Attending an Ohio State football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus is an exciting experience for any sports fan. With over 100,000 fans packing the stands, parking and transportation to the stadium can get complicated. Here is a guide to the various parking options available and how to pay for parking at Ohio State football games.
Parking Lots Operated by Ohio State
The majority of parking lots near Ohio Stadium are operated by The Ohio State University. There are over 20,000 parking spaces controlled by Ohio State spread across surface lots and garages north and south of the stadium. Prices vary by distance from the stadium and lot amenities. Typical costs range from $20 to $40 for regular vehicle parking. Here are some of the main Ohio State operated parking options:
Parking Lot Name | # of Spaces | Cost | Payment Method |
---|---|---|---|
North Stadium Lot | 1,800 | $40 | Credit card |
South Stadium Lot | 1,300 | $40 | Credit card |
Lane Avenue Garage | 2,500 | $30 | Credit card or cash |
Payment for university operated lots can be made by credit card or cash. Attendants will be on hand to process payment upon entry to the lot. Parking passes can also be purchased in advance online through the Ohio State website. Pre-purchasing a pass guarantees a space and can save time on arrival to the lot.
Offsite University Parking with Shuttle
For fans looking to save money on parking, Ohio State offers free parking with a shuttle at offsite lots. These lots require taking a 10-15 minute shuttle bus ride to reach the stadium but allow parking for as low as $5 per vehicle. Here are some of the offsite parking options:
Parking Lot Name | Cost | Shuttle Info |
---|---|---|
Buckeye Lots – West Campus | $5 weekdays, Free weekends | Shuttle every 15 minutes |
Ag Campus Lot – West of Olentangy River | Free | Shuttle every 30 minutes |
The shuttle buses begin running 2.5 hours before kickoff and continue for 1 hour after the game ends. Parking attendants only accept credit card payment for the Buckeye Lots. Ag Campus parking is free since it is farther from the stadium.
Private Residential Parking
Many residents who live near Ohio Stadium offer paid parking spots on their property during game days. Most residences are within 1 mile walking distance of the stadium. Prices are set by each property owner and range from $20-50 per vehicle. Payment is made in cash to the residents upon arrival. There are hundreds of houses providing private parking in neighborhoods north and west of Ohio Stadium, including these popular areas:
- Neighborhood along Lane Ave between High St and Tuttle Park Place
- Streets near 14th and Summit/12th and Summit
- Patterson Ave along the Olentangy River
Parking in these residential areas can require arriving early, as spots fill up quickly. But they offer close proximity to Ohio Stadium at rates competitive or cheaper than university lots.
Accessible Parking for Disabled Fans
For fans that require handicap accessible parking, Ohio State has dedicated spaces available in many lots. Accessible parking typically costs the same as regular parking for that lot. All accessible spots are compliant with ADA regulations and include extra space and ramp access. Here are some of the main handicap parking options:
Parking Lot Name | # of Accessible Spaces | Cost |
---|---|---|
North Stadium Lot | 20 | $40 |
South Stadium Lot | 10 | $40 |
Lane Avenue Garage | 10 | $30 |
Fans requiring accessible parking should request an ADA placard when purchasing a pass online or mention accessibility needs when paying at the lot. There is no special permit required beyond standard handicap parking credentials. Accessible shuttles are also available from offsite lots.
Ride Share Drop-Off
For fans getting dropped off via a ride share service like Uber or Lyft, there are designated drop-off zones at parking lots around the stadium. Ride share vehicles can drop off passengers at these locations without having to pay for parking themselves. Popular ride share zones include:
- South Stadium Lot near corner of Woody Hayes Dr & Olentangy River Rd
- North Stadium Lot near Lane Ave & Carmack Rd
- West of Cannon Dr along Woody Hayes Dr
Drop off zones open 4 hours before kickoff and close 1 hour before the game starts. Drivers must stay with their vehicles in the drop-off lanes. Arranging a pick-up spot after the game is recommended since ride share access is limited due to traffic flow procedures post-game.
Additional Parking Tips
To make paying for parking and arriving at Ohio Stadium easier, fans should consider these tips:
- Purchase parking passes online in advance when available
- Arrive at least 2 hours before kickoff to allow time to park and enter the stadium
- Consider offsite parking and shuttle if looking to save money
- Carpool with other fans to split parking costs
- Check Ohio State social media accounts on game day for parking availability and lot openings
Conclusion
Attending an Ohio State football game can be a memorable experience. But navigating parking in Columbus on busy game days does require planning and understanding of the various options available. Whether parking in university operated lots, residential neighborhoods, or taking a shuttle from offsite, fans have a number of choices that balance convenience, price and game day atmosphere. Paying attention to where different parking passes can be purchased, what forms of payment are accepted, and arriving early are key tips to make parking at Ohio State football games a breeze.