The safety of our fans and visitors is our number one priority and The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is prepared to communicate with fans when inclement weather interferes with events at Ohio Stadium.
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Please visit emergency.osu.edu or follow Ohio State’s Emergency Management Twitter or Facebook accounts for official safety and game day weather-related information. For general game-day updates, fans are advised to follow the official social media channels for the Ohio State department of athletics: @OhioStAthletics on Twitter and Facebook.com/Buckeyes. Fans can also listen to Flagship station 97.1 FM The Fan for up-to-date news and information.
The most important message in advance of any kind of weather situation is for fans to listen to instructions from law enforcement officers and Public Safety personnel. Parking lot attendants will share details, when possible, as fans arrive. Once inside Ohio Stadium, please listen to the announcements over the public address system and to the instructions of the redcoats and ushers in their section of the stadium.
Ohio State monitors weather and has policies and procedures in place but each situation is different. The most likely scenario in an inclement weather situation is for fans to Shelter in Place. If inside the stadium, this often means leaving the open-seating area and taking shelter on the concourse, however, we advise everyone to follow the instructions given at the time.
We do not advise fans to leave Ohio Stadium during an inclement weather situation, however, fans that choose to do so will be allowed to re-enter with their ticket stubs. Those not already inside Ohio Stadium may opt to take cover in their cars or inside French Field House, St. John Arena or other open facilities.
Guests may carry umbrellas into Ohio Stadium for use before and after the game, but umbrellas are NOT permitted to be opened in the seating areas of Ohio Stadium
When it gets hot out – you need to stay hydrated! All guests are permitted to bring in bottles that are clear, plastic, and empty. Complimentary water is available at all soda refill stations (look for the water button)! You can refill your bottles or drink cups as needed to stay hydrated. Don’t have a bottle – you can obtain a free courtesy cup at any First Aid Location to use at the water refill areas.
First aid stations are located throughout Ohio Stadium at 16A, 17A, 12B, 23C, 24C and 32A. These stations are staffed with Columbus Fire paramedics and American Red Cross volunteers two hours prior to kickoff and will remain open for 20 minutes after the game. Over the counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil are available outside each first aid room in a self-dispensing vending machine for $1 per item.
For emergencies, contact the Oho State University Police Department at 614-292-2121. If the situation can be addressed and resolved, the stadium event staff will attempt to deliver a necessary message. Using the public address system for paging within the Stadium is reserved only for extreme emergencies.
