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Ohio Stadium - home of Ohio State in Columbus, OH
NCAA FBS

Ohio StadiumColumbus, Ohio

Ohio State

👥
Capacity
102,780
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1922
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖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 gamesday in Columbus is widely regarded as one of the best atmospheres in all of sports.

🏛️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

🎟️Visitor Guide

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" — 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.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Varsity Club

$$

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

📍 0.3 miles278 W Lane Ave

💡 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.

📍 1 mile19 E 13th Ave

💡 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.

📍 0.4 miles2195 N High St

💡 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.

📍 1.5 miles792 N High St

💡 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.

📍 3 miles183 Thurman Ave

💡 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.

📍 0.6 miles1618 Neil Ave

💡 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.

📍 1.5 miles3370 Olentangy River Rd

💡 Crowded on Saturdays. Look for their food truck in the Fanfest area.

🏨Hotels

Graduate Columbus

$$$

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

📍 0.8 miles750 N High St

💡 Book 3+ months ahead for football weekends.

Hilton Columbus Downtown

$$$

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

📍 2 miles401 N High St

💡 Take the CABS bus to campus on gameday.

🎭Attractions

Jack Nicklaus Museum

$

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

📍 0.5 miles2355 Olentangy River Rd

💡 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.

📍 0.1 miles410 Woody Hayes Dr

💡 Starts 2 hours before kickoff. Arrive very early for a seat.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

St. John Arena Lots

$50
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Fills up first. Arrive by 7 AM for noon games.

🏢

Tuttle Park Garage

$40
Garage📍 0.5 miles

💡 Easier exit after games. 10-minute walk to stadium.

🅿️

Carmack Lots (West Campus)

$20
Lot📍 2 miles

💡 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.

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Stadium Rankings

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#3 Largest Stadium
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#19 Oldest Stadium
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🔥Rivals

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Michigan

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Stadiums Near Ohio Stadium

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References

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