Ohio State Football Bag Policy
Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Horseshoeor simplyThe Shoe,” stands as one of college football's most iconic venues in Columbus, Ohio. Home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, this legendary stadium welcomes over 100,000 passionate fans on game days. To ensure everyone's safety and create a seamless entry experience, Ohio Stadium enforces a strict bag policy that every fan should understand before arriving at the gates.
Understanding Ohio Stadium's Bag Policy
Ohio Stadium operates under a clear-bag policy with minimal exceptions. The stadium allows small bags measuring no larger than 5″ x 8″ x 1″ for all guests. This compact size, roughly equivalent to a large smartphone, helps security personnel conduct faster inspections and reduces wait times at entry gates.
For guests with medical or childcare needs, the stadium permits one bag measuring up to 14″ x 14″ x 4″. These larger bags must enter through designated screening locations: the Band Center entrance located between Gates 10 and 12, or the Press Entrance situated between the Huntington Club and Gate 23. Plan extra time if you're using these special entrances, as additional screening is required.
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Purse Policy at The Horseshoe
The purse policy mirrors the general bag restrictions. Small clutch purses or wristlets measuring 5″ x 8″ x 1″ or smaller are welcome inside the stadium. This size accommodates essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and lipstick. Traditional handbags, shoulder bags, and oversized purses exceed the size limit and will be turned away at the gate. Consider leaving larger purses in your vehicle or at home to avoid disappointment.
What Can I Bring to Ohio Stadium?
While the bag policy is restrictive, Ohio Stadium does permit several items that enhance your game day experience:
- Small pocket-sized point-and-shoot cameras are allowed for most events, including Ohio State football, hockey, and basketball games. Professional cameras with detachable lenses are typically prohibited.
- Empty water bottles that are clear and made of plastic can be brought into the stadium. Water refill stations are conveniently located throughout the concourse, helping you stay hydrated without purchasing bottled water.
- Small courtesy water cups are available free of charge at any concession stand if you prefer not to carry a bottle.
- Binoculars without cases are permitted and can enhance your viewing experience from the upper decks.
- Blankets are typically allowed during colder games, though they may be subject to inspection.
Remember that all items are subject to thorough inspection upon entry. Security personnel have final discretion on any questionable items.
Prohibited Items
Ohio Stadium maintains a comprehensive list of prohibited items to protect all attendees. Banned items include backpacks, drawstring bags, tote bags, duffle bags, briefcases, large purses, coolers, and any bag exceeding the 5″ x 8″ x 1″ dimension limit. Additionally, outside food and beverages (except empty water bottles), weapons of any kind, noisemakers, umbrellas, poles, sticks, and professional camera equipment are not permitted. Violating these policies may result in denied entry or ejection from the stadium.
Water Bottle Policy
Staying hydrated during games is essential, especially during early season matchups when temperatures soar. Ohio Stadium encourages sustainability by allowing guests to bring empty, clear plastic water bottles. Multiple water refill stations are strategically positioned around the stadium concourse on all levels. If you forget your bottle, request a small courtesy cup at any concession stand. The stadium does not permit sealed water bottles, cans, or glass containers of any kind.
Bag Check Services
Ohio Stadium does not provide bag check or storage services. There are no lockers or holding areas for prohibited items. If you arrive with a non-compliant bag, your only options are returning it to your vehicle or leaving the stadium premises entirely. Save yourself the hassle by carefully reviewing the bag policy before leaving home. The dedicated screening lane for guests with medical, dietary, or childcare needs processes the permitted 14″ x 14″ x 4″ bags but does not store items for other guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the bag policy at Ohio Stadium?
A: Ohio Stadium enforces a restrictive bag policy allowing only small bags measuring 5″ x 8″ x 1″ or smaller. Guests with medical or childcare needs may carry one bag up to 14″ x 14″ x 4″ through designated screening entrances.
Q: Can I bring a purse into Ohio Stadium?
A: Yes, but only small clutch purses or wristlets measuring 5″ x 8″ x 1″ or smaller are permitted. Traditional handbags and shoulder bags exceed the size restrictions and are prohibited.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the bag policy?
A: Yes, guests with documented medical or childcare needs may carry one bag measuring up to 14″ x 14″ x 4″. These bags must enter through the Band Center entrance (between Gates 10 and 12) or the Press Entrance (between the Huntington Club and Gate 23).
Q: Can I bring a water bottle to Ohio Stadium?
A: Yes, you may bring empty, clear plastic water bottles. Water refill stations are available throughout the concourse. Sealed bottles, metal containers, and glass bottles are not permitted.
Q: Is there a bag check service at Ohio Stadium?
A: No, Ohio Stadium does not offer bag check, storage, or locker services. Leave all prohibited items at home or in your vehicle. There is no option to store non-compliant bags at the stadium.
These security measures exist to protect all fans and create an efficient entry process on game days. By familiarizing yourself with these policies and planning accordingly, you'll breeze through security and maximize your time enjoying the electric atmosphere of Ohio Stadium. Go Buckeyes!