COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State University is implementing significant changes at Ohio Stadium this fall to enhance the football experience for fans.
The university’s athletic department announced a revamped game-day experience at the stadium, known as “The Shoe,” under the initiative “Tradition Evolved.” The aim is to enhance tradition while offering a bigger, better, and louder atmosphere.
“Tradition at Ohio State is our North Star,” said Athletics Director Ross Bjork. “As this process unfolded, we wanted to protect and honor our tradition while also evolving it with purpose, passion, and with Buckeye Nation at the heart of it.”
Changes will debut August 30, when Ohio State hosts the Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 1 in the preseason Coaches’ Poll. This game is the first matchup between the top two ranked teams to start a college football season.
Victory Bell Ringer
The tradition of Alpha Phi Omega members ringing the Victory Bell after each Buckeye win will continue. This year, the bell will also ring before the team takes the field. In honor of the 50th anniversary of his second Heisman Trophy, Archie Griffin will be the first pregame Victory Bell “ringer.” Griffin will collaborate with Alpha Phi Omega to select new bell ringers for each home game. The bell will also signal third down when the defense is on the field.
The Towel
At the home opener against Texas, all fans will receive THE Towel in scarlet and gray. THE Towel will be available for purchase as well, Bjork said.
Color Outs
Ohio State has organized three “color out” games. Fans can visit www.GoBuckeyes.com to prepare for these games:
– August 30 vs. Texas: Scarlet the ‘Shoe
– September 13 vs. Ohio: Helmet Stripe
– November 1 vs. Penn State: Wear Black
Defend the ‘Shoe
For each false start penalty or timeout called by the visiting team’s offense due to crowd noise, a Buckeye leaf will be awarded to the Ohio State crowd on the videoboard, with a season-long tally displayed.
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The Best Damn Band in the Land will return to its previous location at the north end of the stadium. The band will perform on a concrete foundation with enhanced sound through temporary on-field speakers and microphones. “Hang On Sloopy,” traditionally played between the third and fourth quarters, will be played when the timing is deemed appropriate.
“We know fans care deeply about this moment, and so does Ohio State athletics. This adjustment is about keeping it powerful, memorable, and perfectly timed,” the university said.
Soundtrack
The Athletic Department is creating a soundtrack featuring local band Caamp, with their song “Ohio” set to play during the first half of each game.
Other Modifications
Each game will feature a unique entrance for Brutus Buckeye. The Block O section will move to the south stands. The videoboard will display live stats, scores, and replays, and there will be fewer on-field presentations. The athletic department also announced that premium seating in the south end zone will be available starting in 2026.
2025 Ohio State Football Schedule
– Aug. 30: Texas, noon
– Sept. 6: Grambling State, 3:30 p.m.
– Sept. 13: Ohio (Peacock), 7 p.m.
– Sept. 27: at Washington
– Oct. 4: Minnesota (homecoming)
– Oct. 11: at Illinois
– Oct. 18: at Wisconsin
– Nov. 1: Penn State
– Nov. 8: at Purdue
– Nov. 15: UCLA
– Nov. 22: Rutgers
– Nov. 29: at Michigan, noon