As Ohio State prepares to host a 2020 football season with potentially limited crowds due to COVID-19, the university is making multiple changes to its ticketing processes.
In an email to season-ticket holders on Thursday, Ohio State announced it is moving to mobile-only ticketing beginning this fall, while the seat selection process for season-ticket holders will also be adjusted to “account for appropriate physical distancing within Ohio Stadium.”
“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,” Ohio State deputy athletic director Diana Sabau said in a 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.”
According to the email, “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.”
Athletic director Gene Smith said last week that Ohio State is considering models that could allow Ohio Stadium to host anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 fans this season, depending on how much physical distancing guidelines are relaxed between now and then.
“If, for any reason, any portion of the 2020 football schedule does not take place, season ticket holders will have the option to receive a refund for the 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,” per Thursday's email. “This guarantee will apply to all ticketed athletic events.”
Friday is the final deadline for season-ticket holders to renew their tickets.
