Ohio State football isn’t just building a powerhouse on the field - it’s continuing to invest heavily in the infrastructure that supports one of college football’s most iconic programs. From NIL commitments to stadium upgrades, the Buckeyes are spending big to stay at the top of the sport. And now, Ohio Stadium - The Horseshoe - is set for another round of major renovations, with a focus on enhancing the fan experience and modernizing the gameday environment.
Over the years, the stadium has seen its share of updates, many of which have shifted the focus from sheer capacity to premium viewing experiences. That’s meant fewer seats but more luxury boxes and upgraded amenities. One of the more notable changes came when the university moved the band to the North stands to create space for new luxury seating in the South end zone - a move that sparked plenty of conversation among fans but signaled a clear direction: Ohio State is prioritizing the long-term fan experience and revenue generation through premium offerings.
Now, the next phase of that vision is coming into focus.
Scoreboard Overhaul on the Horizon
Starting ahead of the 2026 season, the North end of Ohio Stadium will get a brand-new scoreboard. The current board, which has been in place since 2009, is due for a refresh - and this one won’t be cheap. The renovation will cost around $6.5 million, and it’s expected to be completed before next season kicks off.
Then, in 2027, attention will turn to the South scoreboard. That one’s a bit newer - last updated in 2012 - and still in solid shape, but Ohio State is planning a complete overhaul anyway.
This upgrade comes with a much heftier price tag: $22 million. The goal?
To ensure both ends of the stadium are equipped with cutting-edge technology that enhances the viewing experience for fans in every seat.
While the specifics of how these renovations might impact overall seating aren’t yet clear, the direction is obvious: Ohio State is doubling down on making The Shoe one of the premier venues in college football.
Investing in the Present - and the Future
These scoreboard upgrades are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Ohio State’s football revenue plays a critical role in funding not just the football program but also many of the non-revenue sports across the athletic department. That makes maintaining a top-tier product - both on the field and in the stands - essential for the university’s broader athletic success.
And of course, all of this comes at a time when the Buckeyes are once again eyeing a return to the national championship conversation. A deep postseason run would bring even more attention (and dollars) to the program, fueling further improvements and helping Ohio State maintain its status as one of the elite programs in the country.
Bottom line: Ohio State isn’t just playing to win on Saturdays. It’s building a sustainable, elite-level football ecosystem - and the latest stadium renovations are just the next step in that journey.