Skull Session, initially a final rehearsal for the band before their field performance, has become a key game day tradition at The Ohio State University. Doors to St. John Arena open three hours before kickoff. The event is free, with first-come, first-served seating.
The band marches to St. John two hours and twenty minutes before kickoff, entering with ramp cadences. After brief cheers from each section, the band plays “Fanfare for a New Era” as the football team arrives. Coach Ryan Day and a player speak briefly before heading to the locker rooms.
The band then performs a final run-through of its pregame and halftime shows, giving fans a preview of the day’s music. Before leaving St. John, the band plays “Across the Field” to energize the fans as they prepare to cheer on the Buckeyes.
For those unable to attend in person, Skull Session can be livestreamed to any device around the country and the world. The Ohio State University Office of Marketing and Communications ensures that this beloved pregame tradition is accessible to all. Fans can catch the livestream on the Ohio State News YouTube channel, either through the website or the YouTube app.
On Mondays following each Skull Session from the Saturday before, an edited version of the show will be posted on The Ohio State University YouTube Channel. We cannot post the entire show due to music sync licensing copyright rules. A list of past Skull Sessions can be found here.
Prohibited Items
Guests are subject to visual inspection of person, parcels, bags and clothing capable of concealing prohibited items. Guests may refuse inspections but management reserves the right to refuse entry. Guests who are found with prohibited items are subject to Ohio law and/or ejection from the arena. Changes in national, regional and campus security levels may affect security procedures.
The following items are NOT permitted to be brought into St. John Arena:
1. Alcohol
2. Animals (except service dogs for guests with disabilities)
3. Audio recording devices
4. Video recording equipment (including those attached to unmanned aircraft
systems or model aircrafts)
5. Bags larger than 14x14x4
6. Banners, flags and signs
7. Bicycles and scooters
8. Cameras with a lens greater than 100mm (and monopods, dual pods and
tripods)
9. Chairs including folding chairs, portable chairs, stools and lawn chairs
10. Clothing with profane, inappropriate or abusive language
11. Containers (such as hard-sided coolers, soft-pack coolers, ice chests, picnic
baskets, cans, heavy plastic or glass bottles, and thermoses)
12. Confetti, streamers, glitter, balloons
13. Drones (including unmanned aircraft systems or model aircrafts)
14. Weapons. Possession will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and/or
possible arrest. Off-duty law enforcement: click here for concealed-carry
policy
15. Items that mimic weapons, including but not limited to: aerosol cans, mace,
pepper spray, lighters, matches, firearms (including CCW permit holders),
fireworks, pocket knives, knives, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, martial arts
weapons, stun guns, squirt guns, super soakers and chains, or any item
deemed dangerous or inappropriate
16. Fireworks
17. Outside food or beverages (concession stands are available inside SJA)
18. Illegal drugs
19. Inflatables (balls, balloons, etc.)
20. Laptops and computers
21. Laser pointers
22. Markers (permanent) and/or paint
23. Noisemaking devices (such as whistles, air horns, bull horns, blow horns,
musical instruments, kazoos, bugles, cow bells, thunder sticks, sirens, milk
jugs with rocks or coins, and stereos)
24. Seat cushions that have back supports, zippers or storage slots
25. Sticks, poles, pipes or selfie sticks
26. Strollers or baby carriers
27. Sports equipment (such as balls, beach balls, footballs, baseballs, lacrosse
balls, segways or other motorized scooters, skateboards and roller blades)
28. Televisions or video monitors
29. Wrapped gifts, packages or items
Brought to you by The Ohio State University Office of Marketing and Communications
