FAQs

The Schottenstein Center and Sodexo work hard to promote responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages by following the TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) Program.  In addition to the responsible alcohol service guidelines below, The Schottenstein Center offers a designated driver program (see Guest Services at section 122 for more info).

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. Those in violation of the policies listed below are subject to ejection without refund.

• Guests possessing alcohol who do not have proof of being at least 21 years of age or guests passing alcohol to minors will be ejected and are subject to arrest.
• A maximum of two alcoholic beverages will be sold per person/at one time (depending on the event).
• Guests who appear younger than thirty-five (35) will be asked to show positive identification prior to being served. Acceptable: State issued I.D. card, Driver’s License or Military I.D.  Ohio law prohibits passports or I.D. from foreign states as a form of identification.
• Guests are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the facility; nor are they permitted to leave the facility with alcohol.
• During OSU athletic events, alcohol (beer and wine only) will be served in suites and on the Huntington Club level.  Guests are not permitted to take alcoholic beverages off the Club level.  During non-athletic events, alcohol may be served throughout the facility.
• When alcohol is served, sales will be cut off according to the following guidelines:
  - Basketball – at the 10-minute mark of the second half.
  - Hockey – at the start of the 3rd period.
  - Concerts – generally one hour prior to the estimated end of the show.
• If deemed necessary, alcohol sales may be cut off at any time.  The Center reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest.

Animals are prohibited with the exception of service animals for guests with special needs. Service animals must remain on a leash or harness at all times. If you have questions about bringing a service animal into the building, contact Guest Services prior to arrival at (614) 688-3939.

Huntington Bank Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found on the Entry Level at sections 117 & 131 and at Section 232 on the Huntington Level.

As a general rule, guests do not have the opportunity to obtain autographs from athletes or artists.  For some concert tours or at certain designated games, special autograph sessions may be set up in the concourse. 

During Ohio State basketball and hockey games, The Schottenstein Center offers emergency auto service.  Contact a Guest Services staffer or Parking Team member for assistance.

Bicycle racks are located outside the NW Rotunda (across from Bill Davis Stadium). 

Video cameras, monopods, tripods, audio recording devices and cameras with telephoto or zoom lenses are not permitted. The standard policy for most events (including Ohio State hockey and basketball games) allows still cameras with a lens no greater than 100mm without flash. Special Events may have their own tour policy - call 614-688-3939 to verify for each event. At no time may photography interfere with other guests’ enjoyment.

Cell phones and laptops are allowed in the arena as long as their use does not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment.  No devices can be plugged into the buildings' electrical outlets.  Currently, we do not have a wireless internet connection available for guests.

Our goal is to create a high-energy, enthusiastic environment, to lend support to our OSU teams and create memorable special events.  Guests are expected to act responsibly and be considerate of others.  Guests engaging in improper conduct (including but not limited to profane or abusive language, intoxication, and fighting/ throwing objects) may be ejected without refund and are subject to arrest.

Complete information about disability services including sign interpretation, arena access, purchasing accessible tickets and accessible parking can be found on the Accessibility Page.

Guests can be dropped-off before en event on the access road loop beginning beyond the NW Rotunda.  After the event, pick-up will take place in the Scarlet 1 & 2 lots so that shuttle buses have full access to the loop.  Drop-off/ Pick-up locations may vary depending on event.

Guests may register for the designated driver program at Guest Services. The individual agrees to be the designated driver for the night. They receive a wristband identifying them and a coupon for a complimentary soft drink for their participation.

Should you need immediate assistance, please notify the nearest event staff member, security personnel, or visit a Guest Services Center located on the concourse on the Entry Level concourse at Section 122, the Huntington Level at Section 231 and on the Terrace Level at Section 331.

In the event of a serious emergency at the Schottenstein Center, event staff members are ready and available to assist all guests, including guests with disabilities. Pertinent information regarding the emergency situation and evacuation procedures will be provided over the public address system. Please always remain calm and follow the instructions from Schottenstein Center staff members.

Depending on the event, doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes prior to the face-off, tip-off or show start time.  Call (614) 688-3939 or 1(800) ARENA-01 to verify times for the event you plan to attend.  A full, untorn ticket must be presented for admission.  Guests may not exit and then re-enter except in the case of personal emergencies - check with a supervisor at one of the rotundas to make arrangements.

Changing Stations

Changing stations are available in all restrooms.

Family Restrooms

A family restroom is available at First Aid (Section 118).

Quiet Room

For select events, a free Quiet Room is made available featuring snacks, magazines and a television available for parents or guardians to wait while their children enjoy the event. An event ticket is not required, however, those without tickets must remain in the Quiet Room and do not have access to the show at any time.  

Children's Entry

All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket to gain entrance to an OSU Men’s Basketball or Men’s Ice Hockey event. For OSU Women’s Basketball games and most special events, a child under 2 years old does not need a ticket, but is required to sit in the lap of their parent or guardian. Some family shows have policies requiring tickets for those under 2 years old. Call 614-688-3939 for information about a specific event.  

Strollers

Strollers are welcome; however, their use may not interfere with other guests or block access. They can be stored under the guest’s seat or may be checked at Guest Services.

During an event, Lost & Found items are turned in to Guest Services locations on each level. If you find an item, please take it to Guest Services. After an event, unclaimed items are taken to the administrative offices. To check on a lost item, call 614-688-3939. Stop by Guest Services upon entry to tag your child with a wristband that lists their seat location.

PA announcements at the request of guests cannot be accomodated during events. To reach somebody attending an event (emergency ONLY), call the Administrative Office at (614) 688-3939 and provide their exact seat location.   Fans wishing to have birthday or anniversary wishes placed on the Schottenstein Center's video scoreboard can do so by calling 614-292-3672 -- cost is $75 -- deadline is 3 business days prior to game.

Large bags and backpacks are NOT permitted inside the arena. Guests with such an item will be instructed to return it to their vehicle. We reserve the right to inspect any and all items - guests who refuse a search may be denied entry.

Banners, posters and signs are not permitted for OSU athletic events and for most special events. Some events allow small signs as long as they do not impede the view of other guests. (Call 614-688-3939 to verify the policy for the event you will be attending.) No poles or sticks will be allowed. Signs deemed offensive, vulgar or commercial will not be permitted.

Outside food and beverages, coolers, bottles and cans are not permitted.

Any type of laser object is strictly prohibited. Any guest found using such an object is subject to immediate ejection and confiscation of the object. In addition, game delays created by use of such objects could result in a penalty to the home team.

Noise-making devices are not permitted including but not limited to: horns, whistles, filled milk jugs, and bells. Guests may bring a small portable radio or television as long as they listen with an earpiece or headphones and it doesn’t obstruct other guests or aisle access.


For the safety and comfort of guests, staff, and artists, the following items are never permitted:
 

• Animals (except service animals assisting guests with disabilities)
• Fireworks or explosives
• Helium balloons and beach balls
• Illegal Drugs
• Weapons of any kind (can include pocket knives, wallet chains, tools and jewelry)
• Any items that in the judgment of venue management may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other guests.

Vending, peddling, product sampling and flyering is prohibited without the express permission of venue management.
 

Taxis can normally be found after an event along Borror Drive on the North side of the facility. Our Guest Services Booths will gladly call a taxi for you. 

First Aid (staffed by paramedics/EMTs or the American Red Cross) is located on the Entry Level at Section 118 and on the Terrace Level at Section 331. In an emergency, please notify any Team Member or uniformed police officer.  Coin-operated dispensers at both locations contain over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

A free “Quick Schott” shuttle is available at most large events and runs from the Buckeye Lots (corner of Ackerman and Fred Taylor Drive) to the Center's NE Rotunda.  Pick-up after the event is at the NE Rotunda.  The service is typically available one hour before doors open until approximately 90 minutes after the event.  Call (614) 688-3939 to see if the shuttle will be available during the event you are attending. 

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Center (including the use of smokeless cigarettes). Designated smoking areas are located on our outdoor plazas located off the Northeast Rotunda (also Southeast Rotunda for select events) and our outside terraces across from Sections 330 and 333 on the Terrace Level.

Get a backstage tour of The Schottenstein Center, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes and arena to the stars!    Tours include:
• Backstage dressing rooms
• Team locker room hallway & training facilities
• Huntington Club and the University's Buckeye Suite
• the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame
• Award-winning terrazzo flooring
• VIP Meet & Greet Rooms
• Arena Floor

Building tours (on non-event days) are available - call 688-3939 to book a tour and receive cost information. Accommodations can be made for guests with special needs. Tours of the Schottenstein Center typically last about 1 hour. For information on Ohio Stadium tours, please call the Athletic Department at 614-247-6713.