The Ohio State University offers tips, resources and reminders for what will be a busy game day:

Safety in and around The ’Shoe: Football Saturdays always bring increased presence of law enforcement and security personnel on and off campus. The university recently announced new comprehensive safety enhancements, including additional mobile surveillance cameras and the renewal of the Buckeye Block Watch foot patrols in the University District. It’s still important to play an active role in enhancing your own safety:

• Travel in groups or use public transportation. Students can use the discounted Lyft Ride Smart program, too. 
• Put earbuds away and be aware of your surroundings while walking, especially at night. 
• If you see something suspicious, say something. The Ohio State University Police Division’s non-emergency line is 614-292-2121, and the Columbus Division of Police’s non-emergency number is 614-645-4545.
• More information and safety resources are available on the Department of Public Safety website.

Get there early: There’s a lot happening in and around Ohio Stadium on Saturday, so fans attending the game should make sure they are ready. Click here for more information on pre-game day activities – like ESPN’s College GameDay at St. John Arena and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff at the RPAC. At 9 a.m., FanFest opens at St. John Arena south lawn, and Skull Session begins 40 minutes later.

• Campus will be exciting and busy, so make sure to get to campus and into the stadium early. You can avoid the congestion of parking right by the stadium by parking and riding from West Campus using free shuttles – parking lots open at 5 a.m. You can access campus from the north to avoid the Cannon Drive road closure.
  • Anyone can sign up for free game day text alerts and be notified in real time about traffic and parking updates, weather information and emergency alerts. Text OSUFB to 67283 to opt in.
• Gates to Ohio Stadium open at 10 a.m. Be sure to have your ticket loaded into your phone’s digital wallet before you arrive. Verified resale tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and via the Ohio State Buckeyes app or Ticketmaster app. 
• Make sure to wear red and “Scarlet the Shoe” and be the best fans in the land – cheer loud and be a proud fan. 

Party Smart: Stay safe while having fun. Whether students choose to drink or not, the Student Wellness Center has Party Smart tools and tips to help keep everyone healthy. More information is available on the Student Wellness Center website.

Be a good neighbor: Students aren’t the only people who call the University District home. The university is committed to being a good neighbor in our campus communities and asks that students living and spending time off campus do the same. Students, take pride in the area you call home by cleaning up after parties, being mindful of trash and keeping noise to an acceptable level. We’re all excited for this top 10 matchup – but we still must be respectful.

“We’re excited to offer fans a variety of game day options,” said Chris North, director of operations for Levy, the food and beverage supplier to the stadium. “There’s something for everyone.”

In observance of Ohio Stadium’s 100th anniversary, new options available throughout the stadium include Century Dog – a hot dog loaded with crispy bacon, diced tomato, shredded lettuce and chipotle avocado aioli.

“Fans can also order a 1922 Century Combo, which includes a hot dog, a refillable fountain soda and choice of candy,” North said.

Those who enjoy spicier fare can visit the Hot Seat cart in section 20 of C deck.

“The Hot Seat has a menu that caters to fans that are looking for a hotter flavor profile, featuring habanero and ghost peppers,” North said.

New local partners this year include Hot Chicken Takeover and Dirty Frank’s. Located in Section 35A, Hot Chicken Takeover features Southern comfort food made in Ohio like fried chicken and banana pudding. Dirty Frank’s, in Section 19A, offers an assortment of loaded hot dogs.

Another new option: Taste of the Competition burger carts in visiting team sections 8A and 10C.

“Taste of the Competition has a menu inspired by the flavors of the region from the visiting team and paired with a local adult beverage from that same region,” North said.

In addition to the new food options, innovative technology will be deployed to enhance the fan experience, including:

• Mobile ordering will be available in all permanent concession stands inside the stadium. The average order is ready in about three minutes.
•  A new point-of-sale system throughout concessions will help speed up transaction times in a cashless environment.
• All concession locations will accept credit/debit cards and smartphone payments.  

For all game day information, visit www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/gameday.

Unlike last year, when new technologies such as mobile ticketing and parking, metal detectors and self-scanning tickets were introduced, there aren’t many changes to game day procedures for 2022. There are certainly tips and protocols to be aware of when in and around the stadium, though. Some of the most important news and notes for fans to know this year include to arrive early.

The standard game day timeline for home games at Ohio Stadium this year: 

• 5 a.m. – Parking lots open
• Four hours prior to kickoff – Skull Session doors open at St. John Arena
• Three hours prior to kickoff – FanFest opens on the St. John Arena south lawn
• Two hours prior to kickoff – Ohio Stadium gates open and Skull Session begins
• 20 minutes prior to kickoff – TBDBITL’s ramp entrance

Safelite is a new field sponsor   

Safelite, the vehicle glass services and recalibration company based in Columbus, is expanding its partnership with Ohio State’s athletics department through a new multiyear sponsorship in agreement with Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties. In 2014, Safelite became the first company to sponsor a logo on field goal netting, and it will now be the first to sponsor field logos on what will be called Safelite Field. The field will now feature two white Safelite placements opposite the B1G logos.

Visit the game day website

Fans are encouraged to visit https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/gameday/ for all game day information needs. The revamped site includes information on mobile tickets and mobile parking passes, traffic and parking, maps, tailgating and an A-Z guide.

Download the official Ohio State Buckeyes app

The most convenient way to access season tickets and parking passes is through the Ohio State Buckeyes app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play, or search “Ohio State Buckeyes” in your device’s app store, to update or download the app. Fans are encouraged to enable push notifications to get instant updates about their favorite Buckeye teams, ticket offers, game day information including parking and traffic, exclusive contests and more.

The official Ohio State Buckeyes app features mobile ticket management, concessions ordering, venue mapping and free live audio of the game along with numerous other options. For more information, click here.

Game Day Alerts text service

Fans are encouraged to sign up for Game Day Alerts, a free texting service that will alert fans to real-time traffic and parking updates, weather information and emergency notifications. Text OSUFB22 to 67283 to opt in.

Ohio State single game tickets

Single game tickets for all games except the sold-out Notre Dame and Michigan games can be purchased online at http://go.osu.edu/fbtix. Verified resale tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, http://go.osu.edu/fbtix and via the Ohio State Buckeyes app. The Department of Athletics encourages fans to protect themselves from potential fraud by utilizing these sites over any other resale ticket option for purchasing resale tickets.

Ohio Stadium 100

The 2022 season will feature a celebration of 100 years of Ohio Stadium. The iconic venue 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. The stadium will be commemorated at the homecoming game against Rutgers on Oct. 1. The official Ohio State Buckeyes website includes a comprehensive look at the stadium’s history, tradition and moments. Visit go.osu.edu/TheShoe100.

“A Walk in Our ’Shoe”

This week, University Archives opened “A Walk in Our ’Shoe: 100 Years of Ohio Stadium” at Thompson Library. The free exhibit focuses on the history of the stadium with historic uniforms and memorabilia from Buckeye coaching legends.  

Limited edition game program with NFTs

As part of the Ohio Stadium 100 celebration, this year’s limited edition game day program will feature cover designs that pay homage to Ohio Stadium’s history and tradition. Each edition will feature foil stamping and a cover design from the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. Each program will also include a bound Certificate of Authenticity, and a personal access code to unlock an official pack of unique Ohio State digital collectable NFTs. Game programs cost $20 and can be pre-ordered, for pick-up at the game or sent to a home address, at https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/gameday/commemorative/.

Returning: stadium experiences

Ohio Stadium “experiences” are returning to game day for the first time since 2019. The official Ohio State Buckeyes app is the best way for fans to purchase stadium experiences, including watching warm-ups with a pregame field pass, taking photos on the field, press box tours, and birthday wishes and messages on the videoboard.

Woody Hayes & John Herrick Drives open

Woody Hayes and John Herrick Drives will have reduced lanes (one lane open each way) in use, but both will be open on game day, unlike last year. All fans should plan ahead, arrive early and allow additional time to get inside the stadium.

West Campus shuttle

Fans parking and riding from west campus will board shuttles at Carmack 1 – the far eastern parking lot. Shuttles will provide service between the Carmack 1 parking lot and Coffey Road Park, which is within walking distance of Ohio Stadium, from six hours before kickoff until one hour after the game.

Game tickets

All game tickets are now issued digitally to fans’ smartphones/mobile devices. Download the official Ohio State Buckeyes app to access tickets, and visit Ohio State’s Digital Ticketing Guide for complete information on how to access and manage digital tickets.

Parking

Game day parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis on football Saturdays. All football parking lots and garages open at 5 a.m. All parking will be cashless once again this year and passes will be on fans’ mobile devices. Individuals with season parking permits will access their passes via their Ohio State Buckeyes Account alongside their game tickets. Fans will scan the QR code on their mobile device upon entry to the parking lot.

Credit cards only will be accepted at all public parking locations. The prices to park this year are $25 and $30.

Cashless operations

Cashless operations will once again be utilized throughout Ohio Stadium this year, including for program sales, concessions, ticket office transactions and merchandise. The cashless concessions system has been upgraded for faster service and check-out time. Fans can skip the line and order food, including new options like Hot Chicken Takeover, Dirty Frank’s and Smashed Buns, on the Ohio State Buckeyes app.

Ticket pedestals

All gates into Ohio Stadium have ticket pedestals that fans will use for access into the game by scanning their ticket from their own mobile device.

Metal detectors

All Ohio Stadium entry gates will be equipped with walk-through metal detectors that guests will need to pass through for entry. Fans will not need to empty their pockets unless instructed by stadium security. The goal is for a frictionless entry into Ohio Stadium.

No-bag policy

Ohio State will continue its no-bag policies at Ohio Stadium and all athletic department venues. Small bags, no larger than 5-by-8-by-1 inches, will be permitted. Guests with medical or child care needs will be permitted to carry one bag, no larger than 14-by-14-by-4 inches, into the stadium through one of these two locations: the Band Center entrance between Gates 10 and 12, or the Press Entrance between the Huntington Club and Gate 23.

The Big Ten’s Administrators Council, which includes the directors of athletics and senior women administrators from all 14 member institutions, approved the revisions.

Ohio State will play the same nine teams and at the same home or away locations, but the order and dates of the games have been modified for six of the nine games. Only the games at Northwestern (Nov. 5), Maryland (Nov. 19) and vs. Michigan (Nov. 26) remain unchanged.

The Buckeyes will kick off the 2022 campaign with five consecutive home games at Ohio Stadium, starting with the Sept. 3 season opener against Notre Dame. Home games in weeks four and five against Wisconsin – the Big Ten opener – and Rutgers now replace road contests at Michigan State and Penn State.

Ohio State football will now be off during autumn break (Oct. 13-16). Instead of a home game against Iowa on Oct. 15, the team will be off on that date and instead will play Iowa Oct. 22 during what previously was the off week. The Hawkeyes will also have Oct. 15 off before their trip to Columbus.

Games at Penn State and at Northwestern will close October and open November, respectively. A game at home against Indiana and one at Maryland will then precede the Nov. 26 contest against Michigan in Ohio Stadium.

2022 Ohio State Schedule (previously scheduled games)

• Sept. 3 – Notre Dame
• Sept. 10 – Arkansas State
• Sept. 17 – Toledo
• Sept. 24 – Wisconsin (at Michigan State)
• Oct. 1 – Rutgers (at Penn State)
• Oct. 8 – at Michigan State (Rutgers)
• Oct. 15 – Off (Iowa)
• Oct. 22 – Iowa (Off)
• Oct. 29 – at Penn State (Indiana)
• Nov. 5 – at Northwestern
• Nov. 12 – Indiana (Wisconsin)
• Nov. 19 – at Maryland
• Nov. 26 – Michigan
• Dec. 3 – Big Ten Championship Game

President Kristina M. Johnson joined Utah representatives, university leaders, students and alumni from both schools at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

“It was an honor to join with our friends from Utah and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help those in need,” Johnson said. “Ohio State’s annual bowl game service project is just one of many ways Buckeyes come together every day in service to Ohio, the nation and the world.”

The Buckeyes and the Utes assembled food packages to be distributed to more than 2,600 low-income senior citizens, women with infants and children in Los Angeles.

This is the 23rd year that Ohio State’s Office of Student Life has organized a service project in conjunction with its football bowl game in order to make a positive difference in the host city.

More than two dozen Buckeyes were honored before the kickoff against Michigan State. Because the COVID-19 pandemic preempted last year’s pregame ceremony, this class includes players who joined the Buckeyes as early as 2016.

These student-athletes are the first senior class in Big Ten Conference history to win four consecutive outright Big Ten championships. Over the last five years, these seniors have combined for a 54-6 overall record and are 37-2 against Big Ten teams. They boast an undefeated record versus That Team Up North.

“One of the things, week in and week out, that I like to bring up is just that things go really, really fast and you can’t take anything for granted,” head coach Ryan Day said earlier this week. “Don’t wait until the last game to enjoy it, don’t wait for the last game to cry before you get on the field, and enjoy it and smell the roses because it goes really fast.”

The senior players honored include:

• Sevyn Banks
• Ryan Batsch
• Chris Booker
• Cameron Brown
• Robert Cope
• Aaron Cox
• Haskell Garrett
• Antwuan Jackson
• Jack Jamieson
• Cade Kacherski
• Austin Kutscher
• Jagger LaRoe 
• Demario McCall
• Thayer Munford
• Chris Olave 
• Nicholas Petit-Frere
• Corey Rau
• Bradley Robinson
• Mitch Rossi
• Jeremy Ruckert
• Tyreke Smith
• Master Teague
• Sam Wiglusz
• Marcus Williamson 

The senior managers Cati Ide, Brandon Merritts, Jake Waddell, Brody Whetsel and Isaac Wilson were also recognized.

Other notable accomplishments from this senior class are a Cotton Bowl victory over the University of Southern California, a Rose Bowl victory over Washington, two College Football Playoff appearances, a Sugar Bowl win over Clemson last year and a College Football Championship game appearance.

The final game of the regular season is Nov. 27 in Ann Arbor.

“While no final decision has been made regarding the 2020 football season, the Department of Athletics has been working diligently with university leaders, public health experts and government officials to create game day plans that protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, staff, faculty and fans,” the department said in a message to ticket holders today.

If games are played, the university will require physical distancing and mandatory face masks or facial coverings at the stadium, with limited concessions available. Ohio State will prohibit tailgating and no skull session will be held at St. John Arena. The Ohio Stadium crowd size will likely amount to no more than 20% of overall stadium capacity. That will lead to changes in ticket quantity and seat locations.

For fans who have paid for season tickets, the Department of Athletics will offer to accommodate as many season ticket holders as possible, which will require limiting the quantity of season tickets for each ticket holder. Details on ticket allocation and seat selection will be announced at a later date.

“We understand not all fans will feel comfortable attending games for health and safety reasons, or may not be interested in attending due to reduced capacity guidelines,” the message stated. “Therefore, we are allowing all season ticket holders to opt out of their 2020 football season tickets commitment without longevity or eligibility penalty, if they wish.”

Those who opt out:

• Retain their consecutive years of purchase.
• Retain their full season ticket eligibility.
• Will still be able to participate in the planned reseating of Ohio Stadium, as the 2020 seat selection process will now occur prior to the 2021 season for all eligible accounts. 

Ohio State is offering three options for season ticket holders who opt out of the 2020 season. Supporters have the option to receive a refund for the affected game tickets, receive a credit toward a future ticket purchase, or donate their ticket payments to support student-athlete scholarships. This guarantee will apply to all ticketed athletic events.

Supporters who choose to roll over their payment or convert their purchase into a charitable contribution will receive bonus points toward the 2021 seat selection.

If supporters have additional questions, they can contact the Athletics Ticket Office via email at athletic.tix@osu.edu, via live chat at http://alivech.at/h374ec, or by phone at 1-800-GOBUCKS. Customer service representatives are available via phone Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For any additional questions, supporters may contact the Buckeye Club at (614) 292-9908 or the President’s Club at (614) 292-9550.

The games, announced today, complete the 2022 and 2023 schedules. The 2020 and 2021 season schedules are complete.

Ohio State and Arkansas State, from the Sun Belt Conference, will be meeting for the first time on the gridiron Sept. 10, 2022, at Ohio Stadium. The Red Wolves, from Jonesboro, Arkansas, are coached by Blake Anderson. The game will be the middle of three consecutive home games to open the 2022 season after the season opener versus Notre Dame and one week before a game against Toledo.

San Jose State will be Ohio State’s home opener on Sept. 9, 2023, after a road game at Indiana in Week 1 of the season. This will be the second meeting between the teams with the first a 50-7 win on Oct. 12, 2002, at Ohio Stadium. The Spartans, members of the Mountain West Conference, are coached by Brent Brennan.

One week after the San Jose State game, on Sept. 16, 2023, Ohio State will host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the first meeting between the two schools. WKU is a member of Conference-USA and is coached by Tyson Helton.

This four-year run of games – 2020-23 – will include home and home series with Oregon (in 2020-21) and Notre Dame (2022-23). In addition to the Big Ten East Division matchups, Ohio State will play Big Ten West Division teams Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin twice during this span and Illinois and Northwestern once.

2019 Ohio State Schedule

All times EDT

Aug. 31 – Florida Atlantic – Noon on FOX (Faculty & Staff and Alumni Band game)

Sept. 7 – Cincinnati – Noon on ABC (Hall of Fame game)

Sept. 14 – at Indiana – Noon on FOX

Sept. 21 – Miami (Ohio) – (Scarlet & Gray and Buckeyes Care game)

Sept. 28 – at Nebraska

Oct. 5 – Michigan State – 7:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN (Homecoming game)

Oct. 12 – Off

Oct. 18 – at Northwestern – 8:30 p.m. on FS1

Oct. 26 – Wisconsin – (Buckeye Club game)

Nov. 2 – Off

Nov. 9 – Maryland (Military Appreciation game)

Nov. 16 – at Rutgers

Nov. 23 – Penn State (Senior Day)

Nov. 30 – at Michigan – Noon on FOX

Dec. 7 – Big Ten Championship Game

Future Schedules

2020 Schedule

Sept. 5 – Bowling Green

Sept. 12 – at Oregon

Sept. 19 – Buffalo

Sept. 26 – Rutgers

Oct. 3 – Off

Oct. 10 – Iowa

Oct. 17 – at Michigan State

Oct. 24 – at Penn State

Oct. 31 – Nebraska

Nov. 7 – Indiana

Nov. 14 – at Maryland

Nov. 21 – at Illinois

Nov. 28 – Michigan

Dec. 5 – Big Ten Championship Game

2021 Schedule

Sept. 4 – at Minnesota

Sept. 11 – Oregon

Sept. 18 – Tulsa

Sept. 25 – Akron

Oct. 2 – at Nebraska

Oct. 9 – Purdue

Oct. 16 – Off

Oct. 23 – at Rutgers

Oct. 30 – Michigan State

Nov. 6 – at Indiana

Nov. 13 – Maryland

Nov. 20 – Penn State

Nov. 27 – at Michigan

Dec. 4 – Big Ten Championship Game

2022 Schedule

Sept. 3 – Notre Dame

Sept. 10 – Arkansas State

Sept. 17 – Toledo

Sept. 24 – at Michigan State

Oct. 1 – at Penn State

Oct. 8 – Rutgers

Oct. 15 – Iowa

Oct. 22 – Off

Oct. 29 – Indiana

Nov. 5 – at Northwestern

Nov. 12 – Wisconsin

Nov. 19 – at Maryland

Nov. 26 – Michigan

Dec. 3 – Big Ten Championship Game

2023 Schedule

Sept. 2 – at Indiana

Sept. 9 – San Jose State

Sept. 16 – Western Kentucky

Sept. 23 – at Notre Dame

Sept. 30 – Off

Oct. 7 – Maryland

Oct. 14 – at Purdue

Oct. 21 – Penn State

Oct. 28 – at Wisconsin

Nov. 4 – at Rutgers

Nov. 11 – Michigan State

Nov. 18 – Minnesota

Nov. 25 – at Michigan

Dec. 2 – Big Ten Championship Game