Enforcement tightens as Buckeye game weekend draws thousands to Ohio Stadium
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the season’s first home game against Texas drawing thousands of Buckeye fans to Ohio Stadium, law enforcement is urging extra caution for those planning to celebrate before kickoff. Tailgating outside the Horseshoe is a longtime tradition, but undercover officers from the Ohio Investigative Unit will be on the lookout for underage drinkers and those who supply alcohol to them.
The unit notes a persistent challenge with underage consumption around game days. A key point emphasized by enforcement leaders is the state’s unique provision allowing parents to legally provide alcohol to their underage children, but with conditions: parents take responsibility for their child from the moment drinking begins until the child is sober again, and they cannot leave the young person unattended.
Last year’s enforcement data show how seasonal patterns correlate with crowds. In 2022, 186 people were cited for underage drinking or public intoxication during eight home games. The following year, the numbers dropped to 78 citations across six home games. Then in 2024, citations rose again to 112 during nine home games, reflecting ongoing enforcement efforts as attendance grows.
Officers aren’t confined to parking lots. Inside bars and restaurants near campus, undercover agents monitor not only for overserving but also for broader criminal activity. Enforcement officials say they’re prepared to act on a wide range of violations, including drugs and other illegal activity that may occur in or around establishments serving fans.
As fans prepare to celebrate, enforcement leaders are crystal clear: anyone under 21 cannot purchase alcohol. The Ohio Investigative Unit notes it will be deploying officers from across the state to Columbus for the Ohio State versus Texas game, though it does not release the exact officer counts.
What fans should know
– Bring a valid form of ID and be prepared to show age when purchasing alcohol.
– If you’re a parent, remember the legal framework: you may provide alcohol to a minor, but you’re responsible for them during the drinking period until they’re sober and you cannot leave them unsupervised.
– Plan safe transportation and designate a sober driver to help keep the festivities safe for everyone.
Yearly breakdown shows 186 citations in 2022, 78 in 2023, and 112 in 2024 for underage drinking or public intoxication around the Ohio State University campus, underscoring the ongoing emphasis on safety as large crowds return to game days.
Why this matters
– The use of undercover enforcement signals a broader safety approach that combines prevention with swift action against violations.
– The data suggest that enforcement adapts to crowd sizes and game-day activity, aiming to reduce underage drinking and related incidents while allowing fans to enjoy the event responsibly.
– The collaboration among state agencies and local venues highlights a shared commitment to keeping students and families safe during high-profile college sports weekends.
Summary: As Ohio State fans gear up for a big home game, authorities are intensifying enforcement around campus to curb underage drinking and related misconduct. The parental exception remains a notable factor in the legal landscape, while yearly citation trends indicate ongoing vigilance in keeping game days safe for all attendees.