The Ohio State football program continues to allocate substantial financial resources each year, focusing on player NIL (name, image, likeness) compensation as well as significant stadium and facility upgrades. These financial investments not only elevate the football program but also indirectly support various non-revenue sports within the university.
Historically, Ohio Stadium has seen renovations designed to enhance the fan experience, including a reduction in seating capacity to accommodate luxury boxes. Last season, Ross Bjork announced the relocation of the band to the North stands, paving the way for additional premium seating options in the South end zone.
As part of a continued effort to improve the stadium experience, Ohio State is embarking on another round of major renovations. Although the specific details about how these changes will impact stadium seating remain to be clarified, exciting upgrades are already in the works. Notably, fans can expect a new scoreboard on the North end of the stadium, set to be completed before the 2026 season. This project comes with a budget of approximately $6.5 million and marks the first renovation for the North scoreboard since it was installed in 2009.
In tandem, plans are in place to upgrade the South scoreboard, which last saw improvements in 2012. This renovation is expected to incur a cost of approximately $22 million and aims for completion by the start of the 2027 season. Although the existing South scoreboard is still functional and sizable, the North scoreboard’s enhancements are long overdue.
These ongoing renovations reflect Ohio State’s commitment to delivering an enhanced experience for fans and spectators as they cheer for the Buckeyes. The program aspires not only to succeed on the field in the coming seasons, potentially vying for another national championship, but also to secure additional revenue that can further bolster the funding of future improvements. The positive momentum from these projects reflects the university’s dedication to creating an unforgettable atmosphere for both players and fans alike.