Eric Boggs
Ohio State is making bold moves to transform Saturdays in the Horseshoe. Under the leadership of new athletic director Ross Bjork, the university has spent the offseason reimagining the Ohio State gameday experience, aiming to align the energy inside the stadium with the deep-rooted passion of Buckeye Nation. The initiative, dubbed “Tradition Evolved,” is not a reinvention but an evolution—a way to preserve and amplify what makes gameday in Columbus special. “Tradition at Ohio State is our North Star,” Bjork said. “As this process unfolded, we wanted to protect and honor our tradition while also evolving it with purpose, passion, and with Buckeye Nation at the heart of it.” These changes, which will be on full display during the season opener against Texas, reflect that balance of reverence and innovation.
Among the most visible new traditions is the introduction of a pregame Victory Bell ringer, designed to ignite fan energy just before kickoff. The familiar bell, which has traditionally rung only after wins, will now chime as the team storms onto the field, establishing an electric prelude to every home game. Ohio State legend Archie Griffin will have the honor of being the first bell ringer, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his second Heisman Trophy. Griffin will also assist in selecting future bell ringers alongside Alpha Phi Omega. The Victory Bell will also now ring on third downs, reinforcing its role as a rallying call for fan intensity.
Another signature element is THE Towel—scarlet and gray rally towels that will be distributed to roughly 100,000 fans at the Texas game and encouraged for use at future games. This addition gives fans a visual and unifying way to show their support and create a more hostile environment for visiting teams. Fans will also have the opportunity to earn virtual Buckeye Leaves when the opposing offense is penalized or forced into timeouts due to crowd noise. That stat will be displayed on new signage and the videoboards, further connecting the fans’ efforts with on-field results.
Color-themed games will add even more excitement. The Buckeyes are calling for a Scarlet the Shoe game against Texas, a Helmet Stripe game against Ohio, and a Wear Black game for the November showdown with Penn State. These color-outs will be coordinated efforts to energize and unify the crowd and give the Buckeyes a visually intimidating home-field advantage. Meanwhile, Brutus Buckeye will make a new unique entrance every week, and the Block O student section has been consolidated in the south end zone, making it bigger, louder, and more coordinated than ever. “When the students lead, the stadium follows,” Bjork said, emphasizing the importance of a unified student voice.
The Best Damn Band in the Land will return to its historical roots in the north end of the stadium, supported by a concrete foundation for improved sound projection. The new location allows for microphone enhancements and temporary speakers to amplify their presence. TBDBITL will continue to play “Hang on Sloopy,” though now with more flexibility to play it when the moment feels right in the second half. The university is also curating a more intentional and energizing musical soundtrack, including the introduction of a gameday anthem—“Ohio” by local band Caamp—which will be paired with a powerful visual tribute to the state and its people.
In a move to reduce unnecessary distractions, Ohio State will limit sponsor presentations during timeouts and shift them off the field to the North Band Ramp, keeping the field focused on football. Content on the video boards will now lean heavily on real-time stats, scores, and replays, with a bold presentation style that reflects Ohio State’s identity. Expansive full-board takeovers, like those seen during the College Football Playoff game against Tennessee, will become more frequent, enhancing the drama of big moments. Additionally, a new Buckeye Leaf recognition platform will be introduced to spotlight individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the program.
Ultimately, these changes are designed to deepen the connection between fans and the team, to create an atmosphere where crowd noise isn’t just loud but strategic, where traditions are not replaced but reignited, and where every moment inside the Shoe feels uniquely Ohio State. From THE Towel to the bell’s ring and the roar of a unified Block O, Saturdays in Columbus are about to get louder, prouder, and even more unforgettable.
