University District in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
for Strength, for OHIO."
Dedicated on Oct. 21. 1922, Ohio Stadium was the largest west of the Alleghenies and preeminent among football stadia of the day. Innovations such as curved seat rows and an upper seating deck increased capacity and provided better sight lines for spectators. Interior walkway ramps and 78 gates permitted large crowds to enter and exit quickly. The necessity and functionality of the large-capacity stadium was proven at the 1922 Ohio State vs. University of Michigan game, when a standing room only crowd of over 75,000 filled Ohio Stadium.
From 1922 to 1998, over 30 million people attended games at Ohio Stadium and many changes were made to the facility. Dormitories and the OSU Marching Band room were built in the interior spaces, and temporary stands were provided at the open end of the stadium for the football season. Artificial turf covered the playing field from 1971 to 1989. The Jesse Owens Plaza was dedicated in 1983 in tribute to Owens's achievements and the history of track and field at Ohio Stadium.
In the mid-1990's, the University Board of Trustees approved a plan to preserve Ohio Stadium. The plan included rehabilitation of the physical structure, increased seating capacity, additional spectator amenities, and updated team facilities. With the support of alumni, fans, and corporate
this page online
1922
Length: 704'
Width: 597'
Side wall height: 98'-3"
2001
Length: 919'
Width: 678'
Side wall height: 137'
Erected by The Ohio State University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 40° 0.18′ N, 83° 1.183′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the University District. It is on Woody Hayes Drive east of Cannon Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus OH 43210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ohio Stadium Centennial (here, next to this marker); for Courage, for Grandeur, (a few steps from this marker); "Build it for Loyalty, for Spirit, (a few steps from this marker); Reflections on Pride and Tradition (a few steps from this marker); Archie Griffin (within shouting distance of this marker); Jesse Cleveland (Jesse) Owens (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
