Nestled snugly on the banks of the Olentangy River, Ohio Stadium is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of college athletics. Built in 1922 at a cost of $1.3 million and refurbished in 2001 for slightly more than $194 million, the horseshoe-shaped stadium is a monument to college football. With its present seating capacity of 102,329, Ohio Stadium is the fourth largest on-campus facility in the nation.

Unique in its double-deck horseshoe design, Ohio Stadium is both intimate and intimidating. The closeness of the seating provides a definite home-field advantage for the Buckeyes, at the same time allowing fans to view the game from unobstructed vantage points. As part of the renovation, there are now 81 hospitality suites and 2,625 club seats on the west side of the stadium. All the seats are good, including the 17,000 in the new and permanent south stands.
The demand for a new stadium came about during the "Harley Years" - 1916, '17 and '19, when Charles "Chic" Harley became the Buckeyes' first three-time All-American. Construction of a 66,000 seat stadium began in 1920 with many skeptics wondering how the Buckeyes would ever fill such a large venue. They were quickly quieted when an overflow crowd of 71,138 showed up for the dedication game against Michigan on Oct. 21, 1922.

Numerous upgrades have been made over the years, including the installation of artificial turf in 1972. A new scoreboard with state-of-the-art graphics and statistical information was added in 1984 at a cost of $2.4 million, or nearly twice that of the original stadium. The artificial surface was replaced with natural grass in 1990. In 1999, the stadium underwent a three-year face-lift that was completed in time for the season opener against Akron in 2001. As a result of that renovation, the Stadium is completely up to code in terms of disability seating. Additionally, aisles have been widened, rails have been added and lighting has been installed in the concourses. There are also many more restrooms and concession stands on all levels.

Ohio Stadium is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Anyone who has seen a game in the giant horseshoe understands why. There are few experiences in athletics that are more enjoyable!

Ohio State heads into the 2008 season with a string of 41 consecutive crowds of 100,000 or larger in Ohio Stadium.

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