Football officially returns to Ohio Stadium Saturday when the Buckeyes take on Oregon in Columbus.
In advance of the home opener, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith and several other members of the athletics department discussed several changes to the ticketing process and stadium protocol at a press conference Tuesday.
Here's a bullet-point breakdown of everything that was discussed, including an expansion of cashless operations and mobile ticketing, as well as a rundown of the mask policies.
Gene Smith, AD
- Smith encourages everybody to get to the game early due to the noon kickoff and construction on campus. Those that have permits for parking can go to the Ohio State Buckeyes website to find the best routes with construction going on. "Please just be patient."
- The Department of Athletics "learned some things from the HBCU game" held at Ohio Stadium over the summer.
- The Huntington Club, elevators, restrooms will be "mask environments" to meet the mandate required by Ohio State. Outside and tailgate areas, however, will not require mask usage. Smith encourages fans to who are uncomfortable or unvaccinated to wear masks, even outdoors.
Ericka Hoon, Assistant AD for Event Management
- Parking, merchandise and concessions will all be cashless operations.
- Ticket pedestals outside the gates will be new on the way inside the stadium, as well as metal detectors. Fans won't have to empty pockets to walk through.
- No-bag policy remains the same, no changes.
- Skull session will require fans to wear masks, since it is indoors.
- Fan Fest will be expanding its operation. Hoon says "you will see some new and exciting offerings out of Fan Fest."
Brett Scarbrough, Senior Associate AD for Ticketing
- "We are moving to an all-mobile ticket policy." First introduced mobile tickets a few years ago, implemented mobile only for students in 2019 and used it exclusively in 2020.
- Scarbrough says mobile tickets are "very easy to use." Ticket pedestals will "enhance the touchless experience." The best way to access mobile tickets is through the Ohio State Buckeyes app. More information is available on the Ohio State Buckeyes website, Scarbrough says.
- Parking will be cashless. Parking permits can be accessed through the Ohio State Buckeyes app. For day-of-game lots, only credit cards will be accepted. No cash, Google Pay or Apple Pay.
- For those that don't have phones or do not have smart phones, they can contact the ticket office for assistance and alternative options, Scarbrough says.
- On commemorative ticket stubs: "We are working on that right now. We are not ready to announce it yet, but we hope to have that option very soon."
- Single tickets are available for every game on the schedule. Approximately 10,000 tickets are still available for the Oregon game.
Beth Snoke, Director of Transportation and Traffic
- Construction could change the way you get to the game on game day, Snoke says. Woody Hayes Drive will be closed for public traffic between Kenny Road and John Herrick Drive.
- "If you're trying to get to west campus for the ag lots for parking, you should use Lane Avenue as an alternative."
- John Herrick Drive and Herrick Bridge will be closed for bus traffic as well.
- COTA will not be able to run transit service from the fairgrounds or Crosswoods Park. Fans can use COTA's fixed route service from various stops, though.
- Snoke says to expect delays and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers that are roaming the streets.
Chris North, Director of Operations, Levy Restaurants
- Changes to concessions include cashless operations. Expanding refill stations to include them at C-Deck, the same as A and B in the past: "It will speed up the transaction time in the stands."
- On mobile ordering: In 2020, every location did nothing but mobile ordering. This year it will be expanded to all the permanent concession stands, but the option to go up to the stand remains intact.
- Barrio Tacos is a new local partner that will be in the stadium at the 10A concession stand. Both tacos and margaritas will be available.
- Ben's Pretzels will be available, and will be offering a "Script Ohio pretzel."
- Apple Pay, Google Pay and Chase Pay will all be available at all concession terminals.
- Those that prefer to use cash will be able to purchase a gift card to use for mobile ordering.
