Ohio State Football: Gamedays will look a lot different in 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, and no one is entirely safe from the virus or its repercussions. This includes the Ohio State Buckeyes, not only was the season postponed until late October, but gamedays will look much different in 2020.

There will be just 1,600 people inside Ohio Stadium during games this season. That number includes the players, staff, stadium employees, and any other essential workers. There will be people in the stands, 600-700 of them, which will be the player’s family members and close friends. 600 people is a far cry from the 105,000 people that usually pack the Horseshoe on Saturdays.

Perhaps even more strange and surreal than a nearly empty stadium (minus the cardboard cutouts in the stands) will be the lack of the band. It is possible that a recorded version of the fight songs may be played throughout the game and after scores, but The Best Damn Band in the Land will not physically be at any games, nor will they hold their weekly tradition of Skull Session at St. John Arena.

Cheerleaders and Brutus will also not be at games, adding to the abnormalities that we will witness during this upcoming season. Despite the nearly empty stadiums across the Big Ten, we will hear some artificial crowd noise pumped in, similar to how professional leagues such as the NFL and MLB have done.

The Big Ten is limiting the decibel level to 70 but will allow an increase to 90 after scoring plays and turnovers for the home team. For reference, 90 decibels is roughly the decibel level given off by a power lawnmower, while 70 is comparable to regular TV or radio volume. While it may not be a drastic and noticeable difference for TV viewers, for the players it will surely be.

Head Coach Ryan Day said that it would be weird for Ohio State to play without a crowd for the first time, but he expects the team to bring their own energy. “I don’t think it should be a distraction for either team” Day added, “but I think some of that crowd noise will help with the atmosphere.”

“It’s all about the players having a chance to play. That’s what meant the most to me” said Athletic Director Gene Smith when asked about the changes and accommodations that had to be made for games this season.