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How Ohio Stadium Became the Heart of Buckeye Nation

Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Horseshoe” or simply “The Shoe,” is more than just a football stadium. It’s a symbol of Ohio State University’s pride, a landmark of college football, and a place where memories have been made for generations of fans and athletes alike.

A Vision for Greatness

ohio stadium construction
Ohio Stadium construction with detail of pillars and support walls. The Ohio State University Stadium under construction in 1922. Photo via CML

In the early 1920s, as Ohio State University’s football program grew in both talent and fanbase, it became clear that the school’s modest Ohio Field could no longer accommodate the rising demand. The Buckeyes were drawing large crowds, and the university needed a facility worthy of its expanding program.

University officials, including athletic director Lynn W. St. John, envisioned a larger stadium that would reflect the ambitions of the team and the school. After a successful fundraising campaign, Ohio Stadium’s construction began in August 1921. The project was no small feat, costing around $1.34 million—a staggering sum at the time.

Designed by architect Howard Dwight Smith, Ohio Stadium was revolutionary for its double-deck horseshoe shape, which helped increase seating capacity while ensuring good sightlines from nearly every seat. Smith’s design also incorporated reinforced concrete, a relatively new building material for stadiums.

Opening Day and Record-Breaking Crowds

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A crowd of 72,000 attend Ohio Stadium dedication ceremonies October 21, 1922. Photo via CML

On October 7, 1922, Ohio Stadium opened its doors to a crowd of 72,000 for its first game against Ohio Wesleyan University. Though it would take time for fans to fill the massive 66,210-seat capacity, the new stadium became a point of pride for the university and the city of Columbus.

ohio stadium dedication
Dedication souvenir photograph of the Ohio Stadium at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1922. Photo via CML

As the years passed, Ohio Stadium became synonymous with college football greatness, especially as the Buckeyes became one of the premier teams in the nation. One of the most notable moments in early Ohio Stadium history came on November 24, 1928, when the Buckeyes played Michigan in front of 90,411 fans—one of the largest crowds ever at that time.

The Horseshoe Evolves

As college football grew in popularity, so did Ohio Stadium. Renovations and expansions were made over the decades to accommodate more fans and modernize the facility. By the 1940s, Ohio Stadium could seat over 80,000 fans, and further expansions in the 1950s and 1960s pushed capacity beyond 90,000.

ohio stadium script ohio
A view looking west over Ohio Stadium in 1992 during halftime festivities where The Ohio State University marching band, joined by about 500 band alumni, perform a quadruple Script Ohio on the field. Photo via CML

In the 1990s, the stadium underwent a major renovation to bring it up to modern standards. The playing surface was lowered to increase seating capacity, bringing it to over 100,000. Luxury suites and club seating were added, reflecting the increasing demand for premium experiences. Despite these changes, the iconic horseshoe shape was preserved, ensuring that Ohio Stadium remained one of the most recognizable venues in college sports.

Game-Day Traditions and Memories

Beyond its size and structure, Ohio Stadium is revered for its atmosphere and traditions. From the “Script Ohio” performed by The Ohio State University Marching Band to the deafening cheers of over 100,000 fans, game days at “The Shoe” are electric. The stadium has witnessed countless unforgettable moments, from national championship games to epic rivalries with Michigan.

One of the stadium’s most famous traditions is the “Dotting of the I,” where a sousaphone player from the band ceremoniously dots the “i” in the Script Ohio formation, a revered honor in Buckeye lore.

More Than Football

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A poster for the first concert held at Ohio Stadium, Pink Floyd in May 1988. (Raw Sugar Studio

While Ohio Stadium is best known for football, it’s also hosted a wide array of events throughout its history. The stadium has been the site of major concerts featuring world-renowned artists like Pink Floyd, U2, and Taylor Swift. Additionally, Ohio Stadium has hosted graduations, festivals, and even political rallies, solidifying its place as a multifaceted cultural hub in Columbus.

A Lasting Legacy

ohio stadium from the air
Ohio Stadium by Lectrician2, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Today, Ohio Stadium remains one of the largest stadiums in the country, with a capacity of over 102,000. It’s a place where history is made every season, where the roar of the crowd echoes the victories and challenges of generations past. For Ohio State fans, players, and alumni, “The Shoe” is more than just a stadium—it’s a place of connection, a symbol of pride, and the heart of Buckeye Nation.