Schottenstein Center
Home to the Ohio State Buckeyes and a premier venue for concerts, sports, and family entertainment in Columbus.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Schottenstein Center
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the Ohio State Buckeyes and a premier venue for concerts, sports, and family entertainment in Columbus.
"The atmosphere was electric, and the staff kept things organized, making for a great concert experience."
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Beat the crowds and long lines by arriving well before your event starts.
🪑 Check Seat Space
Seating can be tight; consider your height and comfort needs when choosing seats.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 4,742 reviews
Type
Arena
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ohio State Buckeyes Games
Main Arena
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Buckeyes basketball or hockey game. Feel the home-team spirit!
Major Concerts & Tours
Main Arena
Catch top artists and bands in this renowned venue. Hozier and Beartooth have rocked these stages!
OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament
Main Arena
Witness the intensity of high school wrestling's pinnacle event. A tradition for many young athletes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Crowds & Entry
Concert Comfort & Seating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Beat the crowds and long lines by arriving well before your event starts.
🪑 Check Seat Space
Seating can be tight; consider your height and comfort needs when choosing seats. +1
🥤 Refillable Drink Option
Look for venues offering refillable drinks for a more economical and convenient experience.
♿️ Accessible Options
Excellent handicap transportation and shuttle service available. Inquire about accessible seating.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Beat the crowds and long lines by arriving well before your event starts.
🪑 Check Seat Space
Seating can be tight; consider your height and comfort needs when choosing seats. +1
🥤 Refillable Drink Option
Look for venues offering refillable drinks for a more economical and convenient experience.
♿️ Accessible Options
Excellent handicap transportation and shuttle service available. Inquire about accessible seating.
🎶 Sound System Check
Sound quality can vary; sometimes bands have equipment issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Schottenstein Center to be a well-managed venue with an electric atmosphere, especially for concerts and Ohio State games. While parking and crowd flow are often praised, the tight seating is a recurring drawback for many. The helpful staff and good sound quality contribute positively to the overall experience.
"Overall, a great experience at the Schottenstein Center! Parking was surprisingly easy, and the crowd flow was well-managed — everything moved smoothly, from entry to concessions. The staff kept things organized, and the atmosphere was electric for the concert. The only downside was the fold-out seating — very tight and shoulder-to-shoulder, which made it a bit uncomfortable during the show. Still, the venue delivered on everything else. I’d definitely come back, just maybe try to grab seats with a bit more space next time."
Logan Barnhouse
"Went here for the first time for Shinedown! The grounds were clean and maintained. The staff was very helpful. Not being people from the area we had asked one of the ladies about sky fries her response was there delicious and she was not wrong. The first time I have gone to am arena and they had refillable drinks and that was awesome! The whole experience concert aside was awesome! The concert was fantastic! Great show, was my first time seeing all 3 bands that played Morgan Wade, Bush, and Shinedown!
My only cons of the night and there isn't anything that can be done about them now because the stadium is built. And it is specific to people that have bad on knees and are tall. They only had escalators from first to second floor. After that stairs. I am sure that there was an elevator somewhere but it was not obvious nor did I see any signs for one. Being someone with a bad leg it sucked a bit. But it's more an inconvenience than anything but if you have significant trouble with stairs I figured I would put it out there. If they see this and there other options they can correct me!
And the seating is not designed for people that are tall. I am 6'2 and I had zero leg room. My feet were against the wall and I sitting straight up. We were on 3rd floor row a. In most of the stadiums we have been to has had decent leg room. But it was a bit uncomfortable. Again not much that can be done about it. It was not one of those things that messed up the night but it was inconvenient and for those that may have bigger issues than I do. I figured I would put it out there. All in all great time and would come back!"
Christopher Pedersen
"Great medium size venue, sold out 14,000 crowd for Mammoth-Daughtry-Creed last week. Amazing sound, interstellar light show too. Seats are short in knee room just like at OSU Buckeyes' The 'Shoe, go figure they'd use the same seat pitch. . Watch out for the mini-size seats in the corner areas! At least one seat in every row up and down the corners of the arena is a couple inches narrower than standard, suitable only for a smaller female or child."
Dave Pritchard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Schottenstein Center is located on the Ohio State University campus. It's accessible by car via major highways like I-71 and SR-315. Public transportation options, including COTA buses, serve the area. Parking is available on-site, with shuttle services often provided for large events.
Yes, ample parking is available in designated lots around the Schottenstein Center. Fees typically apply for major events like concerts and OSU games. Consider using campus shuttle services if available to ease parking congestion.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a popular and convenient way to get to and from the Schottenstein Center, especially for events where parking might be challenging. Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are usually available.
Yes, for major events and Ohio State games, shuttle services are often provided from various campus parking lots to the Schottenstein Center, making it easier to navigate the campus and avoid parking hassles.
To avoid traffic, aim to arrive at least an hour before your event begins, especially for sold-out concerts or Buckeyes games. Utilize GPS navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at the Schottenstein Center can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner, or the Schottenstein Center box office. Resale markets are also an option, but be cautious of unofficial sellers.
The Schottenstein Center box office hours can vary depending on event schedules. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm operating hours before visiting in person.
Attempting to sneak into the pit is strongly discouraged and generally not feasible. Security is present, and such actions can lead to removal from the venue.
The Schottenstein Center generally adheres to a clear bag policy for concerts and sporting events to ensure guest safety. Small clutch purses are usually permitted. Check the specific event's policy beforehand.
Discounts are not always available, but keep an eye on the official Schottenstein Center website and social media for any promotions or special offers, especially for less popular events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Seating at the Schottenstein Center can be quite tight, with limited legroom, especially for taller individuals. Some corner seats are also narrower than standard. Consider this when purchasing tickets. +1
Yes, the Schottenstein Center offers excellent handicap transportation and shuttle services. Accessible seating is available, though primarily in the balcony sections. Inquire about specific needs when booking.
The Schottenstein Center offers a variety of concessions, including classic arena fare. Some reviews mention the availability of refillable drinks, which is a great perk.
The sound quality is generally praised, with many noting an amazing sound system and light show for concerts. However, occasional issues with band equipment have been reported.
While escalators connect the first and second floors, elevators may not be immediately obvious. If you have significant mobility issues, it's advisable to contact the venue in advance to confirm elevator access.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for most events, but professional cameras with detachable lenses are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy, as restrictions can vary.
For concert photography, closer seats or those with a clear view of the stage are ideal. For sporting events, consider seats that offer a good vantage point of the entire playing field.
Phone cameras are typically allowed for personal use. However, flash photography is often discouraged during performances to avoid distracting artists and other attendees.
People often share photos of concerts, sporting events, and the overall arena atmosphere. Capturing the energy of a live performance or the excitement of a game is popular.
Yes, the arena itself, especially during events with impressive lighting and stage setups, offers great photo opportunities. The energy of the crowd is also a compelling subject.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit