100 years of Ohio Stadium celebration begins

A celebration of 100 years of Ohio Stadium begins this weekend with The Ohio State University football team’s LiFEsports Spring Game, presented by Union Home Mortgage.

The iconic stadium on the banks of the Olentangy River has been the site of 100 years of games, commencement ceremonies, concerts and, for all Buckeye fans, memories.

“Ohio Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of all Buckeyes and it is a place of historic significance,” said President Kristina M. Johnson. “Families have celebrated a loved one’s academic achievement here, champions have been crowned here and it has helped so many of us fall in love with what it means to be a part of the Ohio State community. We are so excited to enjoy 100 years in the ’Shoe with thousands of our closest friends and we look forward to the celebration ahead this season.”

Ohio Stadium is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of sports. Since the opening game against Ohio Wesleyan on Oct. 7, 1922, more than 36 million fans have streamed through the stadium’s gates.

Affectionately known as the ’Shoe, Ohio Stadium is the place where Buckeyes have formed relationships, built communities and enjoyed memorable experiences – from applauding “Script Ohio,” to cheering historic victories against That Team Up North, to presidents and poets uplifting new graduates. This year, the university will join Buckeye fans to celebrate the rich history of the stadium and the bonds built inside its concrete façade.

“I don’t know if there is a more iconic structure in college athletics than Ohio Stadium,” said Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletic Director Gene Smith. “Ohio Stadium has been home to so many wonderful memories, thrilling moments and important events over the past 100 years, and the university, the Department of Athletics and Buckeye Nation are all incredibly proud of our venerable and grand structure.”  

A few of the marquee events and opportunities planned for the celebration this year include:

• A commemoration at the homecoming game against Rutgers on Oct. 1.
• Starting Aug. 20, University Archives will sponsor “A Walk in Our ’Shoe: 100 Years of Ohio Stadium” at Thompson Library. The free exhibit will focus on the history of the stadium with historic uniforms and memorabilia from Buckeye coaching legends.
• Buckeye fans can share their memories and photos as the university collects and circulates those stories throughout the year.
• Limited edition licensed merchandise celebrating 100 years of Ohio Stadium will be available starting at the Spring Game. It will also be available at The Team Shop or online at gobuckeyes.com.

With a seating capacity of 102,780, Ohio Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the world and the fourth largest on-campus facility in the nation. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The original 66,000-seat venue was designed by Ohio State alumnus and architect Howard Dwight Smith and cost $1.3 million to build. Skeptics of the construction plan were quieted when an overflow crowd of 71,138 showed up for the dedication game against Michigan on Oct. 21, 1922.