There’s nothing quite like a Saturday in Columbus when the Buckeyes take the field. The energy across Ohio State’s campus is electric, making football Saturdays the perfect opportunity to gather your guests, celebrate your organization, or create a memorable experience with friends and family.
Whether you’re planning a corporate event, alumni celebration, client experience, or private party, Ohio State Events can help identify the best campus setting for your group. From intimate indoor gatherings to large-scale outdoor celebrations, our venues offer the flexibility to create a setting that fits your event and brings your guests together to experience the excitement and tradition of Ohio State Football.
Once you’ve found your space, we’ll stay on as your planning partner. From audiovisual services to setup and teardown support — and with a wide selection of food and beverage options — our team will make your game day event seamless from start to finish.
Ready to make your next Buckeye Saturday one to remember? Explore these Ohio State event spaces and discover which venue is the right fit for your pregame celebration. Download our Ohio State Events Game Day Guide to learn more.
Recreation & Physical Activity Center — 0.1 mile from Ohio Stadium
The RPAC is Ohio State's largest recreation facility, but on game day its claim to fame is its location. Just steps from Ohio Stadium, the RPAC offers one of the closest vantage points to the legendary stadium without actually being inside it.
This prime location is what makes the RPAC’s Danny Price Stadium Terrace a truly standout setting for a private game day event. The outdoor terrace overlooks the stadium, giving guests an up-close view of the iconic bell tower and a bird's-eye view of the sights and sounds of game day below — including media productions broadcasting live from the stadium. Hosts often add balloon installations along the terrace, creating a festive backdrop that guests love for photos.
The terrace rental also includes a multipurpose indoor space, offering a convenient backup on a cold or rainy game day, as well as additional room for food prep and storage. Guests can enjoy three hours of exclusive access to the space while taking in the energy of game day on campus.
The Blackwell Inn — 0.3 mile from Ohio Stadium
As The Ohio State University’s only full-service, on-campus hotel, the Blackwell Inn combines refined hospitality, flexible event spaces and an unbeatable game day location — within a short walk from Ohio Stadium.
With indoor spaces that accommodate groups of 30 or more, the Blackwell offers a comfortable and convenient setting for a pregame gathering. Guests can make a whole weekend of it, from spending the night on campus, to gathering with friends Saturday morning before kickoff. With the stadium just a short walk away, guests can soak up the energy of game day from morning to kickoff without ever straying far from the action. The on-site gift shop even makes it easy to pick up some Buckeye gear.
Not heading into the stadium? The Blackwell’s prime location puts guests within easy walking distance of Lane Avenue restaurants, including Buckeye favorites like Varsity Club and The O on Lane. Grab a bite, meet up with friends and enjoy the scarlet and gray atmosphere all day long.
Hamilton Hall — 0.5 mile to Ohio Stadium
Newly renovated in 2024, Hamilton Hall brings a fresh, versatile setting to game day in Ohio State’s Health Sciences District, with easy access to Ohio Stadium.
Hamilton Hall’s Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Forum offers an elegant backdrop for a private Buckeye pregame celebration. It offers a spacious indoor ballroom and an outdoor courtyard that gives guests room to spread out and enjoy the game day atmosphere. With capacity for up to 350 guests, there’s plenty of space to bring a large group of fans together, whether you’re planning a sophisticated indoor gathering, an outdoor celebration or a combination of both.
With its modern spaces, flexible layout and convenient campus location, Hamilton Hall offers everything you need to gather your guests, celebrate in style and get ready for kickoff.
Longaberger Alumni House — 0.8 mile from Ohio Stadium
Home to The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Longaberger Alumni House offers space designed to reflect the warmth of Buckeye tradition while providing modern functionality.
Create a memorable pregame gathering at the house the Buckeye alums built. At Longaberger, choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Archie and Bonita Griffin Pavilion, Sanders Grand Lounge and Mount Leadership Room, and more. Accommodating up to 150 seated or 300 standing guests these spaces give your group plenty of room to gather, celebrate, and make the most of a Buckeye Saturday.
When it’s time for kickoff, you won’t have to go far. Longaberger’s convenient location makes it easy for guests to walk to Ohio Stadium, while on-site parking adds another layer of convenience for those arriving by car.
Schottenstein Center — 0.8 mile from Ohio Stadium
The Schottenstein Center brings big Buckeye energy to your pregame gathering. Home to Buckeye men’s and women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey and major concerts and events, the Schott is a destination in its own right — and a memorable setting for a private game day celebration.
With numerous indoor and outdoor hospitality spaces to choose from, groups can create an experience that fits their style. Options include the Block O Lounge, Geiger Lounge, Huntington Club South Lounge and outdoor terraces with Stadium and river views. Your group can enjoy three hours of exclusive space while taking in the energy of campus on game day.
Want to make your event even more distinctly Ohio State? Add a Buckeye Experience to your gathering. Your group can tour the Schott, shoot hoops on the court, capture an on-court group photo or even see your organization’s logo and messaging featured on the center-hung videoboard. Our team can help bring these behind-the-scenes experiences into your event.
All-Inclusive Opportunities
Looking for a ready-made game day experience? We’ve got options.
Pre-Game at Fisher — 0.3 mile from Ohio Stadium
Start your unforgettable game day at The Blackwell Inn’s Overmyer Ballroom with the Max M. Fisher College of Business' Pre-Game at Fisher. Beginning three hours before kickoff, enjoy a delicious buffet, drinks, music, football on the big screen, and festive entertainment alongside fellow Buckeye fans. Guests also have the chance to experience special appearances from Brutus and the Ohio State Spirit Squad.
The Extra Point Package — 0.8 mile from Ohio Stadium
Kick off your Ohio State game day with the Extra Point Package, combining a game ticket with access to an exclusive, all-inclusive pre-game tailgate at the Schottenstein Center. Open three hours before kickoff, the tailgate features food, beer and wine, giving Buckeye fans a fun way to gather and fuel up before heading to the game.