Ohio Stadium: The Complete Guide to the Historic “Horseshoe”

Introduction: The Concrete Colosseum of College Football

In the pantheon of great American stadiums, there are venues celebrated for their raw power and others for their sheer size. And then there is Ohio Stadium, a venue that stands apart as a true architectural and historical landmark. Located on the sprawling campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, it is known to the world as “The Horseshoe,” a nickname that perfectly describes the iconic, curved shape that made it a legend from the day it opened. This is not merely a place for sport; it is a concrete colosseum, a cathedral of pageantry that was so architecturally significant upon its completion in 1922 that it is now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

With a capacity of 102,780, it is the fifth-largest stadium in the world and a monument to the enduring passion of the Ohio State Buckeyes fanbase. But its story transcends football. This is the hallowed ground where Jesse Owens achieved athletic immortality. It is the stage for “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” a musical institution as famous as the team itself. A visit to The Horseshoe is an immersion into a world of profound history and spectacular tradition. This guide will serve as your definitive resource for this American icon. We will explore the pioneering vision behind its construction, the legendary moments that have defined its legacy, the cherished traditions that bring it to life, and the essential, practical information every visitor needs to experience one of the greatest spectacles in sport.

A Monument on the Olentangy: The Story of The Horseshoe

The story of Ohio Stadium is one of immense civic pride and groundbreaking ambition, a post-World War I effort to build a structure that would be unrivaled in the nation and stand as a testament to the university’s growing stature.

The Vision of a Colosseum in Columbus

In the years following World War I, Ohio State football, under the leadership of star player Chic Harley, had captured the imagination of the public. The team was a national powerhouse, but their home at Ohio Field was a modest wooden structure that could no longer contain the massive crowds. A campaign was launched, led by the university and its alumni, to build a stadium for the ages. Architect Howard Dwight Smith, an Ohio State alumnus himself, was tasked with the design. He drew inspiration from the grand amphitheatres of history, particularly the Roman Colosseum, but with a crucial difference. To provide optimal sightlines for the rectangular game of football, he envisioned a unique, open-ended horseshoe shape. The campaign to fund the project, “Pledge for the Stadium,” was a massive public undertaking, with thousands of Ohioans contributing to build their concrete cathedral on the banks of the Olentangy River.

Pioneering Architecture: A Concrete Marvel

When Ohio Stadium opened on October 7, 1922, it was an engineering marvel and an architectural pioneer. With an original capacity of 66,210, it was the largest stadium built entirely of poured concrete in the world, and the very first concrete double-deck stadium in America. Its scale and design were unlike anything seen before.

The most stunning feature was, and remains, the grand rotunda at the open, northern end of the horseshoe. This magnificent, domed entrance was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and was intended to be the stadium’s ceremonial gateway. It was adorned with intricate carvings, a soaring ceiling, and even large, leaded stained-glass windows depicting athletic figures—an artistic touch of elegance unheard of in a sporting venue. Smith’s design was a deliberate fusion of classical grandeur and modern engineering, creating a venue that felt both timeless and revolutionary.

Jesse Owens and a Century of History

While The Horseshoe is synonymous with Ohio State football, its most historically significant athletic moment occurred on its running track. On May 25, 1935, at the Big Ten Conference Track and Field Championships, an Ohio State athlete named Jesse Owens delivered what is widely considered “the greatest 45 minutes in sports.” In less than an hour, Owens tied the world record in the 100-yard dash and then proceeded to break the world records in the long jump, the 220-yard dash, and the 220-yard low hurdles. It was a singular feat of athletic brilliance that foreshadowed his legendary, four-gold-medal performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. A historical plaza and monument to Jesse Owens now stand outside the stadium, commemorating this incredible achievement.

“Closing The Shoe” and Modern Renovations

For nearly 80 years, the stadium retained its iconic open-ended horseshoe shape. A major renovation project from 2000-2001 brought about the most significant change in its history. The running track was removed, and the entire playing field was lowered by 14.5 feet. This allowed for the addition of new rows of seating closer to the action and, most notably, the construction of a permanent South Stand, officially “closing the shoe” and turning it into a complete bowl. While this changed the classic look, it was designed to be lower than the northern rotunda, thus preserving the Horseshoe’s essential character. This renovation pushed the capacity over the 100,000 mark and created the deafening, enclosed cauldron of noise that exists today.

The Pride of the Buckeyes: The Marching Band

At Ohio State, the pre-game and halftime shows are not just entertainment; they are a revered art form and a central part of the stadium’s identity. This is because Ohio Stadium is home to The Ohio State University Marching Band, known to all as “The Best Damn Band in the Land” (TBDBITL).

“The Best Damn Band in the Land” (TBDBITL)

The band is as much an institution as the football team itself. Founded in the 19th century, it is famous for its military precision and its powerful sound—derived from its all-brass-and-percussion instrumentation. The band members are revered on campus, and their performance on game day is a non-negotiable part of the ritual for the 100,000+ fans in attendance. Their weekly “Skull Session”—a final rehearsal and pep rally held in the adjacent St. John Arena two hours before every home game—is a massively popular free event, drawing crowds of over 10,000 people.

“Script Ohio”: The Greatest Tradition in College Football

The band’s signature performance, a tradition dating back to 1936, is the legendary “Script Ohio.” It is a moment of pure sporting pageantry, considered by many to be the greatest tradition in all of college football. The 225-member band takes the field and, through a series of complex, high-stepping maneuvers, fluidly spells out the word “Ohio” in cursive script across the entire field.

The performance builds to a dramatic climax. As the band holds the final note of the accompanying French march, a single, fourth-year sousaphone player breaks rank. They march solo towards the top of the ‘i,’ bow to the crowd, and then ceremoniously take their place, becoming the “dot” on the ‘i’. The honor of dotting the ‘i’ is the highest a band member can achieve. On rare, special occasions, honorary “i-dotters” have included legendary figures like comedian Bob Hope and astronaut John Glenn. The completion of the ‘i’ is met with a thunderous roar from the crowd, a perfect moment of university pride and tradition. The band is also famous for its innovative halftime shows, which often feature complex animated formations that go viral online.

Visitor’s Guide: Attending a Game in Columbus

Tickets: Joining the Buckeye Nation

As with all major college programs, tickets for Ohio State games, especially against rivals like Michigan, can be extremely difficult to acquire. The vast majority of seats are sold to season ticket holders, alumni, and students. For the general public or visiting fan, the official secondary market, managed through Ticketmaster, is the safest and most reliable place to purchase tickets. Be prepared for prices to be significantly higher than face value for any important game.

Seating and View

The stadium is composed of three main levels: A-Deck (lower), B-Deck (middle), and C-Deck (upper). The original 1922 double-deck structure is the A and B deck. The C-Deck, added later, sits atop the original structure and is notoriously steep, offering panoramic but distant views. The vast majority of the stadium is bench-style seating. The most raucous and energetic part of the stadium is the South Stands, which is home to the student section and the marching band.

The Game Day Atmosphere

The atmosphere in and around The Horseshoe on a Saturday is electric. The day starts with massive tailgate parties across the campus parking lots. The pre-game “Skull Session” at St. John Arena is a must-see event. Inside the stadium, the most famous crowd chant is the simple but powerful “O-H-I-O,” where each of the four sides of the stadium shouts one letter in succession, a chant that echoes around the fully enclosed bowl.

Practical Information – Getting to Columbus & The Stadium

Location and Transportation

Columbus is the state capital and a major metropolitan area, making it relatively easy to get to. The city is served by John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is about a 15-minute drive from the Ohio State campus without traffic. The stadium is centrally located within the university’s large campus, just north of downtown Columbus.

Matchday Parking and Transport

While the campus is vast, parking on a game day is a major challenge. The lots closest to the stadium are reserved for permit holders. There are day-of-game cash lots available further away, but they require a very early arrival. A more convenient option for many visitors is to park further away or downtown and use the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus system, which runs special event services on game days. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also very popular, but be sure to arrange your pick-up and drop-off point a fair distance from the stadium to avoid getting stuck in the post-game gridlock.

Ohio Stadium Tours

Tour Experience and Highlights

Guided tours typically last between 90 minutes and two hours. They offer an in-depth look at the stadium’s history and facilities. Highlights include a visit to the field level, the home and visitor locker rooms, the press box, and the Huntington Club level. A key part of the tour is a focus on the stadium’s unique historical features, including the magnificent rotunda, the Jesse Owens Plaza, and the University’s All-American display.

Booking and Prices

Tours must be booked online in advance through the Ohio State Buckeyes athletics website. Prices are typically around $30 for an adult, with discounts for seniors and students. Tour schedules vary depending on the time of year and the team’s schedule, so booking ahead is essential.

Summary: A Cathedral of History and Pageantry

  • An Architectural Landmark: The Horseshoe is not just a stadium; it’s a historically significant piece of architecture, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Home of “Script Ohio”: The pre-game performance by The Best Damn Band in the Land, culminating in the dotting of the ‘i’, is one of the most iconic traditions in American sports.
  • The Ground of Legends: This is where Jesse Owens made history. A visit is a chance to walk on ground hallowed by one of the 20th century’s greatest athletes.
  • Attend the Skull Session: The band’s free pre-game concert at St. John Arena is a fantastic way to start your game-day experience.
  • A Complete Experience: A visit to Ohio Stadium is more than a football game. It’s an immersion into a world of history, classical architecture, and spectacular pageantry that has been a century in the making.

Key Visitor Information

  • Address: 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
  • Official Website: ohiostatebuckeyes.com (Ohio State Athletics)
  • Tour Information & Booking: Official Stadium Tours Page
  • Contact Phone: +1 614-292-6446 (Athletics Department)
  • Operator: The Ohio State University