Ohio State announced several changes to the ticketing and seating arrangements at Ohio Stadium this fall in an email to season-ticket holders on Thursday. Chiefly among the changes is a move to mobile-only ticketing starting this fall, a move that Ohio State has been eyeing for several years.
“We are excited to implement digital-only ticketing at our venues and believe it will help us achieve the goal of providing a safe game day experience for everyone,” Ohio State deputy athletic director Diana Sabau said in the statement. “Digital ticketing will allow for contactless entry for fans while also providing flexibility to easily manage their tickets. It will also allow us to better respond to the dynamics surrounding COVID-19 and our increased safety precautions.”
The statement also explains that Ohio State will be adjusting the season-ticket holder seating arrangements for the 2020 season only, in order to “account for appropriate physical distancing within Ohio Stadium.”
No exact date is listed for when seating arrangements will be shared, though the statement does give a bit of a timeframe for when season-ticket holders can expect to know where they’ll be sitting this fall.
“The timeline for seat selection will be adjusted to allow time for conference, state, and local officials to clarify physical distancing guidelines to provide the safest environment for fans while also maximizing allowable attendance,” the email reads.
“Seat selection windows will be communicated via email at least five business days prior to the first selection window opening, at which time fans will have the opportunity to preview available seats.”
If fans aren’t allowed into stadiums this season for games, or if games are canceled, Ohio State has laid out a path for refunds or future ticket credits.
“If, for any reason, any portion of the 2020 football schedule does not take place, season ticket holders will have the option to receive a refund for the canceled game tickets, receive a credit toward a future ticket purchase, or donate their season or individual game ticket payment(s) to support student-athlete scholarships,” the statement continues. “This guarantee will apply to all ticketed athletic events.
“These changes are aimed to be helpful and provide a level of confidence as you invest in our programs. The Department of Athletics will continue to follow the advice and directives of the Governor, University leadership, health experts and medical officials. We are dedicated to protecting the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, staff and fans.”
May 29 is the final day for any season-ticket renewals.
