When it comes to attending Ohio State University (OSU) sporting events, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether or not non-OSU students can use student tickets. The quick answer is that in most cases, only currently enrolled OSU students can use student tickets. However, there are some exceptions and caveats that are important to understand.
General Rules for Student Tickets
The majority of student tickets for OSU sporting events are intended for current students only. This includes football, basketball, hockey, and other sporting events. Students must show a valid OSU student ID in order to claim and use student tickets. Tickets are non-transferable, so students cannot give their tickets to non-student friends or family members.
There are a few key requirements for being eligible for student tickets:
- Must be currently enrolled at OSU’s Columbus campus
- Must be taking at least 6 credit hours (half-time status)
- Must have paid the recreation fee as part of tuition
- Must have a valid OSU student ID
Meeting these requirements is mandatory in order to access student tickets for most sporting events. Students can claim tickets through the Ticketmaster website using their student login credentials.
Exceptions for Student Guest Tickets
While most events strictly require a valid OSU ID for student ticket use, there are a select few exceptions. For certain high-profile events like football games against top rivals, a limited number of student guest tickets may be made available.
Here are some key points about student guest tickets:
- Only available for select major games as announced by the OSU Athletics Department
- Often limited to 1 guest ticket per eligible student
- Guest must enter with the student and sit together
- Student assumes all responsibility for the guest’s conduct
If student guest tickets are offered, there are a few ways students can claim them. This usually involves an online request process through the student Ticketmaster portal within a set window of time leading up to the event. Availability is extremely limited, so student guest tickets often sell out quickly.
Purchasing Individual Tickets
If student tickets and student guest passes are unavailable, the only option left for non-OSU students is to purchase regular individual tickets. This allows anyone to buy tickets, though pricing is much higher compared to student rates.
Here are some tips for non-students looking to buy individual tickets:
- Check online ticket sales through Ticketmaster or StubHub
- Contact local ticket brokers to inquire about ticket availability
- Monitor sites like Craigslist for tickets being resold by individuals
- Be prepared to pay a premium compared to student ticket pricing
- Act fast as high-demand games will sell out quickly
When buying individual tickets from a third party, carefully verify the tickets to ensure they are legitimate. Fake or duplicated tickets are invalid and will not allow entry to events.
Using Student Tickets Fraudulently
Given the significant cost savings with student tickets, some non-students may be tempted to try and acquire and use student tickets fraudulently. This is completely prohibited and taken very seriously by the OSU Athletics Department.
Some of the security measures in place to prevent fraudulent student ticket use include:
- Scanning IDs to verify enrollment status
- Checking IDs against Ticketmaster student ticket records
- Requiring matching ID name and ticket name
- Utilizing ticket scanning technology to detect duplicates
- Employing security personnel to monitor for misconduct
If a non-student attempts to use a student ticket unlawfully, they face severe consequences including but not limited to:
- Immediate ejection from the venue
- Potential arrest for ticket fraud
- Being banned from future ticket purchases
- Fines or other legal action
The student who provided the fraudulent ticket could also face disciplinary measures from OSU Athletics and be prohibited from obtaining future tickets.
Other Options for Non-Students
While individual game tickets may be expensive, there are a few other options for non-students interested in OSU sports:
- Season tickets – Purchase season tickets which usually come at a discounted per-game cost compared to individual tickets.
- Away games – Attend OSU away games where the ticket policies are set by the home team venue.
- Watch parties – Attend free outdoor watch parties around campus for select big games.
- TV viewing – Watch games at home or local sports bars if unable to attend in-person.
Attending events in-person provides an exciting atmosphere that TV can’t replicate. But when student ticket options are exhausted, non-students do have alternatives to enjoy Buckeyes sports.
Conclusion
In summary, regular student tickets are meant for currently enrolled, fee-paying OSU students only in most cases. Occasional student guest tickets provide a limited exception for select high-profile games. Otherwise, non-students must buy more expensive individual tickets from regular outlets to attend. Attempting to fraudulently use student tickets is illegal and punishable with severe sanctions. While in-person attendance is ideal for fans, non-students do have legal ways to enjoy OSU sporting events through other channels.
