Ohio Stadium to Introduce South End Zone Premium Seating in 2026
Big changes are coming to the iconic Ohio Stadium as The Ohio State University Department of Athletics unveils plans for a brand-new premium seating experience. Starting in the 2026 football season, fans will be able to enjoy South End Zone Premium Seating — a state-of-the-art addition designed to enhance comfort, access, and the overall game day experience for Buckeye Nation.
This new seating section will be located at field level in front of the south stands and will include nine elevated field-level suites, each with a 12-person capacity, along with 400 premium chairback seats directly above the suites. These aren’t just any seats — they will be the widest chairback seats in the entire stadium, offering fans a more luxurious and comfortable view of the action, just steps from the south end zone.
Ross Bjork, Ohio State’s Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “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,” Bjork said. “It’s a small but key step in the modernization of the ’Shoe, and we’re excited to continue honoring the tradition of this venue while improving it for future generations.”
A standout feature of this premium experience is the 1922 Club, a brand-new hospitality space that will offer all-inclusive food and beverage options before, during, and after the game. Each purchase of a premium chairback seat will include full access to this club, adding an extra layer of convenience and luxury to the game day.
Another unique element of the South End Zone Premium Seating is its exclusive tunnel access — fans will enter their seating area via the same tunnel used by the Ohio State Buckeyes as they run onto and off the field. It’s an up-close, immersive experience that brings fans closer to the action than ever before.
Seats are now available for deposit at a cost of $6,000 per season, with reservations open through June 27, 2025. Suite sales — which will also include access to the 1922 Club — will begin at a later date.
Meanwhile, in a related update, the Ohio State University Marching Band will be moving to the north end of the stadium starting with the 2025 season. The move, which returns the band to its original pre-2001 location, is intended to enhance sound quality. With a concrete foundation and a newly upgraded audio system in place, fans can expect a richer and more impactful performance — turning up the volume on what’s already one of the most electrifying atmospheres in college football.
From premium seating to improved audio, Ohio Stadium is taking bold steps to deliver an unmatched experience in 2026 and beyond.