Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium
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Stadium name	Ohio Stadium
Location	Columbus, Ohio
Broke ground	1921
Opened	1922
Owner	Ohio State University
Operator	Ohio State University
Surface	FieldTurf
Construction cost	$1.3 million
Architect	Howard Dwight Smith
Tenants	Ohio State Buckeyes football, Columbus Crew

Ohio Stadium is a historic stadium located in Columbus, Ohio, on the campus of Ohio State University. The stadium is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and has hosted numerous high-profile events, including concerts by The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Kenny Chesney. Ohio Stadium has also been the site of several Big Ten Conference championships and has been featured in various media outlets, such as ESPN, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports. The stadium's design and construction were overseen by Howard Dwight Smith, a renowned architect who also designed other notable buildings, including the Ohio State University Library and the Columbus Museum of Art.

● History

The history of Ohio Stadium dates back to 1921, when Ohio State University began construction on the facility. The stadium was built to replace Ohio Field, which was the previous home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. The construction of the stadium was made possible through the efforts of L.W. St. John, the athletic director at Ohio State University at the time, who worked closely with Howard Dwight Smith to design and build the facility. The stadium was officially opened on October 7, 1922, with a game between the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and the Ohio Wesleyan University football team, which was attended by notable figures such as Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Over the years, Ohio Stadium has hosted numerous notable events, including concerts by Elton John, U2, and The Who, as well as football games featuring teams like the Michigan Wolverines, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

● Design and Features

The design of Ohio Stadium was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and features a unique blend of Art Deco and Neoclassical architectural styles. The stadium's exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, while the interior features a large FieldTurf playing surface and a state-of-the-art sound system. The stadium's seating areas are divided into several sections, including the A-Deck, B-Deck, and C-Deck, which offer stunning views of the surrounding Columbus, Ohio landscape. The stadium is also equipped with a variety of amenities, including concession stands, restrooms, and a large Ohio State University merchandise store. Notable architects such as I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry have praised the stadium's design, which has been recognized by organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the National Park Service.

● Seating and Attendance

Ohio Stadium has a seating capacity of over 104,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States. The stadium's seating areas are designed to provide optimal views of the playing field, with each seat offering a unique perspective on the action. The stadium has hosted numerous sold-out events, including football games featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, as well as concerts by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga. The stadium's attendance records have been recognized by organizations such as Guinness World Records and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which have certified the stadium as one of the most attended venues in the country. Notable events such as the Rose Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl have also been held at the stadium, which has been praised by coaches such as Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel.

● Events and Tenants

Ohio Stadium is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, which has won numerous Big Ten Conference championships and has appeared in several Bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. The stadium has also hosted concerts by notable artists such as Paul McCartney, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson, as well as events like the Columbus Festival of the Arts and the Ohio State Fair. The stadium is also used by other Ohio State University teams, including the Ohio State Buckeyes men's lacrosse team and the Ohio State Buckeyes women's soccer team. Notable teams such as the Columbus Crew and the Columbus Blue Jackets have also used the stadium for their games, which have been broadcast on networks such as NBC Sports and FOX Sports.

● Renovations and Expansions

Over the years, Ohio Stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of new seating areas, concession stands, and amenities. In 2001, the stadium underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of a new FieldTurf playing surface and the construction of a state-of-the-art press box. The stadium has also been equipped with a variety of new technologies, including a large video scoreboard and a advanced sound system. The renovations were overseen by architects such as HOK Sport and Populous, which have designed other notable stadiums such as Lambeau Field and AT&T Stadium. Notable engineers such as Bechtel Group and AECOM have also worked on the stadium's renovations, which have been recognized by organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers.

● Facilities and Amenities

Ohio Stadium offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including concession stands, restrooms, and a large Ohio State University merchandise store. The stadium is also equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and a large video scoreboard, which provide an enhanced experience for fans. The stadium's seating areas are designed to provide optimal views of the playing field, with each seat offering a unique perspective on the action. The stadium is also located near several other Ohio State University facilities, including the Ohio State University Library and the Columbus Museum of Art, which offer a range of cultural and educational activities. Notable restaurants such as The Ohio State University Alumni Association and The Varsity Club are also located near the stadium, which has been recognized by organizations such as the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the Collegiate Athletic Business Management Association. Category:American football venues