Ohio Stadium

The Horseshoe on the Olentangy: Ohio State football Saturdays, marching band tradition, and a stadium experience that defines fall in Columbus. Even non-alumni feel the scale once the crowd finds its voice.

Ohio Stadium, nicknamed the Horseshoe, is where Ohio State football turns autumn Saturdays into a citywide event. The building itself is a landmark; the game-day ritual around campus is the full attraction.

If you only do one sports pilgrimage in Columbus, this is the loudest. Tailgates, scarlet crowds, and Script Ohio are why visitors plan trips around the home schedule.

How to plan a visit

Tickets are the hard part; official athletic channels and verified resale are the safe routes. Build hours around traffic, not minutes. Non-game visits may be limited; watch for public tours or special events when offered.

Practical tips

Wear comfortable shoes and check bag rules before you walk in. Campus streets close in layers on game day, so park-and-walk or rideshare from outside the tightest perimeter.

FAQ

What is the Horseshoe?

The Horseshoe is the nickname for Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University's iconic football stadium in Columbus.

Can you visit Ohio Stadium without a game ticket?

Access outside game days is limited and changes with university events; look for official tour or open-house announcements when available.

Where is Ohio Stadium located?

Ohio Stadium sits on Ohio State's campus along Woody Hayes Drive beside the Olentangy River.

First timers should skim our sports game day guide before kickoff.

Know before you go

Game-day gates and non-game access follow university schedules posted through Ohio State athletics, so read the week-of notes. Campus lots and garages use event parking plans that change by opponent and start time. Football tickets are premium; tours when offered are a separate, lower cost. Tailgate mornings reward early arrival from the west side. See upcoming dates on our events page.