Ohio State will soon survey fans and season-ticket holders about potential renovations to the 104-year-old Ohio Stadium.
According to a report from The Columbus Dispatch’s Joey Kaufman, Ohio State has enlisted sports and entertainment consulting firm CSL to distribute a survey this week as it considers upgrades to the Horseshoe. The effort is expected to be the most comprehensive evaluation of Ohio Stadium in more than a decade.
“We’ve got to keep up,” Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork told Kaufman. “Whether it’s driving revenue, whether it’s aging amenities, whether it’s fan experience stuff, it’s really just making sure the stadium is modernized every step of the way.”
One key area of focus is the expansion of seating options. The survey asks fans to gauge their interest in premium offerings ranging from club suites to standing-room-only sections and hospitality areas. It also seeks feedback on seating that includes all-inclusive food and beverage services.
Ohio State’s internal research shows the stadium currently lags behind other major college football venues in premium seating, prompting Bjork and the athletic department to explore demand for additional high-end options.
Kevin Griffin, a former Ohio State wide receiver who is now the athletic department's associate VP for brand engagement, services and partnerships and associate director of athletics for business strategy, said the process began last fall following conversations with donors.
“One of the things we’re trying to do a better job of, and I hope we do the best in the country, is we actually have information that’s validated,” Griffin said, “that then we can have a conversation that’s really truly around information, data and facts as opposed to just a gut instinct.”
“Whether it’s driving revenue, whether it’s aging amenities, whether it’s fan experience stuff, it’s really just making sure the stadium is modernized every step of the way.”– Ross Bjork on potential upgrades to Ohio Stadium, via the Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State first introduced premium seating during the stadium’s major renovation in 2001, adding 81 luxury suites as part of a new west-side press box. Additional suites and loge boxes were later built in the northwest corner during renovations in the late 2010s.
While the department is evaluating the possibility of expanding premium seating, administrators emphasized that the project remains in its early stages. The current focus is on gathering feedback regarding seating preferences and pricing, not advancing a specific proposal.
“This is really just listening,” Griffin said. “Zero decisions have been made, and no commitment has been made to do any of this. We just want to see what people are interested in.”
Griffin noted that the survey results will help guide the department’s next steps as it considers potential enhancements.
“It helps us not to fall behind,” Griffin said, “but it also helps us not to get too far ahead. If our fans are telling us they're not interested, then why would we make that type of investment? We won't. So this is a really important way for their voices to be heard.”
Ohio State athletics distributed an official release on Tuesday confirming Kaufman's report. The release was complete with a note that the Buckeyes will send a similar survey to season-ticket holders and stakeholders of the Schottenstein Center:
“A study has been commissioned to gather feedback from the Ohio State community to help determine future courses of action,” Bjork said. “We need to listen, learn and gain insight from as many sources as possible. We are looking for guidance and are only just beginning a journey along a path toward providing our guests the ultimate gameday experience.”
This year at Ohio Stadium, fans will already see several improvements that will elevate the fan experience. New LED facia boards on both the east and west sides, a new video board on the north end, the opening of the 1922 Club, renovations to the concourse restrooms and the addition of south endzone field-level chairback seats and suites all will be ready for the opener Sept. 5 against Ball State.
Improving the fan experience is one of the top priorities at every Ohio State venue each year. In addition to the Ohio Stadium survey, a similar survey will soon be sent to season ticket holders and key stakeholders of the Schottenstein Center.
