By 1812Blockhouse

It is our tradition here at 1812Blockhouse to add a bit of OSU Buckeye football news into our Richland County coverage. This year we’re not only looking at the season, but also looking at the economic powerhouse created by OSU athletics.

There’s another thing happening at Ohio Stadium this year that impacts us here at 1812Blockhouse. On September 7, our publisher is registered to take the field and to perform with The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni Band. We’ll have exclusive coverage of that experience coming up in a few weeks (if he survives the experience, that is).

The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for an electrifying 2024 football season, promising a lineup of thrilling games both at home and on the road. Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming schedule and the substantial economic impact of Buckeye football.

Home Games at Ohio Stadium

The Buckeyes will host a series of high-stakes games at the iconic Ohio Stadium. Here’s the home game lineup:

  • Akron – August 31, 3:30 PM (CBS)
  • Western Michigan – September 7, 7:30 PM (Big Ten Network)
  • Marshall – September 21
  • Iowa – October 5
  • Nebraska – October 26
  • Purdue – November 9
  • Indiana – November 23
  • Michigan – November 30, 12 PM (FOX)

Road Games

The Buckeyes will also face formidable opponents on the road:

  • Michigan State – September 28
  • Oregon – October 12
  • Penn State – November 2
  • Northwestern – November 16 (Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois)

Championship and Playoffs

The road to the championship is always a focal point for the Buckeyes:

  • Big Ten Championship – December 7, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana, 8 PM (CBS)
  • College Football Playoff – Starting December 20, with the National Championship on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Financial Impact of Buckeye Football

Ohio State football is more than just a source of pride for fans; it’s a significant economic driver for Ohio. In the 2023 fiscal year, Ohio State’s football program generated over $127 million, with a surplus of $55 million. Ticket revenue alone reached $47.7 million in 2022, showcasing a strong rebound from the pandemic-affected 2020 season. The athletic department reported a record $279.5 million in revenue for 2023, highlighting the financial health of its sports programs. The university, including its football program, had an estimated $15.2 billion annual economic impact on the state, supporting over 123,000 jobs and generating $663.1 million in tax revenue in 2019.

Ohio State’s share of the Big Ten’s television deals with ESPN and FOX further boosts its revenue, adding millions to the athletic department’s coffers. The Columbus campus alone generates $7 billion in economic benefits, supporting 67,244 jobs. The financial contributions extend beyond direct revenue, with the university’s activities significantly benefiting the state and local economies through employment and tax revenue.

Community and Visitor Spending

Visitors to Ohio State, including those attending football games, spent about $585.5 million in 2019 on lodging, transportation, entertainment, and food and beverages. The influx of visitors for games and other events provides a substantial boost to the local economy, supporting businesses and creating jobs. The impact of student spending is also significant, with an estimated $341.8 million spent in 2019 on housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and clothing. This spending contributes to the vitality of the local economy, supporting various sectors and enhancing the overall economic landscape of the region.

Television and sponsorship deals further amplify the financial impact, adding millions to Ohio State’s athletic revenue. The economic ripple effects of Buckeye football extend far beyond the stadium, supporting jobs, generating tax revenue, and contributing to the overall vitality of the state’s economy. The combination of visitor spending, student contributions, and media deals underscores the importance of Ohio State football as a key economic driver for the state.

Photo: Creative Commons License

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