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Over the years since 1922, more than 30 million fans have filled "the Shoe" to watch the Buckeyes play football. In addition to OSU football, Ohio Stadium has also hosted High School State Football Playoffs; briefly served as home to the Ohio Glory, part of the American Football League; and has played host to concerts with Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Billy Joel among others.
22 head coaches have led Buckeye football teams in Ohio Stadium; Carroll Widdoes holds the best record--16-2-0 in the 1944-45 season. The victory bell, located in the southeast tower, was a gift of the classes of 1943, 1944, and 1945 and is rung after each OSU victory. The football team originally practiced on a grassy field outside the stadium but now practices at Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Olentangy River Rd.
WOSU-TV called Ohio Stadium "the greatest single enterprise the university had ever taken...the biggest football stadium west of the Alleghenies...an architectural wonder that brought fame and prominence to the state of Ohio." As it stands reborn in 2001, Ohio Stadium continues to be an icon for Columbus and Ohio State University.
A look at the stadium from the bottom of the new South seats. Photo ©2001 John C. Kazalia.
Here are some great links about the stadium:
