Tag: Ohio Stadium

LOOK: Ohio Stadium turns into golfing experience

The Shoe isn’t just for football. #GoBucks

For awhile, Ohio Stadium wasn’t just the home for the football team, as there was an outside track until 2001 when Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium opened up in 2001.

Since then, the Ohio State football home field has been just that, but this weekend there is another sport entering the building, golf. In a partnership with Upper Deck Golf, The Horseshoe has turned into a golf and football fans dream.

The upper deck has been modified to have tees that face the field, with targets on it as well. There are multiple challenges you can sign up for like a driving and putting challenge.

As you can see, outgoing Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith is taking advantage of this unique opportunity.

Contact/Follow @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on X. 

Ohio Stadium set to host NHL Stadium Series

It’s finally happening! #GoBucks

It was recently announced that Ohio Stadium will host the NHL Stadium series next year. Hockey fans all over the world will get to witness one of the most iconic college football stadiums in a different light as the hometown Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the Detroit Red Wings to town on March 1, 2025.

It’s an idea that began in 2003 when the Montreal Canadians and the Edmonton Oilers went outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. All in all, the NHL has played 40 outdoor games with No. 41 being played on Sunday, Feb. 18.

Fans have been clamoring for Ohio Stadium to be an outdoor NHL host venue for years ,,and it looks like it’s finally going to happen.

The “Horseshoe” will become the 7th college football-only venue to host an NHL match joining historical sites such as Michigan Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium, and the Cotton Bowl.

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

Ranking all 18 Big Ten football stadiums by seating capacity after addition of West Coast teams

Where do the stadiums of the four new Big Ten teams on the West Coast fit into the Big Ten with stadium capacity? #B1G

The Big Ten has some of the largest, most iconic stadiums not only in college football, but also in the country. From the famed Horseshoe at Ohio State, to Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley at Penn State, to Michigan’s “Big House,” the scenes inside stadiums in the Midwest don’t take a backseat to any other conference. Now, with the addition of four more stadiums with the expansion of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington, there are other venues to add into the mix.

The conference actually boasts three of the top four largest stadiums in college football — all exceed 100,000 seating capacity, with Ohio Stadium being right there.

The “Ole Horseshoe” on the banks of the Olentangy in Columbus, as the late, famed broadcaster Keith Jackson would say, is a staple of college football. Many used it as a template for their own designs. It was completed in 1922 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service on March 22, 1974.

But there are also those that aren’t massive and venerable and feel more like a large high school atmosphere. Some are more like a bandbox with opposing fans traveling to gobble up what little space there is. Also, what about those stadiums on the West Coast? How do those fit into the equation and atmosphere?

Here is a listing of all 18 Big Ten stadiums after expansion, and their seating capacities for you to impress your friends with should the topic ever arise (and if not, find a way to slide it into the conversation).

Notre Dame-Ohio State all-time series history

Would you like to see Notre Dame and Ohio State played more regularly?

According to Google Maps, it’s a 270.8-mile drive from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend to Ohio Stadium in Columbus. A drive that takes four hours and 19 minutes, which isn’t just down the street but it is nothing when it comes to a road trip for a college football team or its fans.

Especially when you consider those two college football squads are among the most historic in the game and have two of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports, not just college football.

But Notre Dame and Ohio State have met on the football field just seven times. Of those seven, two have been played at Notre Dame Stadium, three have been played at Ohio Stadium and two have taken place in the Fiesta Bowl.

Unless you live under a rock, you’re aware Notre Dame opened the 2022 season at Ohio State and the Buckeyes make the return trip to South Bend late this September.

Before this underplayed series resumes late this fall, here is a look back at the brief history Notre Dame and Ohio State have shared on the football field.

Autzen Stadium ranked as one of the top atmospheres in college football

Autzen has had the reputation of being one of the toughest places to play for opponents, but how does it rank with other stadiums?

Before the Autzen expansion in 2002, the stadium was figured to be one of the loudest stadiums in college football. When the capacity increased to 56,000, that noise level went to an 11.

But how does the home of the Oregon Ducks compare to other places in the country in terms of atmosphere? There are stadiums with a lot more people inside and the atmosphere of those places can’t hold a candle to Autzen.

According to CBS Sports, there are a few places that rank a bit higher than the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium, but not many. As expected, Autzen ranks as the best stadium on the West Coast, beating out the Rose Bowl.

Here are 10 college football stadiums around the nation with the best atmospheres.

Stadium announcer for Ohio State football games has passed away

Bob Kennedy was the voice of the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium for 20 years.

If you’ve been to an Ohio State football game in the past 20 years, you’ve been greeted by the booming voice of Bob Kennedy. The longtime Buckeye stadium announcer passed away on Sunday at the age of 59.

Kennedy took the mic in 2003 and never gave it back, giving fans in the stands a game-day experience that could only be felt in person. Along with Saturdays in the fall, Kennedy also announced other OSU sports such as baseball and he lent his baritone voice to the Columbus Clippers and Otterbein College.

Associate Athletic Director for Communications Jerry Emig had glowing words for Mr. Kennedy.

“Bob had a big heart and he loved his Buckeyes,” Emig said. “And, he loved his PA jobs. He was a true professional at his craft and a friend to us all. He knew the local media, our administrators, coaches and student-athletes, and he certainly knew the histories well of many Ohio State sports, and he loved to talk about them.”

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

If you head to a football game at the Ole’ Horseshoe this fall, you’ll probably notice it sounds a bit different. Whoever Ohio State tabs to replace Bob Kennedy will have big shoes and a big voice to fill.

Our condolences go out to the Kennedy family.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

[mm-video type=video id=01gz2wbp604yh11ejq9h playlist_id=01eqbz0qtnjg5x7tc8 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz2wbp604yh11ejq9h/01gz2wbp604yh11ejq9h-df07a011ffdc1a55703e77ef7cfa6ec9.jpg]

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

Could Ohio Stadium be a temporary home for the Cleveland Browns?

What do you think NFL fans? Want to see the Browns play in Columbus? #GoBucks #Browns

It has been reported the Cleveland Browns are looking to make major renovations to their competition home, formerly known as FirstEnergy Stadium. The Haslams originally were wanted a new stadium but couldn’t come to an agreement with the city of Cleveland.

With plans in the works to give the current facility a facelift as early as 2026, the question where the franchise would play during the renovations arises? One would think Columbus would be an option with Ohio Stadium being a possible venue.

This would be a similar situation to what the Chicago Bears were in several years ago. When Soldier Field was going through major renovations, the Bears played their home games at the University of Illinois in Champaign, about a two-hour drive from Chicago.

However, WKYC in Cleveland has reported there is no merit to the report the Browns would play home games in Columbus. WKYC stated they had checked with sources in Columbus, with Ohio State and with the Cleveland Browns and found no traction to the rumors. It is believed the Haslams would never play home games outside of Cleveland and make fans drive more than two hours to see their Browns play.

It does beg the question though… if Cleveland Browns Stadium is not available for play, where else could the team play? Akron is a 40-minute drive, but InfoCision Stadium only seats 30,000 fans. It would be hard to imagine an NFL team playing at such a small venue. The Hall of Fame facility in Canton might feel like a better fit, but it’s even smaller at only 23,000 seats.

Time will tell if the Horseshoe would be a good fit, but it certainly couldn’t hurt. With Columbus not having an NFL franchise, loyalties are split among the Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. A move like this might help build an even deeper fan base in the state’s capital.

[mm-video type=video id=01g0yktf2eqe5srjfdj0 playlist_id=01eqbz0qtnjg5x7tc8 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g0yktf2eqe5srjfdj0/01g0yktf2eqe5srjfdj0-b92c62672cfd3b5d78292b0cb1f73a3a.jpg]

[listicle id=88768]

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

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Weekend Rewind: Ohio State crowd chants they want Bronny James during Notre Dame game

The Buckeyes faithful made it clear: They want Bronny James.

The most-hyped college football game of the past week took place in Columbus, where Ohio State hosted Notre Dame. Thanks to a dominant defensive effort, the Buckeyes beat the Fighting Irish, 21-10.

As expected, it was an electric atmosphere at Ohio Stadium and plenty of sports celebrities were in attendance. Some of the famous alums on the sidelines during pregame included Jayson Tatum, Ezekiel Elliott and a half-dozen other NFL players.

The biggest name belonged to Akron native LeBron James, who is entering his 20th year in the NBA and fifth with the Lakers. While LeBron went straight from high school to the NBA, he’s adopted Ohio State as his favorite college football team. And as James schmoozed with potential recruits for the Buckeyes, his son Bronny got recognized by the crowd – which started a “We want Bronny” chant. 

A four-star recruit, Bronny (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) is one of the most highly-sought combo guards in the country entering his senior season at Sierra Canyon (Calif.). He is ranked No. 10 at his position and No. 41 overall in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports.

LeBron disputed a recent rumor that he’d decided on Oregon. Bronny has not made an official visit yet and no offers have been reported.

More Stories:

USA TODAY Sports Super 25 high school football rankings: Week 2

High school of James Wiseman, coach Penny Hardaway stripped of championship

Live-Stream High School Football:

NFHS Network

Nearly every NFL team sending scouts for Notre Dame-Ohio State

Every real football fan should be watching this game.

There’s a reason the game between Notre Dame and Ohio State is considered the biggest this weekend. Not only are two quality programs playing each other, but a lot of future NFL talent plays for those programs. It is for that reason that most NFL teams are sending scouts to eye talent it might be interested in next spring. In fact, 43 scouts representing 27 teams will be in attendance at Ohio Stadium.

Even if you don’t have a rooting interest in this game (and if you’re one of those people, we appreciate you visiting our site), here’s a good opportunity to check out some NFL talent of tomorrow. The Buckeyes have quite a few offensive players who should be drafted early. The Irish’s options might not be as plentiful, but names like [autotag]Michael Mayer[/autotag] and [autotag]Isaiah Foskey[/autotag] definitely will be under consideration as the draft approaches.

The NFL might not be playing this weekend, but this is as close as you’re going to get to watching that level.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz1mmy7gev0xbr player_id=none image=https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[vertical-gallery id=59988]

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Safelite Autoglass buys naming rights to playing field at Ohio Stadium

How you feeling about this Buckeye fans?

They say the only thing constant in the world is change and like it or not, a significant change has just been announced in Columbus. Safelite Autoglass, a company based in the capital city has purchased the naming rights to the playing surface in Ohio Stadium, which will now be known as Safelite Field.

Two white Safelite graphics will be placed opposite the Big Ten graphics on the field. One can only assume Ohio State was paid a hefty sum to hand those rights over. Now fans can expect to be greeted by stadium announcers, as well as TV and radio voices to “Safelite Field at Ohio Stadium.”

Is it true that all publicity is good publicity? I can’t imagine that this change is going to go over well with the vast majority of the Buckeye faithful. Will more people have Safelite fix their cracked windshield now that their name is on the playing surface? Does anyone else even fix broken windshields?

In a world where money seems to rule all, nothing is sacred anymore. Seems like this would have been a prime opportunity to name the field after an iconic former coach. I don’t know… maybe Woody Hayes Field?

Maybe more money gives OSU a better chance to win more championships, but something just doesn’t feel right about this.

[mm-video type=video id=01gb6mrd8hrxwd8r1fje playlist_id=01eqbz0qtnjg5x7tc8 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gb6mrd8hrxwd8r1fje/01gb6mrd8hrxwd8r1fje-86cfa78ebf9e9004e537d845e4c27089.jpg]

[listicle id=94578]

[listicle id=93841]

[pickup_prop id=”25564″]

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