Ohio State is rolling out a brand-new game day vision at Ohio Stadium, and it is all about turning up the game day energy. Called “Tradition Evolved,” the initiative honors longtime OSU traditions while introducing new game day elements to amp up the experience for fans inside The Shoe.
The changes debut on August 30, when Ohio State opens the season at home against Texas in what is already being called one of the biggest season openers in college football history.
Here is what is changing this fall:
Victory Bell
The Alpha Phi Omega Victory Bell will still ring after every Buckeye win, but it will now sound before kickoff as well. Archie Griffin will serve as the first pregame bell ringer, and future honorees will be selected prior to each home game. The bell will also sound on every defensive third down to rally the crowd.
THE Towel
Fans at the home opener will receive THE Towel in scarlet and gray to wave during the game. The towels will also be sold for fans wanting to purchase one later in the season.
Color Outs
Three themed “color out” games will take place this season:
- Scarlet the ’Shoe — Aug. 30 vs Texas
- Helmet Stripe — Sept. 13 vs Ohio
- Wear Black — Nov. 1 vs Penn State
Defend the ’Shoe
A new feature on the stadium video board will track crowd performance. Each time the visiting offense commits a false start or takes a timeout believed to be caused by crowd noise, playoff-style Buckeye Leaves will be awarded to Ohio State fans, with a season-long tally kept on the screen.
Band Relocation
The Best Damn Band in the Land is moving back to the north end of the stadium, which was its traditional location before the 2001 renovation. The change includes new on-field speakers and microphones to amplify performances. Hang On Sloopy will still be played between the third and fourth quarters, but the timing may vary to maximize crowd impact.
Soundtrack and In-Game Presentation
A new curated music playlist will include songs by Columbus band Caamp and other artists to intensify the in-game atmosphere. Added features include new Brutus Buckeye entrances each game, relocation of the Block O student section to the south stands, enhanced videoboard replays and live stats, and fewer on-field presentations during breaks.
Looking Ahead
As a separate project, Ohio State has also announced that premium seating will be added to the south end zone before the 2026 season.
From towels to bell ringers to new music and traditions, Ohio Stadium is set for a major refresh focused on giving Buckeye fans the most exciting in-stadium experience in college football.
