Tag: Ohio Stadium Experience

Gene Smith says fans could return to Ohio State football games in 2020

Ohio State AD Gene Smith offers hope that fans may return to Big Ten stadiums. It will be re-evaluated week-by-week.

We shared with you recently some of the changes you can expect when Ohio State opens up their football season this Saturday against Nebraska. From only coaches and players families in the stands to mandatory masks to no TBDBITL, it’s all going to look very different than what we’re accustomed to.

One of the most noticeable differences will be the absence of 100,000 plus fans cheering on the Buckeyes. Cardboard cutouts and artificial noise murmur will replace living, breathing human beings.

The Big Ten has decided that even though each state has different protocols for large gatherings, in order to keep consistency, all conference games will be played with the same empty stadiums. The Big Ten is even providing the canned crowd noise and set the max decibel level so that all will be on an even playing field.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith, said that the Big Ten will re-evaluate on a week-by-week basis on a decision to allow fans in the stands and to what capacity. It does sound like the conference is at least willing to listen to what the numbers say about COVID cases and adjust accordingly if numbers would trend toward a steady decline.

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The conference does seem steadfast in keeping the playing field even during this pandemic, which means there would need to be significant drops in positive COVID-19 rates across 11 different states that make up the Big Ten. For example, if Ohio sees a nosedive in cases, but Illinois sees a spike, attendance protocols will most likely stay the same.

We’re hopeful to see fans back in attendance as the season progresses. Although, let’s be honest… a night game at Penn State without the whiteout crowd does play to the Buckeye’s favor. Either way, even though it might look a little different, Ohio State football is back and we couldn’t be more excited!

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Ohio State football home games are going to look a lot different on Saturdays in 2020

Ohio StatefFootball home game days will hold a very limited number of guests, while other game-day traditions will be absent. It’s a change.

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a really difficult year. The global pandemic has affected every part of life, including college football and the Ohio State football program. From having a Big Ten only schedule, to a complete cancelation, and back to an even slimmer conference only schedule, you can bet Saturday at Ohio Stadium is going to look a whole lot different than what we’ve been accustomed to.

The Ohio State Athletic department released its 2020 “game day operations” on Monday. Some of which we expected… some we did not.

First, we knew that the ‘Shoe was going to look different as the Big Ten decided to not allow any fans in the stands. Trying to make a 100,000 plus seat stadium not look baren will be a tough task. The Athletic department decided to “put a lil you in the ‘shoe”. For a small price, you can have a personalized cardboard cutout sitting in A deck.

Ohio State did say there will be a few actual, breathing humans in the bleachers as it has allotted 656 seats for family of OSU players and coaches, as well as 400 spots for the opposing team. Total capacity will be capped at 1,600 which includes ushers, concession workers, etc… Guests will be physically distanced across 10 A deck sections and all will be required to wear face masks. So while there will be a few live faces in the stands, it won’t be what you’ve been seeing down south in SEC stadiums.

What about sounds in the stadium? Crowd noise? The band? I’m glad you asked. A cavernous stadium such as the Horseshoe will feel odd without some noise.  The Big Ten is providing each school with “crowd noise murmur” with the level going no higher than 70 decibels during play but can go up to 90 decibels during celebration moments.

Here’s the bad news though, no TBDBITL. What’s college football without the band striking up the fight song after a score? An official release from the athletic department states:

“The Ohio State Marching Band will not perform at games this year, nor will it conduct its traditional “skull session” at St. John Arena before games. However, fans can watch newly recorded pregame and halftime performances by the Marching Band on the Scarlet Saturday second-screen stream.”

Scarlet Saturday? Each home game Saturday, Buckeye fans will be encouraged to experience and enjoy a slice of game day through a Scarlet Saturday production, a live-streamed second-screen experience from inside Ohio Stadium, and that will also include pre-recorded band performances. Find out more about how to experience Scarlet Saturday here.

Along with no OSU Marching Band, there will be no cheerleaders, no Brutus, no team walk, and no tailgating.

However, there is some hope. Athletic Director Gene Smith says that the Big Ten will re-evaluate its decision to allow fans on a week to week basis. Which means Ohio Stadium could open up in the weeks to come.

I know it’s not going to look the same Buckeye fans and it does feel like the Big Ten is going well above what is necessary. But let’s be thankful we’re even having a season at all. Be smart. Be safe. And Go Bucks!

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.