According to Brad Crawford of 247Sports, Ohio Stadium will be one of the most hostile environments during the 2021 college football season.
There are iconic stadiums in college football. Some are venerable because of the history and mystique, while others are because of their reputation for an intimidating crowd and environment. When you can marry the two with a great team, well — then you’re on to one heck of a home-field advantage.
There aren’t too many stadiums that have the combination of history, mystique, raucous potential, and talent on the field like Ohio Stadium, more affectionately known as the Horseshoe, or “Shoe” for short.
But maybe we’re biased. After all, most Ohio State fans grew up knowing and rooting for the Buckeyes on the banks of the Olentangy in that bid ‘ole stadium. Of course, you’ll get lists this time of year with opinions you can either take or leave, but it’s still good to get an unbiased and objective perspective.
OK. Well, we have one for you. Brad Crawford of 247Sports published a list of the ten most hostile environments in college football for 2021, and yes, Ohio Stadium made the cut. Where does Crawford have the Horseshoe on his list and what does he say about it?
NEXT … Ohio Stadium and its reputation per 247Sports
Penn State’s 2021 schedule is full of challenges, including three difficult road trips in conference replay. Penn State draws the short straw in crossover divisional matchups with road games at Wisconsin and Iowa. And this year’s annual division showdown with Ohio State will take place in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Stadium has rarely been kind to the Nittany Lions since joining the Big Ten. This year’s contest could see Ohio Stadium at full capacity as well.
Things around the country continue to be trending in a positive direction as we collectively continue to pull ourselves out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Disease Control updated the guidelines last week to say fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks with the exception of crowded settings. even if fans have to wear masks in a packed Big Ten stadium, it will be a massive step back toward normalcy after a year with no Big Ten football stadiums having gates open to fans across the conference.
Penn State is naturally in a similar position to Ohio State. Both schools have stadiums with a seating capacity of over 100,000 (Michigan too, of course), and the push to get as many of those seats filled a possible is financially important for these schools, as long as the safety of all attending a game is not at any additional or unnecessary risk.
Pennsylvania is moving back toward seeing stadiums fully opened as well. Seating capacity for indoor and outdoor events has recently been increased, and the Philadelphia Phillies have an outline to return to 100 percent capacity in the coming weeks. Penn State has not mapped out what the plan will be for Beaver Stadium just yet, but we will be getting close to finding out that information as the season is just months away.
In a statement provided to the Toledo Blade, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is optimistic that Ohio Stadium will be at full capacity this fall.
In a nod towards things pointed in the right direction with the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine feels confident about Ohio Stadium being at full capacity for Ohio State games this fall. That’s quite a contrast to just 19,180 fans that were able to attend the annual LiFESports spring game.
In a statement provided to Kyle Rowland of the Toledo Blade, DeWine conveyed his confidence that the state will reach such a declining rate of infection that will allow outdoor events to go on without restrictions.
“Last season, most collegiate football conferences had capacity restrictions that were more stringent than state protocols,” DeWine said in the statement. “As a result, last season, it was the conference rules that were setting capacity, as they were more restrictive.
“Currently, Ohio has no capacity limitation for outdoor events. Sporting event organizers do currently have protocols to social distance pods of no more than 10 persons. This is in line with our simplified mitigation protocols focused on distancing and masking (when one cannot socially distance, such as at crowded events like sporting events).
“Ohio has set a benchmark that we will remove COVID mitigation protocols when we drop below high case levels. This will happen when our two-week case rate drops below 50 cases per 100,000 residents. We believe this is likely to happen well before the start of football season, and the CDC echoed that optimism in statements this week.”
This of course is all contingent upon things in Ohio continuing to improve with the COVID-19 pandemic and for all the optimistic (yet real) projections coming to fruition. It also likely depends on the level of vaccination and herd immunity we see not only in Ohio, but Big Ten country and beyond.
No matter how you weigh it though, this is encouraging news.
[listicle id=50161]
[listicle id=49761]
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
Let your voice be heard Ohio State fans! Vote for Ohio Stadium as the best venue in the Big Ten thanks to a poll from FOX Sports.
Raise your hand if you miss being in The ‘Shoe for a football game on a fall Saturday afternoon. The last time Ohio Stadium hosted a live football game? November 23, 2019… let that sink in for a moment.
While that seems like an eternity ago, Fox Sports understands that you really miss college football and being there with one hundred thousand of your closest friends. And now they want you to vote and tell everyone what your favorite stadium experience is.
There is only a day left to vote on the Fox College Football Twitter poll and as of now, The ‘Shoe is killing it. Buckeye fans can keep pouring it on and increase the margin of victory. Much like the Buckeyes plan to do when they see Michigan on the field in November.
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.
Let your voice be heard Ohio State fans! Vote for Ohio Stadium as the best venue in the Big Ten thanks to a poll from FOX Sports.
Raise your hand if you miss being in The ‘Shoe for a football game on a fall Saturday afternoon. The last time Ohio Stadium hosted a live football game? Nov. 23, 2019… let that sink in for a moment.
While that seems like an eternity ago, Fox Sports understands you really miss college football and being there with one hundred thousand of your closest friends. Now they want you to vote and tell everyone what your favorite stadium experience is.
There is only a day left to vote on the Fox College Football Twitter poll and as of now, The ‘Shoe is killing it. Buckeye fans can keep pouring it on and increase the margin of victory. Much like the Buckeyes plan to do when they see Michigan on the field in November.
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.
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.
Gene Smith says the Big Ten will re-evaluate its decision not to allow fans at games on a weekly basis and TBDBITL would be the next priority if stadium restrictions loosen. https://t.co/g23zD6dkHi
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!
[vertical-gallery id=38418]
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.
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.
On Saturday morning, we will celebrate the return of @OhioStateFB by releasing our first virtual performance of the year: "Hindsight is 2020."
— The Ohio State University Marching Band (@TBDBITL) October 19, 2020
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.
Gene Smith says the Big Ten will re-evaluate its decision not to allow fans at games on a weekly basis and TBDBITL would be the next priority if stadium restrictions loosen. https://t.co/g23zD6dkHi
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.
The Buckeyes want to have fans in their stadium, as does every other NCAA team. If that’s feasible is still yet be seen though.
The Buckeyes want to have fans in their stadium, as does every other NCAA team. If that’s feasible is still yet be seen though.
Unlike many teams, the Buckeyes have a plan. While it may not be what fans are hoping for, athletic director Gene Smith put together a model that will allow for 20,000 fans.
“We have played a little bit with the social distancing concept. We know that will probably take us down south of 30,000 fans in the stands, actually closer to 20,000-22,000. We’ve played with that a little bit as a framework to start,” Smith said according to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd.
Ohio State’s website notes that the stadium holds 102,780, although more have been jammed into the massive structure before. That said, as you are probably well aware, this downsizing is due to COVID-19.
The team’s game against Oregon has already reportedly been impacted by the state’s legislation. While games won’t start until early September, the dynamic of this virus and how it will slow is still unknown.
Ohio State AD Gene Smith starting to envision college football this fall with, and without fans https://t.co/SWxLUX1twT
For now, all we can do is hope for the best. A tell-tell sign of the college’s plan to restart athletics will be if these players return for training on time.
From there, they’ll likely mount a plan to get fans into stadiums for games while keeping a keen eye on the virus’ progression. Smith’s idea seems to be almost a worst-case scenario as fans can then wear masks and social distance to their seats and on their way out.
It’s disappointing obviously, but at the same time, it will get at least some fans in the stadium which is a positive. College football with no fans, or at least a limited number is way better than no college football at all.
If you’re a fan of college football or early 20th century architecture, come along for a nostalgic visit to these 32 legendary, on-campus stadiums across America. From the Big House in Ann Arbor to an intimate venue like Peden Field in Athens, Ohio, …
If you’re a fan of college football or early 20th century architecture, come along for a nostalgic visit to these 32 legendary, on-campus stadiums across America. From the Big House in Ann Arbor to an intimate venue like Peden Field in Athens, Ohio, these stadiums hark back to the Golden Age of American sports.
Put these oldest college stadiums on your bucket list, load up the SUV and catch a college game in one of these iconic venues.
32. Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia (1929)
Sanford Stadium — Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dedicated on October 12, 1929, when Georgia hosted Yale, Sanford Stadium is known for its numerous architecturally pleasing expansions that have been carefully planned to fit with its existing “look”. 92,746 watch games played “Between the Hedges”, the privet hedges surrounding the field. The sacred hedges were removed in 1996 to accommodate the Olympic soccer competition.
31. Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, Duke University (1929)
Dedicated October 5, 1929, Wallace Wade seats 40,000. Originally named Duke Stadium, it was renamed in 1967 for football coach Wallace Wade. A just completed major renovation greatly modernized the stadium. The stadium was the site of the 1942 Rose Bowl, weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
30. Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa (1929)
Formerly known as Iowa Stadium, Kinnick Stadium opened October 5, 1929. It currently holds 69,250 people. The stadium was renamed in 1972 for Nile Kinnick, the 1939 Heisman Trophy winner, who died in service to his country in World War II.
29. Peden Stadium, Ohio University (1929)
Situated on the banks of the scenic Hocking River in Athens, Peden Stadium has been the home of the Bobcats since October 2, 1929. Today, it has a capacity of 24,000 and is the oldest football venue in the Mid-American Conference.
28. Kenan Stadium, University of North Carolina (1927)
Kenan Stadium opened on November 12, 1927. Built at a cost of $303,000 with a seating capacity of 24,000, the stadium today holds 51,000. Set among the pine trees of south campus, it is one of the most scenic stadiums in the South.
27. Kyle Field, Texas A&M University (1927)
Kyle Field has been home to the Aggies in rudimentary form since 1904, and as a complete stadium since October 24, 1927. “Home of the 12th Man,” it seats 102,733, largest in the SEC. In 2014, Kyle Field’s hosted the largest attended SEC and state of Texas football game, when 110,631 witnessed Texas A&M’s loss to Ole Miss.
26. Michigan Stadium, University of Michigan (1927)
Known as “The Big House”, Michigan Stadium was dedicated in October 1, 1927. It is the largest stadium in the United States and third largest in the world. Its official capacity is 107,601, but it has hosted crowds in excess of 115,000.
25. Ryan Field, Northwestern University (1926)
Home of the Wildcats since October 2, 1926, Ryan Field holds 47,130 people. Prior to 1997, the stadium was named Dyche Stadium, for William Dyche, Class of 1882. It was renamed in honor of the family of Patrick G. Ryan, in recognition of the family’s contributions to Northwestern.
24. Faurot Field At Memorial Stadium, University of Missouri (1926)
71,168 capacity Memorial Stadium opened October 2, 1926 as a 25,000-seat, single level, horseshoe stadium. The original horseshoe is completed by a grass berm, famous for the giant block “M” made of painted white stones behind the endzone. In 1972, the playing surface was named Faurot Field in honor of longtime coach Don Faurot.
23. Nippert Stadium, University of Cincinnati (1924)
Home to the Bearcats in rudimentary form since 1901, and as a complete stadium since September 27, 1924, Nippert Stadium seats 40,000 fans.
22. Michie Stadium, US Military Academy (1924)
Michie Stadium, the home of the Army Black Knights, opened in 1924 and seats 38,000. Because of the view offered by its location overlooking the Hudson River and the medieval-style campus below, it is one of the nation’s most scenic sport venues.
21. Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, University of Texas (1924)
Memorial Stadium has been home to the Longhorns since November 27, 1924. The current capacity of 100,119 makes the stadium the second largest in the state of Texas, the largest in the Big 12, eighth largest stadium in the United States, and the 11th largest in the world.
Ohio State football is one of the elite blue-bloods of the sport and has won a nation’s best 93.1 percent of its home games since 2010.
It’s no secret that the Ohio State football program has won at an alarming clip over the last decade. So much so that it has overtaken Michigan for the highest all-time winning percentage of current FBS programs as recognized by the NCAA.
And while the winning has been done on the road and at home, it is especially impressive what the Buckeyes have done on the banks of the Olentangy at Ohio Stadium. Perhaps better known as the Horseshoe, or the ‘Shoe for short, OSU has won a whopping 93.1 percent of its games since 2010, winning 67 and losing just five.
That’s tops in the country and just ahead of Alabama (92.9%), Clemson (92.8%), Boise State (89.1%), and Wisconsin (88.4%).
It may make you wonder who those five losses game to in the last ten years. Well, we can tell you that too. They came from Penn State and Michigan State in 2011, Virginia Tech in 2014, Michigan State in 2015, and Oklahoma in 2017.
Credit goes to @CFBONFOX for doing the research and sharing it for everyone in the graphic below.
Of course, playing in Columbus in front of 105,000 fans has something to do with it, but more than anything, it’s the teams that run out of the tunnel in central Ohio that make it even more imposing.
That looks to continue in 2020 as long as COVID-19 gets out of our lives.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.
