Tradition Evolved: OSU Athletics Department’s commitment to align Ohio Stadium’s energy with the passion of the people in it
The Ohio State University Department of Athletics has been hard at work the past nine months reimagining the entire gameday experience at Ohio Stadium. Tradition Evolved is the department's commitment to aligning Ohio Stadium's energy with the passion of the people in it.
"Tradition at Ohio State is our North Star," Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director Ross Bjork said. "As this process unfolded, we wanted to protect and honor our tradition while also evolving it with purpose, passion, and with Buckeye Nation at the heart of it."
What is Tradition Evolved?
Tradition Evolved is growing our traditions and memories, such as the playing of the Victory Bell, TBDBITL's ramp entrance, and the road after a third-down stop, to make them even more memorable and powerful.
After all, with new leadership under Bjork and an exciting example set during the College Football Playoffs home game against Tennessee in December, the athletics department was reminded that Ohio Stadium at its best is unmatched.
Victory Bell Ringer
The tradition of Alpha Phi Omega members ringing the Victory Bell has long echoed across campus after each Buckeye win. That tradition will continue, but beginning this fall, the bell will also ring in a new era.
To ignite the energy of the crowd before kickoff, the Victory Bell will now sound before the team storms the field. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of his second Heisman Trophy, Archie Griffin will serve as the first pregame Victory Bell "ringer" on Aug. 30 when the Buckeyes take on the Texas Longhorns. Griffin will also help select future bell ringers as an ambassador alongside Alpha Phi Omega.
The bell's iconic ring will also now serve as the official sound of 3rd down inside the stadium. Just above the bell, etched in the 1922 concrete of Ohio Stadium, are the words "For Vigor" – a call for effort, energy, and enthusiasm. That's exactly what the Victory Bell will represent every time it rings and what the department is asking Buckeye Nation to provide.
THE Towel
A consistent item to show unwavering support has been wanted by fans. THE Towel has been created to be just that. Approximately 100,000 fans will receive THE Towel for free at the season-opening game against Texas and will be reminded to bring it with them to all future games. The color combo for THE Towell will be scarlet and gray.
Color Outs
Coordinated efforts to color the stadium stands help create a unified and energized atmosphere inside Ohio Stadium and can provide an unmistakable home-field advantage. There will be three "color out" games this year and fans can visit the GoBuckeyes.com links below to prepare:
Scarlet the 'Shoe – August 30 vs. Texas https://gobuckeyes.com/pages/scarlet-out
Helmet Stripe – September 13 vs. Ohio https://gobuckeyes.com/pages/helmet-stripe
Wear Black – November 1 vs. Penn State https://gobuckeyes.com/pages/wear-black.
Entrances
Each game this year will feature a unique and iconic entrance for Brutus Buckeye, changing week to week to bring surprise and energy to fans in the stadium.
Defend The 'Shoe
Make noise … earn Buckeye leaves. In an effort to make Ohio Stadium even more intimidating, every time a visiting team's offense commits a false start penalty or burns a timeout because of crowd noise, Buckeye Nation will be awarded with a Buckeye leaf. A visual representation of the stadium receiving a Buckeye leaf will be shown on the videoboards displays, along with fixed signage in front of the Block O section to keep track of the number of Buckeye leaves earned throughout the season.
TBDBITL
Beginning this season, The Best Damn Band in the Land will perform from a new home in the north end of Ohio Stadium. This move supports the South End Zone Premium Seating project and also marks a return to tradition. TBDBITL originally held its spot in the north end prior to the 2001 stadium renovation.
This isn't just a relocation, it's an upgrade. The band's new location sits on a concrete foundation, rather than the metal south stands, allowing for stronger sound projection and creating an even more intense environment for opposing teams. To amplify that impact, there will be new microphone placements and temporary on-field speakers will be added.
Hang On Sloopy will still echo through Ohio Stadium. While it has traditionally been a 3rd quarter break moment, this year the band will have flexibility to play it in the second half when the energy and timing feel right. The tradition remains, just with a little more instinct and impact behind it. We know fans care deeply about this moment, and so does Ohio State athletics. This adjustment is about keeping it powerful, memorable, and perfectly timed.
Soundtrack of Ohio Stadium
This season the Athletics Department is curating a soundtrack, injecting songs that reflect the pride, grit, and heart of our state. At the heart of this is a new gameday anthem from Columbus' own Caamp, whose song "Ohio" will play in the first half of each game, set to a powerful visual tribute to the people and places that make this state home. It's a moment meant to stir something deep: a sense of place, connection, and gratitude.
Just as important is what is played is how it connects to the moment. Greater emphasis will be placed on timing, and playing music that feeds off the energy inside the stadium. Whether it's a surge of momentum or a crowd ready to erupt, the soundtrack will meet the moment and elevate it.
Block O
Block O energy is getting turned up this year. Block O North has been moved to join its counterpart in the south stands, forming one unified Block O section. This bold move creates a larger, louder, and more coordinated force, amplifying the impact students have on the game.
When the students lead, the stadium follows. That means fresh takes on traditions like card stunts and bold new ways to get involved, including the debut of Defend the 'Shoe: a student-driven rallying cry that raises the volume and the stakes when it matters most. Whether it's disrupting a snap count or forcing a timeout, Block O will be at the center of it all, driving the noise that helps the Buckeyes earn their leaves.
Videoboard Content
Videoboard content will be what Buckeye fans want: real-time stats, scores, and replays, with a presentation style that feels distinctly Ohio State. The use of full-board takeovers will be expanded, like those witnessed during the Tennessee CFP game, to enhance impactful moments. Whether it's a critical third down, an intro video, or a crowd-fueled touchdown celebration, the videoboard will bring the intensity and pride of Buckeye Nation to the forefront.
Presentations
There will be fewer overall presentations in the stadium, and those will be more meaningful, more impactful, and unmistakably Ohio State. The iconic North Band Ramp will be utilized as the stage for these moments. There will be a new Buckeye leaf platform recognition space for individuals who have truly earned their leaves.
2025 Football Schedule and Game Themes
Aug. 30 – Texas – 12 Noon / FOX (Scarlet the 'Shoe)
Sept. 6 – Grambling – 3:30 p.m. / BTN (Alumni Band & Cheer Day)
Sept. 13 – Ohio University – 7 p.m. / Peacock (Helmet Stripe Game)
Sept. 20 – Off
Sept. 27 – at Washington
Oct. 4 – Minnesota (Homecoming & Hall of Fame Game)
Oct. 11 – at Illinois
Oct. 18 – at Wisconsin
Oct. 25 – Off
Nov. 1 – Penn State (Wear Black)
Nov. 8 – at Purdue
Nov. 15 – UCLA (Military Appreciation)
Nov. 22 – Rutgers (Senior Day)
Nov. 29 – at Michigan – 12 Noon / FOX.