Ohio Stadium

Capacity: 102,780

Home Teams: Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA College Football)

Ohio Stadium Events

Located in the heart of the state capital Columbus, Ohio Stadium is not only the third largest stadium in America and fifth largest in the world, but has been recognized as a historical landmark ever since it appeared on the United States’ National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1974. Characterized by its gorgeous facade, designed to resemble the Pantheon in Rome, and sweeping views out over the campus of Ohio State University and the city of Columbus, Ohio Stadium has long been known as the Horseshoe or simply the Shoe due to its distinctive U-shaped construction. Since the moment it first opened its hallowed doors in 1922, the stadium has been home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, one of the most successful and popular college football teams in America. The Buckeyes have been members of the powerful Big Ten Conference since 1929, amassing 16 national titles (8 claimed, 8 unclaimed) along with an incredible 41 conference titles and 26 Bowl game wins (for a 26-29 Bowl game record). Heading into the 2024 season, the team is tied with the Michigan Wolverines for the best all-time win percentage (.734) and sits third in total all-time wins (964, just 1 behind the Alabama Crimson Tide) among all American college football teams. Crowds of students, alumni, and the general public flock to Ohio Stadium in their tens of thousands for Buckeyes home games, decked out in team colors of scarlet and gold, belting out the school fight songs “Across the Field” and the “Buckeye Battle Cry” as the marching band weaves seemingly impossible patterns and words across the field prior to kickoff and at half-time. Win or lose, the team shows respect to its fans, gathering with band, coaches, and cheerleaders in the south end, arms linked and swaying as they sing the university’s alma mater “Carmen Ohio.” When the team is victorious, the Victory Bell in the southeast tower tolls proudly, and players are awarded buckeye leaf stickers to place on their helmets for particularly impressive displays. Another recent heartwarming tradition has seen the return of alumni players to form a “tunnel” for the current players to run through in every second year when the team faces their arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. Any player on a Buckeyes team who defeats the Wolverines is also presented with the dubious prize of a pair of gold pants. As well as Buckeyes home games, Ohio Stadium was the home ground of the Columbus Crew for their first three seasons in MLS (Major League Soccer) prior to the franchise building their own soccer-specific stadium. Through the years, Ohio Stadium has also hosted large scale concerts by some of the most famous touring acts of all time, as well the Buckeye Country Superfest music festival, international soccer matches, and high school football championships. Fans who come to Ohio Stadium with an empty stomach will find plenty of tasty snacks available, including fried chicken, 1922 hotdogs, and banana pudding, along with cold beer. To get your hands on some sweet Buckeyes merchandise, check out any kiosk or shop inside Ohio Stadium or around campus. 

Ohio Stadium Seating Chart

Ohio Stadium is a colossal venue that offers a wide range of seating options for visitors to choose from. Those looking for a more pampered game day experience can opt for premium seating areas such as club seats, luxury suites, or loge boxes, or the Jerome Schottenstein Center for a truly exclusive experience. All premium seating areas include five-star service and amenities as well as fantastic views of the action. The rest of the towering stands of the stadium are filled with broad swathes of general admission seating, where you can jump right in with the fans in their cheering scarlet thousands. Most games completely sell out. For the most affordable tickets to all Ohio State Buckeyes games and other events at Ohio Stadium, TicketX is the only provider you will need. Head to TicketX right away to check our listings and use our handy seating chart to compare different seating options by price and location. 

Getting to Ohio Stadium (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Ohio Stadium via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Ohio Stadium via public transportation

While local buses in Columbus can get you to the stadium on normal days, a better option on game day is to take one of the designated shuttles to Ohio Stadium from one of their many departure points around the campus and city. Visit the Ohio Buckeyes website for routes and schedules, as well as information on cycling, walking, or take a taxi or ride-share to the venue. 

Getting to Ohio Stadium by car

Many visitors to Ohio Stadium elect to arrive in their own vehicles, but do keep in mind that Columbus is a fairly sizable city in comparison to many smaller college towns across America. Traffic can get extremely heavy around campus on game days, and so officials have set up traffic routes to help things flow. Be sure to arrive early (to enjoy the tailgating and other festivities as well!) and check the Ohio Buckeyes website for maps and directions in advance.

Does Ohio Stadium have on-site parking?

The parking lots immediately surrounding Ohio Stadium are all allotted to season ticket holders, but plenty of public parking can be found elsewhere on campus or around Columbus. RV parking is also available in certain lots, but only as a season ticket perk. Check the Ohio Buckeyes website for extremely detailed and helpful information on all your parking options (including maps). Shuttles are available from some parking areas further from the stadium. 

How much does Ohio Stadium parking cost?

Non-season ticket parking areas charge either $25 or $30 depending on their proximity to the stadium. All spots are first come, first served; there is no pre-booking system. Other paid parking areas are also available around the city. Head to the Ohio Buckeyes website for a full list of parking options along with parking prices.