Ohio State University football fans can look forward to enjoying games from a new vantage point starting in the 2026 season, with the introduction of South End Zone Premium Seating at Ohio Stadium. According to an announcement by the university's Department of Athletics, this luxury addition will feature an array of seating options meant to enhance the overall fan experience.
The new seating area will boast nine elevated field-level suites, each with a capacity for 12 people, offering an up-close view of the gridiron action from the south stands. Additionally, atop these suites will be 400 premium chairback seats, which are set to be the widest in the stadium. As per information obtained by Ohio State University News, Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director, expressed the university's intent to prioritize fan comfort and access with this project.
Bjork extolled the new features, stating through Ohio State University News, "We’re proud to introduce a premium seating area on the field level in the south end zone of Ohio Stadium – an investment that reflects our deep commitment to enhancing the fan experience." He emphasized that the endeavor is a significant step in the modernization of the iconic Ohio Stadium, intending to "ensuring this iconic and wonderful venue continues to evolve while honoring the traditions that make it so special."
Patrons of the South End Zone Premium Seating will also enjoy the unique privilege to traverse the same tunnel as the Ohio State Buckeyes when entering and leaving the field. Moreover, access to the 1922 Club comes with the purchase of any of the 400 premium chairback seats. This exclusive area will cater to fans with all-inclusive food and drink options before, during, and after games. Suites will include social access to the club, with sales to be announced at a later date. Interested fans can learn more and place a deposit for chairback seats, priced at $6,000 for a season, before June 27, to become inaugural members, as noted in the Ohio State University's statement.
Concurrent with this plush seating project is the relocation of the Ohio State University Marching Band, which will move back to the north end of the stadium, where they were situated prior to renovations in 2001. This move aims to leverage the concrete foundation in the north end over the south end's metal to project the band's sound better, potentially intensifying the home-field advantage against visiting teams.
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