Ohio State University is home to one of the most successful college basketball programs in the NCAA. The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team plays their home games at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on Ohio State’s campus in Columbus, Ohio. With over 18,000 seats, the Schottenstein Center provides an exciting gameday atmosphere for Buckeye fans.
A common question among OSU students is whether or not they can attend basketball games for free. As a student at Ohio State, you receive a number of benefits and perks. One of the most popular perks is access to sporting events on campus.
So are basketball games free for Ohio State students? The answer is yes, students receive free admission to men’s basketball games at the Schottenstein Center with a valid Ohio State student ID. This allows students to support the Buckeyes without having to pay for individual game tickets.
Obtaining Tickets as an OSU Student
While admission is free for students, you still need to obtain a ticket in order to enter the Schottenstein Center for games. There are a few different ways for students to get tickets:
– Online Ticket Distribution: Students can login and request tickets online prior to each home game through Ohio State’s online ticketing website. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis.
– In-Person: On game days, students can line up outside the arena to get a ticket directly from the ticket office. 500 student tickets are held back to be distributed this way.
– Student Lottery: For very high demand games against top opponents like Michigan, the athletic department may use a lottery system to distribute tickets randomly among students who enter.
As long as you claim a ticket through one of these methods, you can use your BuckID at the gate to gain free entry. Make sure not to lose your ticket, as that is your pass into the arena!
Student Ticket Policies
There are a few policies that students should be aware of when it comes to claiming basketball tickets:
– Tickets are non-transferable. Students cannot give away tickets to non-students. ID will be checked at the door.
– Students are limited to one ticket per person per game.
– Camping out overnight to wait in line for tickets is prohibited.
– There are designated student seating sections. Students must sit in the correct sections.
As long as you follow these guidelines, you should have no issues getting into the games for free with your student ID!
Benefits of Attending Games
There are many great benefits and perks that come with attending Ohio State basketball games as a student:
– Support your school and cheer on the Buckeyes as they compete against Big Ten rivals. Sporting events provide a way to show school spirit and pride.
– Spend time with friends and make memories together while watching live sports. The student sections are energetic places to enjoy the games.
– Get the best seats in the house. Student sections are located near the court, giving you an up close view. Regular tickets can be expensive.
– Take a study break and relieve some stress during the hectic academic seasons like midterms and finals. Enjoy sports as an outlet.
– Make the most of your time as a student. College years fly by, so take advantage of every free opportunity.
Attending basketball games is a quintessential part of the student experience at Ohio State. Take advantage of the free admission while you can!
Men’s Basketball Background
To fully appreciate the opportunity to attend Ohio State basketball games for free, it helps to understand the history and success of the program:
– 6 Final Four appearances, most recently in 2012
– 11 Elite Eight appearances
– 10 Big Ten regular season championships
– 4 Big Ten Tournament championships
– Multiple NBA players drafted including Greg Oden, Evan Turner, Michael Redd and others
The Buckeyes are consistently ranked among the top teams in the country and compete against other national powers like Michigan, Indiana, Purdue and more in the Big Ten Conference. Hall of Fame coaches like Fred Taylor and Thad Matta have led the Buckeyes to great seasons.
With the program’s pedigree of wins, players in the NBA, and games against top tier opponents, Ohio State men’s basketball games provide exciting high-level action right on OSU’s campus. Attending them for free as a student is an incredible deal.
Women’s Basketball
While this article is focused on the men’s basketball program, it is also worth noting that Ohio State women’s basketball games are free for students as well.
The women’s team plays at the Covelli Center on campus. They have also had strong success:
– 12 Big Ten regular season titles
– 4 Big Ten Tournament championships
– 8 Sweet Sixteen appearances
– Head coach Kevin McGuff has led them to 6 straight NCAA Tournaments
Be sure to also come out and support the Buckeyes women’s basketball team during their season. Both the men’s and women’s teams give Ohio State one of the top basketball programs in the country.
Big Games to Attend
While all home games are great to attend for free as a student, here are some of the biggest matchups to especially target:
– vs. Michigan: The rivalry game against “That Team Up North” is always a season highlight.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2023 | 1:00 PM |
– vs Indiana: Battles against the Hoosiers are intense.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| February 26, 2023 | 4:00 PM |
– vs. Purdue: Games against the Boilermakers have major seeding implications.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM |
– vs. Iowa: High scoring affairs against the Hawkeyes are always entertaining.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| February 18, 2023 | 6:30 PM |
Mark your calendars for these rivalry games and top matchups when the schedule is released. The student sections are packed for big games as fans come out to support the team.
Getting the Most Out of Games
Here are some tips for students to maximize the experience at basketball games:
– Arrive early to get a spot in the front of the student section
– Wear Buckeye red and paint your face/body
– Make clever signs and posters to hold up
– Stand and be loud when the opposing team has the ball
– Know the best chants and cheers to yell at the right times
– Stay until the end to sing “Carmen Ohio”, the alma mater song
– Follow the team on social media for promotions and giveaways at games
– Participate in the halftime games and contests if you get selected
– Chat with the other students around you and make new friends
Taking part in all the fun traditions will make you feel more connected to Ohio State and your fellow students as you support the basketball team.
Conclusion
Ohio State basketball games are free for students, which is an amazing perk and a valuable part of the student experience. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Attend as many games as you can during your time on campus to support the Buckeyes, make memories with friends, and enjoy exciting Division 1 basketball action. Just be sure to claim your tickets early and arrive prepared to cheer on your school!