Skip to main content
Ohio Stadium - home of Ohio State in Columbus, OH
NCAA FBS

Ohio StadiumColumbus, Ohio

Ohio State

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
102,780
πŸ†
Conference
Big Ten
πŸ“…
Opened
1922
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

πŸ“–About Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium, known as "The Horseshoe" or simply "The Shoe," is one of college football's most iconic venues. Its distinctive horseshoe shape has made it a template for stadium design, and gameday in Columbus is widely regarded as one of the best atmospheres in all of sports.

πŸ›οΈOhio Stadium History

Origins

Built in 1922 to replace Ohio Field, the stadium was designed by Howard Dwight Smith in a double-deck horseshoe configuration. It was one of the first large stadiums built specifically for college football and incorporated innovative crowd management features.

Major Renovations

1950Deck added to south end, creating C-shape
2001Major $194M renovation restored original horseshoe design
2014South end zone completed, boosting capacity to 104,944
2019New video boards and sound system installed

Notable Moments

Oct 7, 1922First game: Ohio State defeated Wesleyan 7-0
Nov 23, 2002#1 vs #2 showdown - Ohio State beat Michigan 14-9 en route to national title
Jan 12, 2015First-ever College Football Playoff Championship trophy presented on field

🎟️Visiting Ohio Stadium

Best Seats

Block "O" student sections (sections 18-24) provide the most intense atmosphere. The A-Deck (lower bowl) between the 40s offers premium views. South stands have the iconic rotunda backdrop.

Parking Tips

St. John Arena lots fill fastest. Arrive by 8 AM for noon games. Campus parking garages available for a fee. Many fans walk from High Street or Short North neighborhoods.

Game Day

Don't miss "Script Ohio" β€” the marching band's famous formation where a sousaphone player dots the "i." Skull Session pep rally at St. John Arena 2 hours before kickoff.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Varsity Club

$$

The iconic OSU sports bar since 1959. Multiple floors, outdoor patio, and legendary gameday atmosphere.

πŸ“ 0.3 miles278 W Lane Ave

πŸ’‘ Get there 3 hours early for a good spot. The rooftop is worth the wait.

Ethyl & Tank

$$

Trendy cocktail bar in a converted gas station. Great craft cocktails and bar food.

πŸ“ 1 mile19 E 13th Ave

πŸ’‘ Try the Buckeye Martini on gameday.

The Little Bar

$

Campus favorite known for its "Tiny Gate" tailgate party and massive projector screen for away games.

πŸ“ 0.4 miles2195 N High St

πŸ’‘ High energy student vibe. Perfect for outdoor gameday parties.

🍽️Restaurants

The Eagle Food and Beer Hall

$$

Famous fried chicken and craft beer. The spicy tenders are a local favorite.

πŸ“ 1.5 miles792 N High St

πŸ’‘ Great for post-game celebration. Expect a wait on gameday.

Thurman Cafe

$$

Legendary Columbus burger joint featured on Man vs Food. The Thurmanator is massive.

πŸ“ 3 miles183 Thurman Ave

πŸ’‘ Cash only. Worth the drive for serious burger fans.

Adriatico's Pizza

$$

A campus rite of passage since 1980. Famous for thick-crust, Sicilian-style 'Buckeye' sheet pizzas.

πŸ“ 0.6 miles1618 Neil Ave

πŸ’‘ Ideal for large groups. Known for the "Zorbie" and huge cold beers.

Rooster's

$

Official wing sponsor of Ohio State. Casual, fun atmosphere with legendary wings and gameday energy.

πŸ“ 1.5 miles3370 Olentangy River Rd

πŸ’‘ Crowded on Saturdays. Look for their food truck in the Fanfest area.

🏨Hotels

Graduate by Hilton Columbus

$$$

OSU-themed boutique hotel on High Street, walking distance to stadium.

πŸ“ 0.8 miles750 N High St

πŸ’‘ Book 3+ months ahead for football weekends.

Hilton Columbus Downtown

$$$

Full-service downtown hotel connected to convention center. Short ride to stadium.

πŸ“ 2 miles401 N High St

πŸ’‘ Take the CABS bus to campus on gameday.

🎭Attractions

Jack Nicklaus Museum

$

Tribute to the Golden Bear, featuring memorabilia from his legendary career.

πŸ“ 0.5 miles2355 Olentangy River Rd

πŸ’‘ Free admission on some gamedays. Check schedule.

Skull Session at St. John Arena

$

Iconic gameday pep rally featuring TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land) performing their show music.

πŸ“ 0.1 miles410 Woody Hayes Dr

πŸ’‘ Starts 2 hours before kickoff. Arrive very early for a seat.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸ…ΏοΈ

St. John Arena Lots

$50
LotπŸ“ 0.2 miles

πŸ’‘ Fills up first. Arrive by 7 AM for noon games.

🏒

Tuttle Park Garage

$40
GarageπŸ“ 0.5 miles

πŸ’‘ Easier exit after games. 10-minute walk to stadium.

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Carmack Lots (West Campus)

$20
LotπŸ“ 2 miles

πŸ’‘ Free shuttle service to stadium starts 6 hours before kickoff.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Ohio Stadium? Share it with us.

Stadium Rankings

Ohio Stadium ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 3rd-largest and the 20th-oldest.

πŸ”₯Ohio State Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Ohio Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Stadium

What is the capacity of Ohio Stadium?
Ohio Stadium has a seating capacity of 102,780.
Where is Ohio Stadium located?
Ohio Stadium is located in Columbus, OH.
What team plays at Ohio Stadium?
Ohio Stadium is the home stadium of Ohio State in the Big Ten.
When was Ohio Stadium built?
Ohio Stadium opened in 1922.
Where are the best seats at Ohio Stadium?
Block "O" student sections (sections 18-24) provide the most intense atmosphere. The A-Deck (lower bowl) between the 40s offers premium views. South stands have the iconic rotunda backdrop.
What are the best parking tips for Ohio Stadium?
St. John Arena lots fill fastest. Arrive by 8 AM for noon games. Campus parking garages available for a fee. Many fans walk from High Street or Short North neighborhoods.
What type of surface does Ohio Stadium have?
Ohio Stadium has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Ohio Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Ohio Stadium are Welcome Stadium (65 mi), Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium (68 mi), Fred C. Yager Stadium (97 mi), Nippert Stadium (100 mi), Doyt L. Perry Stadium (100 mi), Great American Ball Park (101 mi).
Who are Ohio State's biggest rivals?
Ohio State's rivals include Illinois (Battle for the Illibuck), Michigan (The Game), Penn State.
How old is Ohio Stadium?
Ohio Stadium opened in 1922, making it 104 years old. It ranks #20 among the oldest stadiums in the country.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.