In a historic and unprecedented move that will forever change the landscape of college football, Ohio State University has unveiled a $1.3 billion plan to completely transform Ohio Stadium, commonly known as “The Horseshoe.” The renovation will not only modernize the nearly 102-year-old stadium but also increase its seating capacity to an astonishing 200,000, positioning it as the largest stadium in the world and reaffirming Ohio State’s status as a global powerhouse in collegiate athletics.
The announcement was made by Ohio State President Ted Carter and Athletic Director Gene Smith during a press conference held at the stadium on Thursday morning. The project, according to university officials, will begin immediately following the 2025 football season, with construction scheduled in multiple urgent phases to minimize disruption. The goal is to have the full expansion and modernization complete by the start of the 2028 season.
“This isn’t just a renovation — it’s a redefinition of what’s possible in college sports,” said Smith. “Ohio Stadium has been the heartbeat of Buckeye Nation for over a century, and now we’re preparing it for the next 100 years.”
The renovation will focus on three key pillars: massive seating expansion, advanced technology integration, and luxury fan experience.
The seating increase — a bold leap from the current 102,780 to 200,000 — will involve extending the upper deck and constructing a new multi-tiered structure that encircles the stadium, including a new South Tower. Despite the scale, architects insist the Horseshoe’s iconic look will be preserved.
On the technology front, fans can expect stadium-wide 5G coverage, real-time data dashboards, immersive AR experiences, and a cutting-edge, 360-degree video halo board that will be the largest in any sports venue worldwide.
Luxury will not be sacrificed for size. The project includes the addition of over 200 private suites, multi-level premium lounges, climate-controlled club seating, and exclusive access zones for VIP guests, alumni, and donors.
“This project is urgent not just for competitiveness, but for the future of the Buckeye experience,” said President Carter. “It’s about pride, power, and progress.”
Ohio State has already secured major donors and corporate partners to back the funding and hinted that naming rights for parts of the stadium may soon be up for grabs.
With urgency driving the timeline and ambition fueling the design, Ohio Stadium is set to become the epicenter of sports innovation, not just in college football, but across the entire global sports industry.