You’ve seen it on TV. A sea of scarlet and gray, the roar of over 100,000 voices, and that unmistakable concrete curve. Ohio State horseshoe stadium, officially known as Ohio Stadium, is a monster. But honestly, most people just see it as a big football field. It’s way weirder than that.
Did you know students used to sleep there? Not just during games. Like, actually lived there. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the university built dorms right into the stadium walls. They called it the Stadium Scholarship Dorm. Students lived under the west stands until 1999. Imagine waking up for a 7:00 AM chemistry class and your bedroom wall is literally the underside of C-deck.
It's massive.
Why the "Shoe" Almost Didn't Happen
Back in the early 1900s, Ohio State played at a place called Ohio Field. It was tiny. Maybe held 20,000 people if you squeezed them in. Then came Chic Harley. He was the school’s first three-time All-American, and suddenly, everyone in Columbus wanted a ticket.
The university architect, Howard Dwight Smith, had a wild vision. He wanted a double-decked, horseshoe-shaped "cathedral of football" that could hold 66,000 people. Skeptics thought he was insane. They called it a "white elephant." Who would ever fill 66,000 seats in Central Ohio?
Well, everyone did.
The stadium opened in 1922. The cost? Roughly $1.3 million. In today’s money, that’s basically pennies for a world-class venue. But it wasn't just about football. Smith was obsessed with Roman architecture. If you look at the North Rotunda, you’ll see the influence of the Pantheon. Those stained-glass windows featuring the offensive and defensive "Buckeye" patterns? Pure 1920s flair.
The Engineering Magic of the Horseshoe
There is a reason it's a "U" and not a circle. Smith wanted the open end to face the Olentangy River to keep the air moving. He also didn't want any seats to be more than 100 yards from the action.
The upper deck was a legit engineering marvel for the time. It uses a "cantilever" system, which means the upper seats hang over the lower ones without a forest of pillars blocking your view. Well, mostly. If you’ve ever sat in the back of A-deck, you know those pillars are still very much a thing.
Ohio State horseshoe stadium is constantly evolving. In 2026, the university is actually kicking off more renovations. They’re adding premium seating to the South End Zone and moving the Ohio State Marching Band back to the North end—their original home before 2001.
Modern Stats and the 100k Club
As of 2026, the official capacity sits at 102,780.
But that number is sorta a suggestion. On November 26, 2016, a record 110,045 people crammed in for the Michigan game. If you were there, you weren't sitting. You were hovering.
The field itself has changed a lot too.
- 1922-1970: Natural Grass
- 1971-1989: AstroTurf (Hard as a parking lot)
- 1990-2006: Back to Grass
- 2007-Present: Synthetic FieldTurf (Currently Shaw Sports Momentum Pro)
People often ask why they don't just go back to grass. Honestly? It's the events. The stadium hosts more than just the Buckeyes. We’re talking massive concerts. Pink Floyd played here. Taylor Swift filled it. Even Bruno Mars is scheduled to bring his "Romantic Tour" here in May 2026. Grass just can't survive that much foot traffic and still be playable for a Big Ten schedule.
The Things You Won’t See on the Broadcast
If you ever visit, look for the "Victory Bell" in the Southeast Tower. It’s huge. It weighs about 2,420 pounds. After every win, members of Alpha Phi Omega ring that thing. If the Buckeyes beat Michigan, they ring it for 30 minutes. For anyone else? 15 minutes.
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Then there’s the track. Or the lack of one. Until the late 90s, the field was surrounded by a track named after the legend Jesse Owens. During the 1999-2001 renovation, they dug the field down 14 feet to add more seats and removed the track. It made the stadium feel much more intimate—and a lot louder.
How to Actually Experience It
Don't just show up at kickoff. That’s rookie behavior.
- The Rotunda: Enter through the North Rotunda even if your seats are in the South Stands. The acoustics and the tile work are worth the detour.
- Skull Session: Head over to St. John Arena (right across the street) two hours before the game. The band plays, the coaches speak, and the energy is better than most actual games.
- The Walk: Watch the players walk from the Blackwell Hotel into the stadium.
- Script Ohio: It’s the best tradition in sports. Period. Seeing the "i" get dotted is a bucket-list item even if you hate the Buckeyes.
What’s Next for the Shoe?
The 2026 renovations are going to change the South Stands quite a bit. We’re looking at nine new field-level suites and about 400 new chair-back seats. They’re also building the "1922 Club," which is basically a fancy climate-controlled lounge for people who want to watch the game without actually feeling the Ohio November wind.
Whether you love the Buckeyes or you’re just a fan of massive architecture, Ohio State horseshoe stadium remains the "Cathedral of College Football." It’s old, it’s loud, and it smells like hot dogs and victory.
If you're planning a trip, definitely book a stadium tour. They run about 60 to 90 minutes and take you into the locker rooms and the press box. You can usually find tickets on the official athletics site for about $30. It's the only way to see the "Shoe" without having to fight a crowd of 100,000 people.