Ohio State Buckeyes Launch Ticket Sales for Stadium Turf Tours

Ohio State Buckeyes are now selling tickets for guided tours of the iconic Ohio Stadium turf, giving fans a chance to step onto the gridiron before the team heads to Ball State on Sept. 5, 2026. The new program opens the field to the public for the first time this season, with limited slots each Saturday.

What does the Ohio Stadium turf tour include?

Fans who purchase a tour ticket will receive a 45‑minute walkthrough led by a former Buckeyes player or staff member. The experience covers the locker rooms, the press box, and the famous "Block O" section of the field. Participants also get a brief history of the stadium’s renovations and a photo opportunity on the 50‑yard line. All tours start at 10 a.m. on game‑day Saturdays and are capped at 200 attendees to maintain safety protocols.

How can fans buy tickets?

Tickets are available exclusively through the official Ohio State Buckeyes website and the university’s mobile app. Prices start at $25 for adults, with discounted rates for students and seniors. Purchasers receive a QR code that must be scanned at the stadium entrance on the day of the tour. The Buckeyes’ ticket office warns that demand is high, so fans should act quickly to secure a spot.

Why is the Buckeyes offering turf tours now?

Athletic Director Gene Smith explained that the tours are part of a broader effort to deepen community engagement and generate additional revenue for facility upgrades. "We want our supporters to feel a closer connection to the place where Buckeye legends are made," Smith said. The revenue will help fund the upcoming replacement of the field’s drainage system, a project slated for the 2027 offseason.

What impact could this have on the upcoming season?

Opening the field to fans may boost ticket sales for the September matchup against Ball State, a game that traditionally draws a large crowd. Early buzz suggests the tours could increase overall attendance by up to 5 % for that contest. Moreover, the initiative gives recruits a tangible taste of Buckeye culture, potentially influencing their decisions during the 2026 recruiting cycle.

When is the first tour scheduled?

The inaugural tour kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 24, just two weeks before the Buckeyes open the season. That date aligns with the university’s summer open‑house events, allowing families and alumni to combine the tour with other campus activities. The schedule includes additional tours on Aug. 31, Sept. 7, and Sept. 14, each coinciding with a home game day.

How does this fit into the Buckeyes’ broader fan experience?

The Buckeyes have long emphasized fan immersion, from tailgate festivals to virtual reality experiences in the stadium’s concourse. Adding a turf tour expands that portfolio, offering a hands‑on element that complements existing digital offerings. Fans who attend the tour can also purchase exclusive merchandise, such as limited‑edition turf‑print shirts, directly at the stadium’s gift shop.

What should fans know before they go?

Attendees must bring a valid photo ID and wear shoes suitable for a grass surface. No food or beverages are allowed on the field, but concessions are available nearby. The Buckeyes recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to allow time for security checks and to ensure a smooth entry process.

The Ohio State Buckeyes hope the new turf tours will become a staple of the fan experience, turning a simple walk across the field into a memorable part of every season.