Ohio State University's iconic "Horseshoe," the nickname given to its football facility, is getting a massive face-lift. In 2017, OSU will start a $42 million renovation project for Ohio Stadium and it is expected to be complete by 2020.
The school also plans to fund the project entirely from its athletics department and with private donations, utilizing no tax dollars and no student tuition. The renovations are expected to remove about 2,600 seats, just a few hundred less than those that were added in 2014.
"We are committed to providing our fans, players and coaches with one of the best facilities in the nation," OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith said in a statement. "We knew we had to get some of this done in order to avoid future degradation of the cement on C-deck. At the same time, we have fans requesting upgraded seating options. We see this as a great opportunity to accomplish both projects. It's an important investment in the stadium that is beloved by so many."
One of the main objectives of the renovations is to improve the fan's experience, specifically that of people who sit in obstructed view-seats on the C-deck. The renovations will also add a number of seats in its luxury sections.
With a capacity of 104,944, the 94-year-old Ohio Stadium is the third largest stadium in college football and the fifth largest sports stadium in the world. Only Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and Beaver Stadium in State College, Penn., are larger. Worldwide, only Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, and Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran, are larger than those three.
Ohio State is coming off a 12-1season in which the team missed the chance to defend its National Title. Still, the Buckeyes punctuated their season with dominant wins over their rivals, the Wolverines, in Michigan Stadium and against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
"We are committed to completing this process in the most fan-friendly manner as possible, recognizing the loyalty of our longtime season ticket purchasers and donors and providing the seating options that our fans want," Smith said. "The expansion of premium seating will also allow us to provide spaces for non-football events such as weddings, lunches, banquets and corporate meetings."