Ohio State to Survey Fans on Potential Ohio Stadium Renovations

University seeks input on adding more premium seating options at historic football venue

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting the Ohio Stadium in a cubist style, with the structure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the school's signature scarlet and gray colors, conveying a sense of transformation and modernization.A conceptual illustration captures the historic Ohio Stadium in a cubist, geometric style, hinting at the university's plans to modernize the iconic venue.Columbus Today

Ohio State University is preparing to survey fans and season-ticket holders about potential renovations to Ohio Stadium, the school's historic football venue. The survey, conducted by a sports consulting firm, will focus on gauging interest in additional premium seating options such as club suites, standing-room areas, and hospitality spaces.

Why it matters

Ohio State is looking to modernize the Horseshoe and potentially increase its revenue streams through premium seating, as the athletic department faces new expenses related to revenue sharing with student-athletes. The survey results will help shape the department's next steps in evaluating potential stadium enhancements.

The details

The survey will ask respondents about their interest in various premium seating options, including all-inclusive food and beverage services. Currently, only about 4% of Ohio Stadium's seats are considered premium, compared to around 10% at other major college football venues. The university previously added luxury suites and loge boxes during renovations in the 2000s and late 2010s, which have had a waiting list. Any new premium seating would aim to broaden the range of offerings beyond just suites and loge boxes.

  • The survey is set to begin circulating to fans and season-ticket holders this week.
  • The university first added premium seating as part of a major stadium renovation in 2001.

The players

Ross Bjork

Ohio State athletic director.

Kevin Griffin

Associate vice president for brand engagement, services and partnerships and associate director of athletics business strategy at Ohio State.

Mike Penner

Executive associate athletic director for internal operations at Ohio State.

CSL

A sports and entertainment consulting firm retained by Ohio State to conduct the fan survey.

NetJets Landing

The premium seating area in the northwest corner of Ohio Stadium that was added during a late 2010s renovation.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to keep up. Whether it's driving revenue, whether it's aging amenities, whether it's fan experience stuff, it's really just making sure the stadium is modernized every step of the way.”

— Ross Bjork, Ohio State athletic director

“One of the things we're trying to do a better job of, and I hope we do the best in the country, is we actually have information that's validated, that then we can have a conversation that's really truly around information, data and facts as opposed to just a gut instinct.”

— Kevin Griffin, Associate vice president for brand engagement, services and partnerships and associate director of athletics business strategy at Ohio State

“They went pretty fast.”

— Mike Penner, Executive associate athletic director for internal operations at Ohio State

What’s next

The survey results will help shape the athletic department's next steps as it evaluates potential enhancements to Ohio Stadium.

The takeaway

Ohio State is proactively seeking fan input on potential stadium renovations, aiming to modernize the Horseshoe and generate new revenue streams through expanded premium seating options. The survey represents a data-driven approach to ensure any future investments align with fan preferences and the department's financial needs.