Key factors included opponent quality and game day appeal. Higher-demand matchups (Texas, Penn State) drew strong crowds, but games against smaller programs (Grambling State, Rutgers) saw noticeably lower actual turnout. The discrepancy between announced versus scanned attendance varied by game, with notable gaps at Grambling State and Rutgers, and a smaller gap at Texas. This attendance gap translated into substantial revenue implications for the athletic department, despite high advertised figures. The program did experience a recent revenue surge, with ticket revenue rising to $81.7 million in FY 2025 and total operating revenue reaching a school record $336.1 million, though future figures remain uncertain.
The 2021 season illustrated broader attendance volatility, including a significant no-show rate tied to gates’ technical issues and the shift to digital tickets, which depressed actual turnout despite high announced figures. Ohio State typically maintains a relatively low no-show rate (about 10–15%), compared with the national average around 30% for comparable programs.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will host seven home games, including the marquee The Game against Michigan and Oregon’s first Columbus visit as a conference member. The ultimate impact of the 2025-26 seasons on attendance and revenue will depend on how the schedule unfolds and how effectively the program converts announced attendance into actual turnout.
Key Takeaways:
– Attendance gaps (announced vs. scanned) have notable revenue implications for Ohio State.
– Opponent quality strongly influences actual crowd size and game-day revenue.
– The program has seen revenue growth recently, but future gains depend on sustaining high actual attendance.
– historical factors (digital-ticket rollout, no-show rates) explain past fluctuations in turnout.
