Ohio State changes ticket policies in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Ohio State announced changes to its ticketing policies amid the COVID-19 pandemic that will go into effect this fall.

According to a release appearing on the Ohio State Buckeyes website, there will be changes implemented for ticketing policies beginning this fall. As you can probably guess, it’s a result of responses to the modeling that makes sense for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mobile-only ticketing

Starting with football tickets this season, Ohio State will be moving to a mobile-only ticketing model. Fans can access their ticket online, transfer to family and friends, utilize Buckeyes TicketExchange, or donate tickets to charity. Mobile tickets will be available for fans to access as soon as they have selected their seats for the 2020 season and are paid in full. Options for fans without smartphones will be announced at a later date.

“We are excited to implement digital-only ticketing at our venues and believe it will help us achieve the goal of providing a safe game day experience for everyone,” Diana Sabau, Deputy Athletics Director, said in the statement. “Digital ticketing will allow for contactless entry for fans while also providing flexibility to easily manage their tickets. It will also allow us to better respond to the dynamics surrounding COVID-19 and our increased safety precautions.”

More information on accessing and managing mobile tickets can be found by visiting Ohio State’s Digital Ticketing Guide.

Season Ticket Final Renewal Deadline is Friday, May 29

After being extended twice earlier this spring, the final deadline to renew season tickets according to the release is Friday, May 29. They can be renewed by clicking here, where fans can also opt-in to a payment plan Those options include payment installments extended into August.

Seat Selection Process

The seat selection process will be changing to the following enhancements:

    • Seats selected will only be for one year.
    • Seating for the 2020 season will be based on models that account for appropriate physical distancing within Ohio Stadium.
    • The timeline for seat selection will be adjusted to allow time for conference, state, and local officials to clarify physical distancing guidelines to provide the safest environment for fans while also maximizing allowable attendance.
    • Seat selection windows will be communicated via email at least five business days prior to the first selection window opening, at which time fans will have the opportunity to preview available seats.
    • The planned reseating of Ohio Stadium under the 2020 Seat Selection Process will now occur prior to the 2021 season for all eligible accounts.

Ticket Assurance Plan

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the season, season ticket holders will have the option to receive a refund for any canceled game tickets, receive a credit toward a future ticket purchase, or donate their season or individual game ticket payment(s) to support student-athlete scholarships. This guarantee will apply to all ticketed athletic events.

All of these changes are aimed at providing fans with a level of confidence as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds and as the Ohio State Department of Athletics continues to follow the advice and directives of the Governor, University leadership, health experts and medical officials.

Ohio State ticket office contact information

Since the Ohio State ticket office is currently closed due to the pandemic, should you need to get in touch with any questions, you can make contact by three methods.

  1. By E-mail: Contact the ticket office by emailing athletic.tix@osu.edu. Emails will be monitored throughout the day to ensure a timely response.
  2. By Phone: Our main phone number, 1-800-GO-BUCKS (1-800-462-8257), will be monitored by the ticket office team Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outside of these hours, you may leave a voicemail for a return call the following business day. You may also contact the Buckeye Club at (614) 292-9908 or the President’s Club at (614) 292-9550 with additional questions.
  3. Live Chat: Chat with a representative by clicking here. Representatives will be available to answer questions Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.