Although the home opener is still over 70 days away, Buckeyes fans are already poised to fill Ohio Stadium this fall.
According to a report released by the Columbus Dispatch Friday, Ohio State has sold 55,233 season tickets through May 26 to the general public, faculty and staff in anticipation of the 2023 football season. This marks the most season tickets sold since 2011, which saw 55,749 season tickets purchased.
Ohio State has seen a steady increase in season-ticket sales since the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, when fans across the Big Ten Conference were unable to attend games due to health and safety restrictions. In 2021, the university sold 42,373 season tickets. That number increased by over 11,000 in 2022 when 53,606 season tickets were distributed.
The consistent uptick in sales could be attributed to Ohio State’s revamped ticket pricing model, which was placed into effect last season. This modernized Buckeye Club model divides Ohio Stadium into six pricing zones, with each zone differing in its annual per-seat contribution and ticket price based on its proximity to the field.
For the 2023 season, the lowest price for a public season ticket without a per-seat contribution is $398. Conversely, the most expensive season ticket price comes in at $944, coupled with an additional per-seat contribution of $1,500.
Ohio State will play just six home games during the 2023 season compared to its eight home games in 2022. The Buckeyes’ home schedule includes non-conference opponents Youngstown State and Western Kentucky, as well as Big Ten Conference foes Maryland, Penn State, Michigan State and Minnesota.