Ohio Stadium
Foto: Lectrician2 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · zdroj
- Kapacita
- 102 780
- Postaven
- 1922
- Klub
- —
- Země
- United States
Přehled
O stadionu
Ohio Stadium in Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is one of the most iconic shrines of American college football. Opened on October 7, 1922, designed by Ohio State graduate and architect Howard Dwight Smith, it seats 102,780 spectators and is among the five largest college stadiums in the U.S. The home team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, competes in the Big Ten Conference, and the stands are filled with fans in scarlet and gray during games.
Why 'The Horseshoe'
Due to its characteristic shape — originally open on the north side in a U shape — the stadium earned the nickname “The Horseshoe” or short “The Shoe”. The northern section was enclosed in 2001, but the nickname remains. In 2006, Ohio Stadium was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the first concrete stadium structures of its scale.
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Opened | October 7, 1922 |
| Architect | Howard Dwight Smith |
| Capacity | 102,780 |
| Attendance Record | 110,045 (vs. Michigan, 2017) |
| National Landmark | since 2006 |
| Home Team | Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten) |
| Address | 411 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH |
Historie
Cesta časem
Construction of Ohio Stadium began in August 1921 and was completed in just fourteen months — a time when concrete was a groundbreaking choice for stadium building material. Howard Dwight Smith designed the structure based on the horseshoe principle with a two-tiered grandstand, inspired by classical Roman architecture.
Grand Opening (1922)
The opening on October 7, 1922, was attended by over 25,000 spectators for a game against Ohio Wesleyan; a week later, the stadium hosted its first "big game" against Michigan in front of 71,000 fans. The stadium thus exceeded the NCAA standards of its time from the very beginning.
The Era of Woody Hayes (1951–1978)
In 1944, the Buckeyes, under coach Carroll Widdoes, won their first of eight national titles here. However, the key figure is Woody Hayes, head coach from 1951 to 1978, who led the team to five national titles and 13 Big Ten victories. His name is still carried by the main approach road to the stadium (Woody Hayes Drive).
Renovation 1999–2001
The groundbreaking renovation added 20,000 seats, enclosed the northern side, and added luxury suites — all while preserving the original facade's appearance. Minor updates continued in the following years: modernization of lighting, sound, screens, and replacement of seats.
Beyond Football
The stadium has also hosted:
- concerts by Pink Floyd (1994), U2 (1997, 2009), and the Rolling Stones (1997, 2015)
- an MLB exhibition by the Cincinnati Reds (2018)
- several championship games in lacrosse and youth soccer
The attendance record of 110,045 was set on November 25, 2017, in a game against Michigan, which the Buckeyes won 31-20.
Kluby a týmy
Historie klubů (1)
Atmosféra
Den zápasu
The atmosphere at Ohio State games is among the most intense in North America. The stadium fills up long before kickoff and remains packed long after — sellouts have been guaranteed for Ohio State since the 1950s.
Tailgating Six Hours Before Kickoff
Six hours before the game, a tailgating ritual unfolds around the stadium — fans grill, drink, and listen to the latest news on the lineup from their cars and tents. About 100,000 people in scarlet jerseys flood the area even before the gates open.
'Script Ohio' — A Symbol of College Sports
The biggest legend is the marching band officially called “The Best Damn Band In The Land” (TBDBITL) — a group of 225 musicians who take the field before each game with their iconic routine.
The highlight is Script Ohio — a choreography where the band writes the word "Ohio" in cursive, and a selected senior ceremonially dots the letter “i.” This tradition, dating back to 1936, is one of the most memorable moments in American college sports.
'The Game' — Rivalry with Michigan
The annual game against Michigan, simply known as “The Game”, is among the oldest and most passionate rivalries in North American sports — it has been played almost continuously since 1897. The day before the game, students ritualistically ring the university bell (Victory Bell) to ward off evil spirits, and after a victory, the bell rings an hour after the game ends.
Student Chants
The student section in matching red shirts maintains three recurring elements:
- fight song “Across the Field” before kickoff
- rhythmic “O-H — I-O” chant after every touchdown that circulates throughout the stadium
- final “Hang On Sloopy” with clapping in the fourth quarter
Praktické info
Návštěva stadionu
Ohio Stadium is located on the northern edge of the Ohio State University campus in Columbus, at 411 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH 43210. It is approximately 3 miles northwest of downtown Columbus.
How to Get to the Game
- Walking from downtown Columbus: ~50 minutes
- By car: 10-15 minutes without congestion; significantly longer on game day
- Shuttle bus from parking lots around I-71 at short intervals
- Public transportation COTA — Buckeye Express line
- Columbus does not have a subway
Parking and Tailgating
Parking lots around the stadium open five hours before kickoff and offer a classic American tailgating atmosphere. Parking passes must be purchased in advance, often several months beforehand.
Tickets
Standard tickets are practically unavailable outside of alumni club membership or students. The secondary market (StubHub, SeatGeek) can be very costly for top games:
- vs. Michigan, Penn State, Notre Dame: the most expensive categories of the season
- other home games: more accessible, but still sold out
Stadium Tours
The stadium offers paid tours year-round, allowing visitors to see:
- the home team's locker rooms
- the players' tunnel
- the press center
Outside of game days, the area is accessible and is a popular spot for morning runs and picnics for local residents.
Video
Stadion v pohybu
Mapa
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Columbus, United States
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