Ohio State’s famed Skull Session to be livestreamed

It’s the pregame tradition with the spooky name that keeps Buckeye fans entertained and gets them fired up before kickoff. Skull Session, long anchored to St. John Arena, is now headed to smartphones and living rooms across the country.

The Ohio State University Office of Marketing and Communications will livestream Skull Session before the game against Maryland on Saturday and before each home game the rest of the season. The livestream can be found at the Ohio State News YouTube channel through the website or on the YouTube app.

“We’re thrilled to be able to share with fans everywhere the enthusiasm and electrifying atmosphere fans bring to Skull Session,” said Director of National Broadcast Media Joe Camoriano. “One of the best fan experiences takes place just across the street from the ’Shoe only a couple of hours before each home game. And we are excited to stream it live.”

Camoriano and a team of videographers will stream Skull Session using five different cameras and multiple microphones to capture the action from all angles.

Skull Session originally served as a final music rehearsal for the Ohio State Marching Band prior to its performance on the field. It has evolved into one of the most anticipated game day traditions for Buckeye fans. Doors to St. John Arena open four hours prior to kickoff and the arena can quickly fill up.

“It’s a great tradition that helps the marching band focus on our pregame and halftime shows and gets the fans excited for the game. We’re excited fans across Buckeye Nation will have a chance to enjoy the show in a whole new way,” said band director Christopher Hoch.

TBDBITL marches into the arena and plays “Fanfare for a New Era” as the football team arrives. Coach Ryan Day, assistant coaches and players often speak each week to the fans before they head to the stadium. The band then performs a final musical run-through of its pregame and halftime shows and strikes up “Across the Field” one more time before game time.