Ohio State Buckeyes: Spring game details announced

That is in line with regulations set by the Ohio Department of Health and Columbus Public Health. It allows for seating pods to be kept six feet apart in the massive stadium that opened in 1922.

“On behalf of the university and the department of athletics, I want to sincerely thank Gov. DeWine, Dr. Mysheika Roberts and Columbus Public Health, and (Columbus mayor) Ginther and the city of Columbus for their collective leadership throughout this pandemic,” Ohio State director of athletics Gene Smith said in a statement. “We are not through this health crisis yet, but the collaboration among all of these entities has enabled us to safely return fans to our venues and in particular, Ohio Stadium next week for the spring game.”

Ohio Stadium’s official capacity is 102,780, though the announced attendance can and often is more than that as it includes everyone in the stadium, including players, game officials, members of the media and others.

Ohio State typically has 60,000 or more fans for its spring game with a high of 100,189 announced for the 2016 edition.

Here are five more things to know about the 2021 edition:

1. A public sale is set for Monday.

The department of athletics said approximately 4,500 tickets will go on sale to the general public at 11 a.m. Monday via Ticketmaster.com.

Season ticket-holders will receive presale access, and OSU students can reserve two seats out of an allotment of 2,500 beginning Monday afternoon.

Parking is free, but the West Stadium lot will be reserved for those with passes.

Tailgating is not permitted anywhere on campus.

2. More than half the crowd could be coronavirus caregivers.

The department says about 10,000 seats have been set aside for staff of the Wexner Medical Center and other select entities on campus whose staff have provided care during the pandemic.

3. Big Ten Network will broadcast the game.

It can also be heard on the Ohio State Sports Radio Network with the usual team of Paul Keels, Jim Lachey and Matt Andrews doing the broadcast.

Additionally, a limited number of media will be credentialed for the game.

4. Masks are mandatory, all items and persons entering the stadium are subject to security screenings and staff will be enforcing social distancing guidelines.

All guests and staff are encouraged to remain six feet apart in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and fans who are eating or drinking will be reminded to stay in their seats.

Ohio State’s no bag policy remains in effect with wallets and wristlets allowed if they are no larger than 5″x8″x1″.

Attendees with medical, dietary or childcare needs may enter through the band entrance near gate 10 or the press entrance near gate 23 to have items inspected.

5. There will be some familiar sites.

The game experience figures to be different, but Brutus Buckeye, the band and cheerleaders are set to be there to bring some normalcy to the proceedings.

The game will also serve as a test run for those groups looking ahead to the regular season.