So, you're wondering where does Ohio State play football? If you ask anyone in Columbus, they won't just give you an address. They’ll probably point toward a massive, concrete cathedral sitting right on the banks of the Olentangy River.
It’s called Ohio Stadium.
But nobody actually calls it that. To the locals, the alumni, and the 100,000-plus screaming fans who show up every Saturday in the fall, it’s simply "The Shoe" or "The Horseshoe." Honestly, if you call it "Ohio Stadium" in a local bar like the Varsity Club, people might look at you like you’re reading from a textbook.
The House That Harley Built
You can't talk about where the Buckeyes play without mentioning Chic Harley. Back in the late 1910s, Ohio State played at a tiny spot called Ohio Field. It only held about 14,000 people. Then Chic Harley showed up. He was the school’s first three-time All-American, and he was so good that people literally couldn't fit into the old park to see him play.
The university realized they needed something bigger. Way bigger.
The stadium opened in 1922, and at the time, people thought the school was insane. They built a stadium that could hold over 66,000 people when the entire university only had about 6,000 students. Critics called it a "white elephant." They said it would never be full.
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Fast forward to 2026, and those critics look pretty silly. Today, the official capacity is 102,780, but for the big games—especially when Michigan comes to town—they’ve managed to squeeze in over 110,000 people.
Where Exactly Is It?
If you’re punching it into your GPS, the official address is 411 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH 43210.
It’s right in the heart of the Ohio State University campus. What makes it cool is the location. Unlike some pro stadiums that sit in the middle of a giant asphalt parking lot in the suburbs, the Shoe is tucked right into the campus environment. You've got the Olentangy River on one side and the massive Drake Performance and Event Center nearby.
Getting There (The Real Talk)
Actually getting to where Ohio State plays football on a game day is... an experience.
- Parking: Unless you have a permit that costs as much as a used car, don't expect to park right next to the stadium. Most people end up in the "West Campus" lots and take a shuttle.
- The Walk: There's something special about the walk across the Lane Avenue bridge. You see the stadium looming over the trees, hear the drums of the marching band, and smell about a thousand different tailgates.
- Traffic: It’s bad. Like, really bad. If the game starts at noon, you should probably be in the area by 8:00 AM if you want to keep your sanity.
Why the Shape Matters
The "Horseshoe" isn't just a clever name. It was designed by Howard Dwight Smith to look like a Roman ruin—specifically inspired by the Colosseum. He wanted it to be double-decked to keep the fans as close to the field as possible.
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Back in the day, the south end of the stadium was open (hence the horseshoe shape). Over the years, they’ve filled that in with permanent stands to boost the capacity, but the name stuck.
Interestingly, for the 2026 season, they are introducing a brand new South End Zone Premium Seating area. This includes field-level suites and about 400 premium chairback seats. It's basically a way to get even closer to the action without having to stand on the sidelines.
More Than Just a Football Field
While it's famous for football, a lot of other stuff happens where Ohio State plays.
- Commencement: Every May, thousands of graduates sit on the same turf where Heisman winners played to get their diplomas.
- Concerts: The Shoe has hosted everyone from Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones to Metallica. In 2026, Buckeye Country Superfest and even AC/DC are scheduled to hit the stage there.
- Historical Dorms: This is a weird fact most people don't know—there used to be dorms inside the stadium. From the 1930s until the late 90s, students actually lived under the bleachers in what was called the Stadium Scholarship Dorm. Talk about a noisy place to study.
The Traditions You’ll See
If you make the trip to see where the Buckeyes play, you aren't just watching a game. You're watching a scripted ritual.
Script Ohio
The Ohio State University Marching Band (known as TBDBITL—The Best Damn Band in the Land) performs "Script Ohio." It’s a 100-year-old tradition where they march in a formation that spells out "Ohio" in cursive. The pinnacle is when a senior sousaphone player "dots the i." People literally cry when it happens. It’s a big deal.
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The Victory Bell
After a win, you’ll hear a massive bell ringing from the southeast tower. It’s the Victory Bell, a gift from the classes of 1943-45. It weighs nearly 2,500 pounds and supposedly can be heard five miles away on a quiet night.
Skull Session
Technically, this doesn't happen in the stadium, but right across the street at St. John Arena. About two hours before kickoff, the band and the team show up for a final "pep rally." It’s free, it’s loud, and it’s the best way to get hyped before walking into the Shoe.
The 2026 Experience
The stadium is currently in a "modernization" phase. While it's on the National Register of Historic Places, the school is constantly tweaking things. They’ve added massive HD video boards (the main one is 42 by 124 feet) and improved the audio systems so you can actually hear the announcer over the roar of the crowd.
One thing that hasn't changed? The "C-Deck." If you're sitting at the very top of the stadium, be prepared for some steep stairs and a view that makes the players look like ants. But even up there, the energy is infectious.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to visit where Ohio State plays football, here is how you do it right:
- Download the App: Ohio State went 100% digital for tickets and concessions a few years ago. Make sure your phone is charged and you have the "Ohio State Buckeyes" app ready to go.
- Check the Bag Policy: They are very strict. No bags larger than 5x8x1 inches. Basically, if it’s bigger than a clutch purse, leave it in the car.
- Wear Red: Just do it. Even if you aren't a fan, you'll feel weirdly out of place in any other color.
- Visit the Statues: Take a walk around the outside of the stadium. You’ll find statues of legends like Archie Griffin (the only two-time Heisman winner) and Woody Hayes.
- Stay for "Carmen Ohio": Win or lose, the team always goes to the south end zone after the game to sing the school song with the fans and the band. It’s the proper way to end a day at the Shoe.
Whether you're there for the history, the 100,000-person "O-H-I-O" chant, or just to see one of the most iconic venues in sports, Ohio Stadium doesn't disappoint. It’s more than just a place where they play football; it’s the heart of Columbus.