You’re standing at the base of the Rotunda, looking up at that massive concrete canyon. It’s intimidating. Whether you call it the Horseshoe, the Shoe, or just "The Place Where Dreams Go to Die" if you’re a Michigan fan, Ohio Stadium is a beast of a venue. But here’s the thing: people look at the Ohio State Buckeyes football seating chart and assume it’s just a simple bowl.
It isn't. Not even close.
If you buy tickets without knowing the difference between B-Deck and C-Deck, you might end up staring at a concrete pillar for three hours. Trust me, nobody wants to pay $200 to watch a 24-inch wide beam instead of Quinshon Judkins breaking a tackle.
The Weird Logic of the Horseshoe Layout
The Shoe is old. It opened in 1922, and while it's had plenty of facelifts, it still carries that historic DNA. This means the seating isn't just "up and down." It’s layered.
Basically, the stadium is split into several decks labeled AA, A, B, C, and D.
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AA-Deck is the closest you can get without being on the sidelines. These are the first 11 to 16 rows. You’re close enough to hear the pads popping. A-Deck sits right behind it and is generally considered the "sweet spot" for most fans. It’s high enough to see the play develop but low enough that you don't feel like you're watching ants.
Then things get tricky. B-Deck is tucked underneath the overhang of C-Deck. People love B-Deck because it has chairbacks—yes, actual seats with backs, not just cold metal bleachers. It also provides shade and protection from the rain. However, the "B" in B-Deck might as well stand for "Blocked" if you aren't careful.
The support pillars for the upper deck are located here. If you are in Row 15 or higher in some B-Deck sections, your view of the scoreboard or the deep end zone might be partially obstructed. Honestly, if you’re buying on the secondary market, always check if the listing says "obstructed view." If it doesn't say, and the price looks too good to be true, you’re probably sitting behind a pole.
The 2026 Shift: New Premium Vibes in the South End Zone
If you haven't been to Columbus in a while, the Ohio State Buckeyes football seating chart looks a little different starting this 2026 season. The university just wrapped up a massive project in the South End Zone.
They’ve added nine field-level luxury suites right where the players come out of the tunnel. On top of those suites, they installed 400 new premium chairback seats. These are being billed as the widest seats in the whole stadium. If you’ve ever sat in the old bleachers squeezed between two guys who clearly haven't missed a tailgate in twenty years, you know why "wide seats" is a massive selling point.
Buying into this section also gets you into the brand-new 1922 Club. It’s an all-inclusive spot with food and drinks. It’s fancy. It’s also pricey—season packages for these seats started around $6,000.
Because of this renovation, the Best Damned Band in the Land (TBDBITL) actually moved their permanent home back to the North End of the stadium. It’s a bit of a throwback to how things were before the 2001 renovations.
Hunting for Shade (And Avoiding the Burn)
Sunburns are a real threat at the Shoe, especially for those noon kickoffs in September.
The stadium is oriented roughly north-to-south. This means the East Side (even-numbered sections like 2, 4, 6...) is the "sunny side." If you’re sitting there, the sun will be in your face for the entire first half.
The West Side (odd-numbered sections like 1, 3, 5...) is the "home side" and gets shade first. As the sun dips behind the press box in the afternoon, the West Side fans are living the dream while the East Side fans are squinting and peeling.
- Pro Tip: If you want guaranteed shade, look for B-Deck on the West Side. You’ve got the overhang protecting you from above and the press box blocking the sun from behind.
- The "Vomit" Factor: C-Deck is high. Very high. Section 15D or 28C can feel like you're on a mountain. If you have vertigo, stick to the A-Deck or the South Stands.
Student Sections and the Noise Factor
If you want the "real" college experience, you want to be near the South Stands (Sections 31-39). This is where the students live. It is loud. It is rowdy. There will be jumping.
"Block O South" is in Section 39A, and "Block O North" is in 1A/2A. These are the heartbeats of the stadium. If you’re bringing kids or want a quiet afternoon of tactical analysis, maybe don't sit right next to these sections. You’ll be standing the whole time anyway because nobody in the student section sits down. Ever.
Visiting Team Pockets
Nobody likes being the only person in blue in a sea of scarlet. If you’re a visiting fan, the official visitor sections are typically in the corner of the South End Zone and parts of the C-Deck (Sections 6C, 8C, 10C, and some AA rows).
Of course, with the way tickets are sold now, you’ll see pockets of visiting fans everywhere, but those specific areas are where the visiting school’s allotment usually lands.
Accessibility and ADA Info
Ohio State is actually pretty good about ADA seating, considering how old the building is. Accessible seating is scattered across all levels.
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For AA-Deck, the accessible rows are usually at the very top of the section (Row 11 or 16 depending on where you are). This is great because you enter from the concourse and don't have to climb a single stair.
For the higher levels, you’ll need the elevators located between Gates 17-23 on the West side or near Section 7 and 10 on the East side. Just keep in mind that the North Rotunda is basically a giant staircase—if you have mobility issues, avoid entering through the Rotunda at all costs.
Quick Cheat Sheet for the Best Seats
- Best View of the Whole Field: Sections 20C through 24C (elevated enough to see everything).
- Best "Big Spender" Experience: The new South End Zone Premium chairbacks or the Huntington Club.
- Best for Families: A-Deck, mid-rows (20-30). Easy access to bathrooms and concessions without being too high up.
- Best for Weather Protection: B-Deck (specifically Rows 5-12 to avoid pillars but keep the roof).
The Ohio State Buckeyes football seating chart is a map of history, but it's also a trap for the unprepared. Take a second to look at the section and the row before you hit "buy."
Next Steps for Your Game Day:
Check the official Ohio State Buckeyes website or a 3D seat viewer to verify the specific view from your chosen row, especially if you are looking at B-Deck or the new 2026 South End Zone sections. If you're attending a late-season game, prioritize the West side to stay out of the biting wind that often whips off the Olentangy River.