COLUMBUS – Ohio State honored former quarterback Dwayne Haskins while also kicking off (pun intended) the 100th birthday celebration for the team’s home during the football team’s annual spring scrimmage.
Players will wear “DH” decals on their helmets to honor the memory of Haskins who was killed April 9 in a traffic accident in Florida, during Saturday’s LiFEsports Spring Game, presented by Union Home Mortgage, at Ohio Stadium.
There was a moment of silence prior to the national anthem and a video tribute just before halftime. A memorial in front of the Ohio Stadium’s north rotunda remained in place through the game.
Horseshoe Centennial
The celebration of the 100th anniversary of Ohio Stadium’s opening began this weekend.
“Ohio Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of all Buckeyes and it is a place of historic significance… We are so excited to enjoy 100 years in the ’Shoe with thousands of our closest friends and we look forward to the celebration ahead this season,” university president Kristina Johnson said.
The iconic horseshoe-shaped stadium on the banks of the Olentangy River is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of sports and has been listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
Ohio Stadium by the numbers:
36,000,000: Number of fans who have attended sporting events at the stadium
66,000: Original seating capacity
102,780: Current seating capacity
$1,300,000: Original cost of Ohio Stadium (Howard Dwight Smith, architect)
Oct. 7, 1922: Opening date (Ohio State vs. Ohio Wesleyan)
Oct. 21, 1922: “Dedication Game” vs. Michigan
-Source: The Ohio State University Dept. of Athletics
Since the opening game against Ohio Wesleyan on Oct. 7, 1922, more than 36 million fans have attended games at the stadium, which has also hosted commencement ceremonies and concerts.
Limited edition licensed merchandise celebrating 100 years of Ohio Stadium is available at The Team Shop or online.
Additional events commemorating the stadium’s centennial include a ceremony at the Oct. 1 homecoming game against Rutgers.