aventuro Back to map A
Venues #3 in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio Stadium

4.7 · 8,621 reviews
Vibrant and collegiate during events; quiet and expansive on off-days.
Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
Interesting facts
1

The stadium was built using 29,000 cubic yards of concrete and 4,000 tons of structural steel.

2

The rotunda on the north end was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

3

During construction in the early 1920s, a prehistoric earthwork mound was discovered on the site, which was partially leveled for the stadium foundation.

4

The stadium's original design included a cinder track that encircled the field until the 1970s.

5

It is the first stadium in the United States to have a permanent lighting system capable of broadcasting high-definition night games.

6

The stadium does not use a natural grass field due to the local climate and the high volume of events.

7

The iconic scoreboard in the south end houses a massive video display measuring 124 feet by 42 feet.

Overview

Ohio Stadium, often called the Horseshoe due to its distinct double-decked U-shape, is the primary sports venue for The Ohio State University. Opened in 1922, the facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a rotunda at the north end that serves as a iconic visual centerpiece. The venue functions primarily as an American football stadium, hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes. The stadium underwent a major expansion in 2001 that added permanent seating in the south end, converting it into a bowl structure while retaining the historic open-ended facade. It currently possesses one of the largest seating capacities in the collegiate sports world. The field surface is a synthetic turf system installed to accommodate high-traffic usage. It serves as a central hub for campus life and university-wide ceremonial events beyond athletic competitions.

Photo spot

The north rotunda entrance plaza provides the best unobstructed view of the stadium's historic facade.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the stadium concourses and surrounding campus areas cover significant ground.

Check the university's prohibited item list online before arrival, as it follows a strict clear-bag policy.

Visit the rotunda area on the north side during non-event days for the clearest architectural views.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to enter the stadium bowl on non-event days, as the field and seating areas are restricted for maintenance and security.

Good to know

The stadium is closed to the public on game days unless you possess a valid ticket; access to the stadium bowl is restricted throughout the year.

Etiquette

Respect university property, avoid blocking pedestrian walkways, and adhere to the strict no-smoking policy enforced across all campus grounds.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1 hour
Best time to visit
Autumn Saturday mornings before game day, or any weekday morning for quiet architectural viewing.
Address
Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
40.002, -83.020
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleNeoclassical
CapacityOver 102,000

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn Saturday mornings before game day, or any weekday morning for quiet architectural viewing..

The north rotunda entrance plaza provides the best unobstructed view of the stadium's historic facade.

Close by you'll find Nationwide Arena, Historic Crew Stadium, Goodale Park.