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Ohio Stadium Stadium Guide

Ohio Stadium · Columbus, OH

Ohio State
|Stadium|Pregame
🏟
The Venue
Ohio Stadium — affectionately known as 'The Horseshoe' or simply 'The Shoe' — is one of college football's most iconic cathedrals.
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Size & Scale
Opened in 1922 and seating over 102,000 fans, its distinctive open-ended horseshoe shape and towering concrete double-deck stands create an atmosphere that overwhelms the senses.
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Getting In
The sheer scale hits you the moment you walk through the gates: a sea of scarlet stretching in every direction, unified in purpose.
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What to Expect
For visiting fans, stepping into The Shoe is a bucket-list experience that delivers every ounce of pageantry college football promises.
PRO TIP
Enter through the open south end for the most dramatic first view of the stadium's massive horseshoe bowl stretching before you.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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Frequently Asked Questions — Stadium Guide

What is the bag policy at Ohio Stadium?

Ohio Stadium follows standard college football bag policies. Clear bags up to 12"×6"×12" are permitted. Small clutch purses (4.5"×6.5" or smaller) are allowed. No backpacks, camera bags, or non-clear bags.

What time do gates open at Ohio Stadium?

Gates at Ohio Stadium typically open 2–3 hours before kickoff for regular season games. For rivalry and marquee games, arrive early — crowds build fast and entry lines can be long.

Is Ohio Stadium an alcohol-free venue?

Alcohol policies vary by program. Many major college stadiums now sell beer and wine in designated areas or throughout the concourse. Check the school's official athletics page for the current policy.

What are the parking options at Ohio Stadium?

Parking near Ohio Stadium includes both on-campus lots (sold via the athletics department) and off-campus garages and surface lots. SpotHero offers pre-bookable spots near the stadium — reserve early for big games.

Ohio Stadium Fan Guide — Gates, Parking & Tips | GameDay GatePass