COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Stadium will look a little different when Ohio State welcomes fans back to the ‘Shoe for the 2026 football season.
Ohio State will unveil several new features and upgrades at the stadium this season, ranging from a new playing surface and upgraded Wi-Fi to expanded facial authentication, enhanced mobile ticketing and new security measures.
New turf installed at Ohio Stadium
One of the most noticeable changes at Ohio Stadium will be the playing surface. Ohio State has installed a new field featuring Shaw Sports Turf’s Forge Series™ system, with the installation completed by The Motz Group. The new turf will continue to be sponsored by Safelite.
According to Ohio State, Shaw’s Forge Series™ is designed to meet NFL standards and features Game ON® technology, which integrates field markings directly into the turf.
Ohio Stadium gets Wi-Fi 7 upgrade
Ohio State is also making a major investment in connectivity inside the ‘Shoe. The stadium is set to receive a full upgrade to Juniper Mist Wi-Fi 7, powered by artificial intelligence. The project will expand Ohio Stadium’s network from approximately 1,800 access points to more than 2,000. The upgrade is designed to improve both coverage and capacity throughout the stadium and will make the deployment the largest of its kind in a U.S. stadium.
The Wi-Fi upgrade is part of Ohio State’s broader effort to improve the gameday experience for fans while keeping up with the increasing demand for connectivity inside one of the largest venues in college football.
New traffic barriers coming to the stadium perimeter
Security around Ohio Stadium is also receiving an upgrade for the 2026 season. Ohio State Police will utilize new traffic barriers around the stadium perimeter, including along Woody Hayes Bridge.
The barriers will include a full gate closure that will be staffed to enhance security checkpoints and help prevent vehicles from entering areas occupied by large crowds.
The new barriers are part of Ohio State’s efforts to improve perimeter safety around the stadium and protect large crowds on game days.
Facial authentication expands to more Ohio Stadium gates
Ohio State is also expanding its Express Entry program in partnership with Wicket. The program uses facial authentication to allow fans to enter Ohio Stadium without needing to present a traditional ticket at the gate.
After being rolled out in premium areas and for students in 2025, the technology will expand to certain public gates in 2026. Ohio State says the expansion makes the Buckeyes just the second university nationally to implement facial authentication for ticketing at scale.
The technology is designed to create a faster and more seamless entry experience for fans.
New mobile ticketing features designed to combat fraud
Ohio State Athletics has also introduced new mobile ticketing features aimed at protecting fans and reducing ticket fraud. Dynamic barcodes will now appear in fans’ ticket accounts within 48 hours of an event through Ticketmaster’s in-app technology.
Fans can still add their tickets to their phone’s mobile wallet before that 48-hour window for easier entry into the stadium.
New food options coming to the ‘Shoe
Fans will also have some new options when it comes to food and drinks at Ohio Stadium. Levy Restaurants is bringing new food vendors and dining locations to the stadium for the 2026 season.
Among the new additions are:
- Bibibop Asian Grill, which will feature gluten-free options
- Black Market Saloon
- Chicken Salad Chick
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
The new turf, connectivity upgrades, security measures, ticketing changes and food options represent several of the changes Ohio State has made to Ohio Stadium ahead of the 2026 season.
As the Buckeyes prepare to open the 2026 season, the changes at Ohio Stadium will give fans a new look at the ‘Shoe while also introducing new technology, security measures and gameday amenities.
