Our stadium means fun, family and friendships
The ’Shoe plays a longtime leading role in fall traditions and college memories for this proud Buckeye and so many more.
Outside the ’Shoe, Molly Ranz Calhoun celebrates graduation with her parents in 1986. (Photos courtesy of Ranz Calhoun)
Inside the ’Shoe, a younger version of Ranz Calhoun’s parents celebrate her dad’s graduation from the College of Dentistry in 1952.
Like many of you, I have fond memories of autumns in Ohio. Our campuses become more vibrant, tinged with one of our favorite colors, as we proudly put on our scarlet and gray to cheer for our Buckeyes inside the ’Shoe, at home or wherever we may be. It is a time of both exciting transition and tradition.
Speaking of tradition, Ohio Stadium is turning 100, and we are thrilled to highlight its rich history. The stories inspire me to reminisce about my own experiences in this iconic place, as I am sure they will for you.
Growing up, I loved football games with my family. They were what fall Saturdays were all about — tailgating, the Buckeyes taking the field and amazing TBDBITL shows. When I became an Ohio State student, my excitement only grew. I even got my own chance to shine on the field in some rowdy flag football games!
As a design major, I earned an internship focused on the Stadium Scholarship Dorm renovation. Listening to students and alumni talk about their time living in the ’Shoe inspired my love for creating spaces that have an unforgettable impact on lives. The experience taught me how physical spaces can spur a strong sense of belonging, connecting us to people and purpose.
I was a little sad when my college days came to an end, but my commencement in the ’Shoe was just as stirring for me as a football Saturday. The feeling of being in the stadium with thousands of people cheering on our graduating class is simply indescribable.
Though I knew my relationships with Ohio State and my friends would last a lifetime, I had no idea what was ahead — or where I would be now. As alumni association president, I have the great privilege to return to Ohio Stadium regularly, and one of my favorite times comes each spring when I get to remind our newest graduates that we are a family of Buckeyes for life — over 600,000 strong.
Ohio Stadium holds countless cherished memories for many of us — and endless possibilities for making more. As always, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out and share your favorite ’Shoe moments with me at OSUAAPresident@osu.edu.
