THE TRADITION … Skull Sessions

Skull Session originally served as a final music rehearsal for the band prior to their performance on the field, but has evolved into one of the most anticipated game day traditions at The Ohio State University. Doors to St. John Arena open four hours prior to kickoff. The event is free, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

The band marches over to St. John two hours and twenty minutes before kickoff and bursts into the arena to the sound of the ramp cadences. After a few short cheers from each section, the band takes their seats to play “Fanfare for a New Era” as the football team arrives. Coach Ryan Day and one of the players each speak briefly to the fans before they depart for the locker rooms.

The band then performs a final musical run-through of its pregame and halftime shows, previewing the exciting soundtrack the band will be providing in The ‘Shoe that day. Before exiting St. John, the band strikes up “Across the Field” one more time to hype up the fans as they go to cheer on the Buckeyes.

SKULL SESSION 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 that 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 or Video Recording Equipment including those that are attached to unmanned aircraft systems or model aircrafts.
4. Bags larger than 14x14x4
5. Banners, Flags and Signs
6. Bicycles
7. Cameras with a lens greater than 100mm (along with Monopods, Dual Pods and Tripods), including those that are attached to unmanned aircraft systems or model aircrafts.
8. Chairs including Folding Chairs, Portable Chairs, Stools, Lawn Chairs
9. Clothing with profane, inappropriate or abusive language
10. Containers (common examples include but are not limited to hard sided coolers, soft pack coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets, cans, heavy plastic or glass bottles, thermoses)
11. Confetti, streamers, glitter, balloons
12. Drones (including but not limited to unmanned aircraft systems or model aircrafts.
13. Weapons are not permitted in the arena/stadium. Possession of a firearm or weapon is strictly forbidden. Possession of a weapon will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and/or possible arrest. Off-duty law enforcement: click here for concealed-carry policy
14. Fireworks
15. Food or beverages
16. Illegal Drugs
17. Inflatables (balls, balloons, etc.)
18. Laptops and computers
19. Laser pointers
20. Markers (permanent) and/or paint
21. Noisemaking devices (common examples include but are not limited to whistles, air horns, bull horns, blow horns, musical instruments, kazoos, bugles, cow bells, thunder sticks, sirens, milk jugs with rocks or coins, and steroes)
22. Seat cushions that have back supports, zippers, or storage slots
23. Sticks, Poles, Pipes or Selfie sticks
24. Strollers or baby carriers
25. Sports Equipment (common examples include but are not limited to balls, beach balls, footballs, baseballs, lacrosse balls, segways or other motorized scooters, skateboards, and roller blades)
26. Televisions or video monitors
27. Weapons or 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.
28. Wrapped gifts, packages or items