom in enthusiasm across the nation. The official dedication occurred on October 21, 1922, during a matchup against , drawing an overflow crowd of 71,138 and marking one of the largest sporting events in history at the time. Although State lost 19-0, the event highlighted the stadium's role as a unifying hub for athletics and spirit, with private fundraising efforts that raised $1.3 million—predominantly from alumni and fans—fueling its construction during a period of economic prosperity and expanded athletic investment. The State Marching Band performed its first "O-H-I-O" formation on the field that day, establishing an early that symbolized school pride. Attendance continued to grow throughout the decade, with the stadium hosting capacity crowds for key rivalry games and solidifying its status as the heart of Buckeyes football. Beyond football, the stadium served diverse early purposes, including the addition of a cinder running track in 1923 that hosted track meets and positioned it as a multi-sport facility. Commencement ceremonies began there in spring 1928, accommodating large graduating classes in an open-air setting that enhanced the university's ceremonial traditions. events, such as parades and reunions, also utilized the space from the outset, aligning with post-World War I patriotic activities and the venue's planned versatility for community gatherings. One notable challenge in the stadium's initial decade was the absence of , which prevented night games until temporary installations were used in the early , limiting events to daylight hours and underscoring the era's technological constraints on large-scale athletics.

Renovations and Expansions

Ohio Stadium has seen numerous expansions and renovations since its 1922 opening to accommodate growing crowds, improve safety, and modernize facilities. Early modifications in the 1940s and included the addition of temporary and permanent stands, increasing seating from an initial 66,210 to 78,677 by and further to approximately 79,000 by the late through upper deck extensions and additions. These changes allowed the stadium to host larger events while maintaining its iconic horseshoe shape. A landmark renovation project began in 1999 and concluded in 2001, costing $194 million and transforming the venue's infrastructure. Key upgrades included the installation of club seating and 68 luxury suites for premium experiences, enhancements for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance such as additional accessible seating and ramps, and the addition of large video boards for improved fan viewing. The project also removed the surrounding , lowered the field by 14.5 feet to bring spectators closer to the action, renovated concourses for better flow, and converted the previously portable south stands into a permanent structure. These modifications enhanced safety, accessibility, and overall amenities without altering the stadium's historic architecture. In 2009, upgrades to the north end zone focused on technology and signage, including new scoreboards on the east and west fascias of the C-Deck and displays to commemorate national championships, improving visibility and fan engagement. The 2014 renovation, valued at $13.7 million, targeted the south stands with the addition of 2,522 seats built over entrance tunnels, along with a new playing surface, concrete waterproofing to prevent deterioration, and the installation of permanent LED lights in the northeast and southeast corners as well as atop the press box. This project raised the official capacity to 104,581 and enabled more frequent night games, contributing to record attendances. From 2017 to 2020, a $42 million initiative modernized premium areas, consolidating university suites into a single space, adding 35 loge boxes and 12 luxury suites, and upgrading lighting, sound systems, and larger televisions in the B-Deck for enhanced audio-visual quality. Capacity was adjusted to 102,780 to prioritize comfort and safety in these zones. Recent upgrades include a 2020-2021 LED retrofit that reduced energy use by 20% and improved illumination efficiency across 25,000 square feet of space. In 2022, the was replaced with a new surface featuring updated designs like Buckeye leaf decals at the 35-yard lines and official athletics word marks, addressing wear from heavy usage and enhancing playability.

Seating Capacity Evolution

Ohio Stadium opened in 1922 with an initial permanent of 66,210, consisting entirely of bench seating. Temporary wooden allowed for an effective capacity of up to 72,000 during early games. Subsequent expansions gradually increased the stadium's capacity. By , additions brought it to approximately 78,000 seats. In the mid-20th century, temporary stands on the south end enabled peak attendances exceeding official capacity, such as rivalry games drawing over 85,000 fans, though official permanent capacity remained lower at around 88,000 by the late 1970s. A notable reduction to 88,200 occurred in 1979, driven by stricter NCAA and local regulations that eliminated much of the standing room and temporary structures to enhance egress and fire code compliance. Further renovations in the late and early reversed some declines while modernizing the venue. The 1999-2001 project added club seats and suites, boosting capacity to 101,568 by 2001. Additional end-zone seating in raised it to 104,944. However, ongoing shifts toward individual chairback seats—replacing aluminum benches during these upgrades, with over 80% of seating converted by the for improved comfort and safety—along with premium amenities, led to a slight reduction to the current official capacity of 102,780 as of 2019.
YearCapacityKey Changes
192272,000Original with temporary bleachers; all benches.
192878,000Early expansions.
Mid-1950s~85,000 (peak)Temporary stands for high-attendance rivalry games.
197988,200Reduction for codes, eliminating standing areas.
1999101,568Addition of club seats and suites.
2009104,944End-zone seating additions.
2019102,780Current official; individual seats >80%, premium focus.
At its peak in the mid-20th century, Ohio Stadium was the largest on-campus venue in the United States, but safety-driven changes and peer expansions have positioned it third today, behind (107,601) and (106,572) at Penn State. As of 2025, Ohio State is conducting studies for potential further expansions, including premium field-level suites set for 2026 installation, which could push capacity beyond 105,000 in future phases while prioritizing safety and revenue.

Ohio State Football Usage

Home of the Buckeyes

Ohio Stadium has been the exclusive home venue for the team since its inaugural game on October 7, 1922, marking over a century of continuous use for all home contests. The Buckeyes have achieved remarkable success on this field, maintaining one of the highest home winning percentages in history. This dominance underscores the stadium's role as a fortress for the program, where the team has thrived under legendary coaches and in high-stakes matchups, contributing to eight national championships and numerous conference titles. Game day operations at Ohio Stadium transform the surrounding campus into a bustling hub of activity, centered around a vibrant culture that draws fans from across the nation hours before kickoff. The university provides extensive parking accommodations for approximately 20,000 vehicles in designated day-of-game lots and garages, which open as early as 5:00 a.m. to accommodate early arrivals, with permits priced from $30 to $60 depending on proximity to the stadium. Security protocols are rigorous to ensure safety for the large crowds, including a clear policy limiting items to wallets or wristlets no larger than 5x8x1 inches, metal detectors at entry gates, and enhanced presence from Ohio State Police, who deploy additional officers for night games and high-profile contests to monitor areas and prevent disruptions. The economic impact of Buckeyes home games at Ohio Stadium is substantial, boosting the Columbus economy by over $100 million annually through visitor spending on lodging, dining, and transportation, while generating significant revenue for the university that supports athletic scholarships, facilities maintenance, and broader initiatives. This financial powerhouse status in college sports is evident in the program's postseason success, including advances to semifinals in 2014, 2019, and 2020, along with multiple Big Ten championships. Since 2022, the playing surface has been officially known as at Ohio Stadium, named in honor of a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Columbus-based AutoGlass company, which supports the program's operations and reflects the venue's integration with local business partnerships—though earlier donor contributions in helped fund field enhancements during renovations.

Traditions and Fan Culture

One of the most iconic traditions at Ohio Stadium is , performed by The Ohio State University Marching Band since its debut on October 10, 1936, during a game against the . In this formation, the band members march in a intricate pattern to spell out "Ohio" in cursive script across the field, culminating with a senior player, known as the "i-man," planting their foot to "dot the i" in the center of the letter. This ritual has become a hallmark of Buckeye game days, symbolizing precision and school pride. The O-H-I-O chant is another longstanding fan ritual that unites the crowd, where spectators spell out the letters using coordinated arm motions across different stadium sections. Originating in the 1940s from U.S. Navy trainees at Ohio State who adapted the cheer to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," it evolved into a simpler call-and-response version that reverberates through the stadium. The chant's infectious energy amplifies the game's atmosphere, particularly during key moments like third downs or defensive stands. Following victories, fans and players join in a communal of "," the university's composed in 1903 by freshman football player Fred Cornell during a train ride home from a game. This tradition involves linking arms and swaying while singing the lyrics, which express themes of and enduring loyalty to State, often extending into the night as the crowd lingers on the field. To celebrate scores, the Victory Bell—donated by the classes of 1943, 1944, and 1945 and located in the southeast tower—is rung by members of the fraternity, a practice that began in 1954 after a win over . Fan culture at Ohio Stadium is vividly embodied by the Block O student section, founded in 1938 by head cheerleader Clancy Isaac to organize cheering blocks using cards for visual displays. Now comprising over 2,500 students in the south stands, Block O leads chants, waves flags, and creates card stunts that enhance the visual spectacle, serving as the energetic core of Buckeye support. The section's fervor peaks during rivalry games like "The Game" against , which consistently draws crowds exceeding 100,000, such as the 106,005 attendees in 2024. Scarlet and gray, Ohio State's official colors since , permeate fan attire and decorations, fostering a unified visual identity that transforms the stadium into a sea of on game days. These hues, selected by early students in a University Hall lecture room, appear in everything from face paint to pom-poms, reinforcing communal bonds among supporters. Since the early , digital enhancements like the south end zone video board—upgraded in 2008 to improve replays and highlight packages—have amplified traditions by synchronizing visuals with live performances, such as overlaying on the screen for wider viewing. More recent initiatives under the 2025 "Tradition Evolved" campaign introduce coordinated color-outs and dynamic entrances, blending historical rituals with modern technology to heighten engagement without altering their essence.

Night Games and Record Attendances

The first night game at Ohio Stadium took place on September 14, , when the defeated the 10-7 in the season opener, utilizing portable equipment since permanent fixtures were not yet installed. Prior to this, the stadium had occasionally employed temporary lights for late-afternoon games to extend play into the evening, but the 1985 matchup marked the inaugural contest starting after dark, drawing a crowd that experienced the novel electric atmosphere under makeshift illumination. Permanent was added during the 2014 renovations, enabling more frequent evening games and transforming the venue's role in Big Ten scheduling. Night games have since become a highlight of the Buckeyes' home schedule, fostering an intensified atmosphere with synchronized lighting effects, pre-game displays, and the roar of over 100,000 fans under the stadium's scarlet illumination, often amplifying the intensity of rivalries and non-conference clashes. Since permanent lights arrived in 2014, Ohio State has hosted an average of 2-3 night games per season, up from the sporadic 1 or fewer annually in the prior decades, with over 30 such contests and a 27-5 all-time record in evening home games as of November 2025. These events particularly thrive on decisions to slot high-profile matchups in primetime slots for national television exposure, blending strategic programming with the stadium's historic prestige. Record attendances at Ohio Stadium underscore its status as one of college football's premier venues, with the official high of 110,045 set on November 26, 2016, during a 30-27 double-overtime victory over , surpassing prior benchmarks through expanded seating and fervent rivalry demand. Other notable crowds include 109,302 for the 2017 Penn State game and 108,975 against Michigan State in 2015, both night contests that benefited from temporary bleacher additions to accommodate overflow. Factors driving these milestones encompass the stadium's capacity evolution to 102,780 since 2019, favorable weather drawing larger turnouts, and Big Ten scheduling that prioritizes marquee night games to maximize fan engagement and broadcast appeal. In the 2025 season, Ohio Stadium continued its tradition of robust crowds, with the home opener against on August 30 attracting 107,524 fans for a 14-7 Buckeyes win, while subsequent home games against Grambling State, , and also sold out. As of mid-November 2025, the Buckeyes are undefeated at 9-0 overall, projecting full capacity for remaining home dates amid heightened interest from the expanded Big Ten slate.

Other Events and Incidents

Soccer and Other Sports

Ohio Stadium has served as a venue for matches during the early years of the , who played their home games there from 1996 to 1998 before moving to a dedicated soccer facility. The team's inaugural match on April 13, 1996, against drew over 25,000 spectators, marking a significant early attendance figure for MLS in the venue. These games utilized temporary field configurations, including sod overlays on the stadium's natural grass surface to accommodate the rectangular pitch dimensions required for soccer. The stadium has also hosted prominent international soccer friendlies, showcasing global clubs. On July 27, 2016, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in an match attended by 86,641 fans, setting an Ohio record for soccer attendance at the time and requiring a temporary grass installation for the event. More recently, on August 3, 2024, Manchester City beat Chelsea 4-2 in an FC Series preseason friendly, drawing 71,280 spectators and highlighting the venue's capacity to host high-profile rivalries with hybrid turf setups. Beyond professional and international soccer, Ohio Stadium has been a key site for high school athletics, particularly hosting (OHSAA) football state championships throughout the . These annual events typically attracted over 10,000 fans per game, providing a neutral, large-scale field for the state's top teams before the finals shifted to other locations in the . In , the stadium hosted its first NHL outdoor game on March 1, 2025, as part of the NHL , where the defeated the 5-3 before a crowd of 94,751—the second-largest attendance in league history. A temporary rink was constructed on the field, transforming the football venue into a frozen arena capable of accommodating professional hockey. Other sports have utilized the stadium historically, including track and field meets from the 1920s through the 1950s, when it served as the home facility for Ohio State University's teams and hosted intercollegiate competitions on its original surrounding the playing field. In the 2010s, Ohio State men's games, such as the 2010 matchup against , were played there, drawing record crowds for regular-season and leveraging the venue's expansive seating for growing fan interest in the sport.

Concerts and Festivals

Ohio Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile concerts and music festivals since the late , transforming the football venue into a major entertainment hub for rock, pop, and acts. The stadium's large capacity and central location in Columbus have attracted global artists, with events typically configured to accommodate elaborate stage productions while preserving the playing field. These performances have drawn tens of thousands of attendees, contributing significantly to the local economy through ticket sales, merchandise, and tourism. Among the major concerts, performed at Ohio Stadium on May 30, 2015, during their Zip Code Tour, attracting approximately 60,000 fans in the venue's first such event in over a decade. headlined a sold-out show on July 7, 2018, as part of her , with 62,897 attendees marking one of the highest single-night turnouts for a female artist at the stadium. Later that summer, on August 16, 2018, and co-headlined the , drawing 35,083 spectators for a performance blending their joint catalog with individual hits. The Buckeye Country Superfest, an annual festival launched in 2015 and held consistently since 2019 after a one-year hiatus, has become a staple event at Ohio Stadium, featuring multi-artist lineups over one or two days in June. Early editions included headliners like in 2016 alongside and . Recent years have seen escalating attendance, with the 2023 event reaching a then-record 63,891 fans for performances by and , and the 2024 edition surpassing that with over 127,000 total attendees across two days headlined by . The 2025 edition on June 21 was headlined by Jelly Roll and , drawing more than 60,000 fans despite a heatwave. The festival emphasizes high-energy country acts and has set multiple attendance benchmarks for non-football events at the venue. In response to the , Ohio Stadium hosted limited events, though large-scale benefit concerts were rare due to health restrictions; however, the venue supported broader relief efforts through adapted programming in subsequent years. For concerts and festivals, stage setups are typically positioned at the south to minimize field damage, allowing for expansive video screens and lighting rigs. The stadium's sound system, upgraded with Meyer Sound LEO line arrays and low-frequency controls since 2012, is adapted from its football public address infrastructure to deliver clear audio across the 100,000-plus capacity, with additional for even coverage. Summer events incorporate environmental measures like enhanced ventilation and shaded seating areas to manage heat for attendees.

Notable Incidents

One of the earliest significant weather-related incidents at Ohio Stadium occurred during in 1927, when the flooded, inundating the south towers and the track surrounding the field but leaving the playing surface untouched. In more recent years, has prompted safety evacuations and delays, such as during the , 2019, football game against (Ohio), when lightning in the area forced a mandatory delay and ultimately led to the game being called early with 2:40 remaining. A tragic incident unfolded during the Ohio State University spring commencement ceremony on May 5, 2024, when 53-year-old Larissa Brady fell approximately 100 feet from the stadium stands near the , resulting in her death from multiple blunt force injuries; an later ruled the death a , citing her history of , , and anxiety. On November 30, 2024, following Ohio State's 13-10 loss to in their annual football game, a post-game brawl erupted on the field after players attempted to plant a at midfield, involving players from both teams and leading to the use of by police; one spectator was arrested and charged with criminal for entering the playing area. Another death occurred on September 26, 2025, when 19-year-old Ohio State student William Meyers, a third-year accounting major from Fairfield, Connecticut, was found deceased inside the stadium; authorities stated that foul play was not suspected. In response to these and broader security concerns, Ohio Stadium implemented walk-through metal detectors at all entry gates starting in the 2021 football season, along with a clear bag policy to enhance screening efficiency. Renovations have also contributed to improved safety features, such as upgraded medical stations. Weather protocols, including lightning detection systems, were further refined after the 2019 incident to ensure timely evacuations.

References

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