Ohio State University, commonly referred to as OSU, is home to one of the most passionate student bodies and respected athletics programs in the NCAA. With over 60,000 students across all campuses, OSU offers students access to top-tier Division 1 athletics, including the school’s hockey team. This raises an important question – do OSU students get free admission to hockey games?
The Short Answer
Yes, full-time OSU students receive free admission to all regular season men’s ice hockey home games at Value City Arena. Students must present their valid OSU student ID at the door to gain free entry. This perk allows thousands of students each year the opportunity to support the Buckeyes hockey team without having to pay anything extra.
OSU Student Hockey Game Admission Policies
Ohio State officially outlines student admission policies and procedures for athletic events on their website. Some key details regarding student entry to hockey games are:
- Only students who are enrolled full-time at the Columbus campus receive free admission. Part-time and regional campus students must purchase tickets.
- Free admission is only valid for regular season games played at Value City Arena. Post-season and away games require a purchased ticket.
- Students must show a valid OSU student ID that clearly displays the student’s name and picture. Expired IDs are not accepted.
- Student tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and having a ticket does not guarantee entry if capacity is reached.
- Students are limited to one free ticket per ID. Bringing multiple IDs to obtain extra tickets is prohibited.
As long as students follow the outlined policies, they can enjoy OSU hockey games all season long without needing to pay anything extra. This allows students to save money while also supporting their school and fellow Buckeyes.
Value to Students
Free hockey game admission provides tremendous value to OSU students in several ways:
Financial Savings
attending sporting events can get expensive, especially for college students on tight budgets. OSU hockey tickets normally cost $10-25 per game for general admission. Getting in free saves students $100+ over the course of a season.
Convenience
Students can easily walk over to Value City Arena or quickly catch an on-campus bus. No need to worry about handling tickets.
Community & School Pride
Cheering together with classmates builds community and pride. Easy access encourages participation.
Stress Relief & Fun
Taking a study break for a fun hockey game is good for reducing stress and mental health.
Number of Students Who Attend
Official attendance numbers specific to students are not reported by OSU athletics. However, some estimates can be made based on arena capacity and ticket sales data:
Metric | Number |
---|---|
Value City Arena Capacity | 17,500 |
Average Reported Attendance 2021-22 | 4,700 |
Average Student Attendance | Est. 2,000-3,000 |
With student attendance likely between 2,000-3,000 per game on average, a significant portion of the crowd is comprised of students getting in for free with their school ID. This allows the passionate OSU hockey student section to represent strongly at games throughout each season.
recap
Ohio State University offers all full-time enrolled students free admission to regular season men’s hockey home games. Students simply need to show a valid OSU ID to gain entry. This perk provides financial, convenience, community, and fun benefits to students. An estimated 2,000-3,000 students attend each game for free, representing a large portion of overall attendance. Free admission enhances the passionate student environment and support for the Buckeyes hockey program.
How Students Get Tickets
While OSU students do not need actual tickets to get into hockey games for free, there is still a process for reserving seats ahead of time:
Online Reservation
Students can reserve tickets online up to 48 hours before the scheduled game time. Reservations are free but require the student’s OSU email and password to log into the ticket site.
In-Person Pickup
Physical tickets can be picked up in person at the Value City Arena Schottenstein Center up to 48 hours before faceoff as well. Students must present a valid OSU ID.
Gameday Pickup
If available, extra student tickets can be secured on game days at Value City Arena. Distribution starts 2 hours prior to the game and is first come first served until capacity is reached.
Having a ticket reservation or pickup is recommended for the best seating options, but not required. Showing an OSU ID at entry is all that is needed for free admission if seats remain available.
Getting the Most out of Games
Here are some tips for students to maximize the value and experience of attending OSU hockey games:
- Arrive early – At least 30 minutes prior to puck drop to get a prime seat location
- Bring student ID – Don’t forget it or you won’t get free entry!
- Wear OSU gear – Rep your Buckeye pride and feel part of the crowd
- Get loud – Cheer loudly for the team and join in chants & cheers
- Participate in promotions – Take part in intermission activities for freebies and fun
- Stay positive – No booing! Keep cheers positive to support the team
Leveraging these tips at OSU hockey games will help students take full advantage of the free admission perk. They will feel more connected to happenings on the ice and the energy in Value City Arena.
Playoff & Championship Policies
If the OSU hockey team qualifies for the Big Ten tournament or Frozen Four championship, different ticket policies apply for students:
Big Ten Tournament
Tickets for the Big Ten hockey conference tournament must be purchased by students. Prices are discounted at around $15 per ticket. Tickets can be bought online in advance if OSU hosts or via allocation if held at another Big Ten venue.
NCAA Frozen Four
All ticket purchases are required for Frozen Four tournament games, including for students. However, OSU receives an allotment for students based on venue capacity. The university coordinates distribution of these allocated student tickets.
While not free, the discounted Big Ten and allocated Frozen Four tickets still provide OSU students affordable access to support the Buckeyes during championship tournament runs.
Hockey Student Sections
OSU students who attend hockey games typically congregate in designated student sections at Value City Arena. The prime student sections are:
ShootTwice Corner
The most rambunctious student fans sit along the goal in the ShootTwice Corner. Expect constant standing, cheering, chanting, and energy from this zealous corner crew.
Sections 101-103
For a balance of involvement and view, Sections 101-103 along the goal side boards offer a great vantage point and active participation.
Behind Opponent Bench
Some students love to taunt the opposing team right behind their bench in Sections 105-107. These seats get rowdy!
Sitting in a student section enhances the communal experience of supporting the Buckeyes. New students will easily make friends and feel part of the action.
Notable OSU Hockey Traditions
OSU hockey games are full of fun traditions that get students and fans pumped up. Some favorites are:
Goal Chants
Loud “O-H” chants break out after every Buckeye goal with the student section pointing towards the ice. The band leads “I-O” chants responding from the opposite side.
Shoot Twice Sign
A giant light-up Shoot Twice sign hangs in the raucous corner student section, flashing after OSU goals as fans yell “Shoot Twice!”
Jersey Toss
Following the first OSU goal, students simultaneously throw hundreds of Buckeye jerseys into the air in celebration, creating a scarlet waterfall effect.
Partaking in these traditions helps students feel part of the Buckeye hockey game experience and community.
Alternatives for Non-Students
While OSU students receive free admission to hockey games, non-students have paid ticketing options to support the Buckeyes. Some popular alternatives include:
Public Ticket Sales
Fans can purchase single game and season ticket packages on OSU’s public ticket site. Prices start around $10 for single game bleacher seats.
Resale Sites
Third party ticket resale platforms like StubHub and VividSeats offer single game seats with fluctuating market prices based on demand.
Gameday Sales
A limited number of walk-up tickets are sold on game days at Value City Arena. Availability varies per game.
Using one of these ticketing options allows non-students like alumni, locals, and visiting fans to experience exciting OSU hockey action live in person.
Other Student Sports Perks
Beyond hockey, OSU provides other free or discounted admission perks for students at various athletic events:
Sport | Student Perk |
---|---|
Football | Free admission with student ticket |
Basketball | $9 student season pass |
Soccer | Free admission with BuckID |
Volleyball | Free admission with BuckID |
Wrestling | Free admission with BuckID |
Leveraging these perks allows OSU students year-round opportunities to attend elite Division 1 athletics for free or very affordably. This access deepens their school pride and connection to Ohio State.
Conclusion
Ohio State University provides an incredible perk for full-time enrolled students – free admission to all regular season men’s hockey home games. Students simply show their valid OSU ID at Value City Arena for entry. This saves students over $100 per season while also encouraging attendance and community. An estimated 2,000-3,000 students pack the sections behind the goals at each home game, getting rowdy and cheering on their Buckeyes. Free access enhances the hockey game atmosphere and gives students a fun study break. Between the financial savings, school spirit, and shared experience, OSU hockey games are a cherished tradition and perk.