Ohio State AD hopes to have as many as 50,000 fans at football games
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith remains optimistic that some fans will be able to attend Ohio State football games this fall.
Gene Smith isn’t 100 percent confident there will be college football this fall but if there is, the Ohio State athletic director hopes to fill Ohio Stadium with as many as 50,000 fans.
Smith met with the media on Wednesday, the same day the NCAA allowed voluntary athletic activities to begin on June 1 in football, men’s and women’s basketball, and expressed optimism there will be some fans to fill The Shoe this fall. Early estimates pegged the lowest projection at 22,000-30,000 but Smith clarified if social distance guidelines are relaxed in the fall, the number could be between 40,000 and 50,000.
Just want to clarify:
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) May 20, 2020
The number of fans we could host in Ohio Stadium this fall under physical distance guidelines could be as low as 22k, but also may be as many as 40-50k if guidelines are relaxed. pic.twitter.com/VEUPFPc4V8
Ohio State will have to adhere to the guidelines from the CDC as it relates to large gatherings for sports and social distancing. Considering the financial ramifications of not having games with any fans in the stands, Ohio State is attempting to cash in with a fifth of ticket sales.
One of the largest stadiums in college football, The Shoe has a 104,944 capacity so a quarter or half-full stadium will present a unique look, but they’ll at least be in the stands. Now it also presents questions about ticket priority and who will be able to get tickets.
How many tickets will be available for students?
How will the priority work for season-ticket holders? Will ever season-ticket holder be able to renew? Will some not renew because of concerns because of the coronavirus?
Will this lead to an auction of tickets on the secondary market where ticket brokers cash in?
If you’re a Nebraska fan, how much are you willing to buy to see the Cornhuskers in The Shoe?
How much are you willing to pay to see rival Michigan in Columbus?
People may make a killing on the resale market if they’re lucky enough to get the limited number of tickets that’ll be available.
Gene Smith on his comfort level playing football this year: "I'm not 100 percent comfortable yet. That's one of the things with this process, you constantly get educated. I'm hopeful that I'm going to reach 100 percent comfort, but I'm not there yet."
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) May 20, 2020
Ohio State football players will report on June 8. At this time, it’s not expected the players will wear masks or be tested for COVID-19. However, they will have their temperatures taken and go through symptom assessments.
Also at this time, Smith doesn’t anticipate having to cut any of the 36 varsity sports as other schools, especially lower-level schools have slashed various sports. And he hasn’t had any talk of moving their game at Oregon to Columbus after the Governor banned sports gatherings in the state of Oregon through September.
Having some fans in the stands is all contingent on there being games for them to attend. While Smith is hopeful there will be a full 12-game schedule, if that doesn’t happen, he thinks eight is a reasonable alternative.
Gene Smith is hopeful that a 12-game season will be played. But thinks eight would be reasonable.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) May 20, 2020
Ohio State football has one of the best home-field advantages in college football. Even if The Shoe was half full on Saturday, it would still represent a significant advantage for the Buckeyes who are one of the top favorites to win the national championship.
Next. Way-too-early 2020 rankings: 1-130. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.