Ohio Stadium Parking
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Ohio Stadium Parking Passes
Venue
Ohio Stadium Address
411 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210
Ohio Stadium Parking Reviews
Real experiences from verified drivers.
Very convenient and only a 20 minute walk from Ohio Stadium! Missed all of the after concert traffic and so many people were out we felt very safe walking. The parking is in the ba...
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Amanda M.
Columbus
Thanks for the hospitality Jason! I really appreciated you coming out to chat with me about the parking situation and giving me some recommendations on places to check out while in...
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April G.
Columbus
Great spot for stadium parking!
Dawn F.
Columbus
15-20 minute walk to St John arena
Jim J.
Columbus
Spot is conveniently located about a 20 min walk and it's pretty much a straight shot. It's far enough away to avoid the stadium traffic as well. I accidentally parked in the wrong...
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LaToya H.
Columbus
Fantastic communication, especially for a first time user! Made everything a breeze!
Andrew K.
Columbus
Ohio Stadium Parking Information
Reviewed by Prked Editorial Team · Last updated September 14, 2026
Heading to Columbus for gameday takes some planning when over 100,000 Buckeye fans pack onto campus. Ohio Stadium sits at 411 Woody Hayes Drive along the Olentangy River, and the surrounding footprint for Ohio Stadium parking is managed by CampusParc. Whether you are heading in for an early-morning Big Ten kickoff, a matchup with Michigan, or a stadium concert, getting a handle on the lot tiers, shuttles, street closures, and tailgating rules will keep you from spending your Saturday stuck in traffic.
How Much Does CampusParc Ohio State Football Parking Cost on Game Day?
Official day-of-game parking at Ohio Stadium runs $30 for Non-Proximity lots, $40 for Proximity lots and garages, and $60 for Premiere surface lots. All campus parking facilities operate under CampusParc Ohio State football parking guidelines and charge per standard vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Parking Tier | Gameday Rate | Example Locations | Access & Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Proximity | $30 | West Campus (Carmack Lots 1–5 west of SR-315) | Includes free continuous shuttle bus to transit hub near stadium |
| Proximity | $40 | Neil Avenue Garage, Arps Garage, South Campus garages | Covered garage parking; 10–20 minute walk to stadium |
| Premiere | $60 | Ag Administration Lot, Vivian Lot | Closest non-permit walking distance; fills up very quickly |
| Disability (ADA) | $30 | Lots North of St. John Arena, Lane Avenue Garage | Requires valid placard; includes free wheelchair-accessible shuttle to Gate 22 |
Hospital parking facilities, including the SAFEAUTO Garage and the Wexner Medical Center Garage, are strictly reserved for medical center patients and clinical visitors. Football parking is not allowed in hospital garages, and unauthorized cars will be ticketed and towed.
Can You Pay Cash for Ohio State Football Parking Lots?
No. All official CampusParc lots and garages for Ohio State football games are entirely cashless. Parking attendants only accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at the gate.
There is no re-entry across any official lots. Once your pass is scanned or paid, that fee is spent. If you leave the lot for any reason, you lose your spot and will have to pay again to enter, assuming spaces are still open.
What Time Do Parking Lots Open for Ohio State Home Games?
All public day-of-game lots and permit areas around Ohio Stadium open at 5:00 a.m. on football Saturdays, no matter what time the game kicks off. Looking over the official Ohio Stadium parking map before you leave helps you target open zones along your drive in.
Premiere lots and nearby garages fill up hours ahead of noon and afternoon games, so getting there early is essential if you don't have a reserved permit. For rivalry games or top-10 matchups, central campus garages often reach capacity well before pregame events even start.
Where Is the Best Place to Park for OSU Football Gameday Parking Without a Permit?
If you don't have a season pass, your best bet is West Campus in the Carmack lots (west of State Route 315) for $30. The rate covers a free, continuous shuttle running straight to the stadium transit hub.
If you would rather skip the campus garage lines and post-game shuttle queues altogether, you can look for private off-campus spots. Booking through platforms like Prked—the top-rated parking company on Trustpilot in both the Parking Garage and Parking Lot categories—or parking with private property owners along Lane Avenue and High Street gives you reliable choices within walking distance.
West Campus Parking OSU Shuttle Schedule and Stops
The West Campus shuttle picks up riders at the Mount Hall Loop and Carmack Lot 1 on West Campus, dropping them off at the transit hub just south of Ohio Stadium.
- Operating Hours: Shuttles run continuously starting 6 hours before kickoff and keep going until 1 to 1.5 hours after the final whistle.
- Cost: Free for all drivers and passengers who park in West Campus non-proximity lots.
- Drop-Off Point: The Neil Avenue / Herrick Drive Transit Hub, leaving you with a flat 5- to 8-minute walk to the Horseshoe's south rotunda.
Lane Avenue Garage Parking Game Day Guide
The Lane Avenue Garage is located at 2100 Neil Avenue, putting you a quick 5- to 10-minute walk northeast of the stadium. On gamedays, it operates as a Proximity garage ($40) and serves as an overflow ADA facility ($30 with a valid placard). You must enter the garage from Lane Avenue by turning in from Neil Avenue. Because heavy crowds cross Lane Avenue after the game, expect long delays trying to exit this facility.
How Can You Buy an Ohio Stadium Parking Pass in Advance?
You can buy an advance Ohio Stadium parking pass on secondary marketplaces such as StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats by purchasing donor or season-permit spots.
Official Ohio State Athletics permit lots—including the West Stadium Lot, East Stadium Lot, South Fieldhouse Lot, Tuttle Garage, and Northwest Stadium Lot—are sold out for the season to Buckeye Club members and season ticket holders. These passes often show up for resale online. If you buy through the secondary market:
- Make sure your pass is transferred digitally through the official Ohio State Buckeyes Athletics app or a Ticketmaster account.
- Keep in mind that permit holders are only guaranteed a space in their assigned lot until 90 minutes before kickoff. If you arrive later than that, you might get sent to overflow parking.
Ohio Stadium ADA Accessible Parking and Shuttle Locations
Official ADA accessible parking is available in the surface lots directly north of St. John Arena and inside Lane Avenue Garage for $30 per vehicle.
To park in these spaces:
- You must display a valid, state-issued disability placard or license plate and carry the matching registration.
- The person assigned to the placard must be in the vehicle when entering.
- A free, wheelchair-accessible shuttle picks up at the east end of St. John Arena (north of Converse Hall) and takes riders directly to Gate 22 on the east side of Ohio Stadium.
- ADA shuttles start 6 hours before kickoff and run until an hour after the game ends.
Ohio Stadium Tailgating Rules and Game Day Regulations
Tailgating is a central part of Saturdays in Columbus, but Ohio State enforces several strict space and safety rules:
- Space Limits: All tailgating gear, tents, and chairs must fit within your marked 8.5-by-15-foot parking stall. Gear cannot block empty spots, walkways, or traffic lanes.
- Charcoal and Open Flames Prohibited: Charcoal grills, deep fryers, and open wood fire pits are completely banned on campus grounds.
- Propane Grills Allowed: You may use liquid propane (LP) grills with standard tanks up to 20 lbs. Grills need to stay at least 10 feet clear of buildings, tents, or vehicles.
- Tents and Canopies: Tents cannot be larger than 10x10 feet and must be weighted down without driving stakes into campus asphalt or grass.
Ohio Stadium RV Parking Locations and Permit Rules
Official RV parking is limited to the Buckeye Lots and Gray Lots near the Jerome Schottenstein Center along Fred Taylor Drive and Ackerman Road.
RVs and large motorhomes need dedicated RV parking permits, which are sold in advance through Ohio State Athletics. RV lots typically open for entry on Friday afternoon before home games, and rigs must leave by Sunday morning. Regular single-car spaces cannot hold trailers or oversized vehicles.
What Streets Are Closed Around Ohio Stadium on Game Days?
Key roads around Ohio Stadium close to general traffic on game days to keep pedestrians safe:
- Woody Hayes Drive: Closed to regular vehicle traffic between Cannon Drive and Tuttle Park Place starting early Saturday morning.
- East/West Campus Split: If your garage or pass is on East Campus (Tuttle Garage, East Stadium Lot, Arps Garage), head in from High Street by way of Woodruff Avenue. If your lot is on the west side (West Stadium, Cannon Drive lots), enter through Cannon Drive or Olentangy River Road.
- Post-Game Traffic Flow: Once the game ends, Columbus Police direct outbound traffic into one-way patterns leading away from campus. Lane Avenue moves strictly away toward SR-315, and the nearby highway ramps back up rapidly.
How Long Does It Take to Get Out of Ohio Stadium Parking Garages After the Game?
Getting out of central parking garages like Lane Avenue Garage, Tuttle Garage, and Neil Avenue Garage usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes after the game ends.
Police and traffic crews clear walking crowds from stadium exits and crosswalks before letting garage lines move. If you park in a garage near the stadium, plan to wait in your car or hang out at your tailgate spot for an hour until traffic thins out. Surface lots out on West Campus generally empty out onto highway ramps much faster.
Renting a Private Driveway or Residential Spot Near Ohio Stadium
Renting a private driveway or residential spot in the neighborhoods around campus gives you a clear arrival plan and a much quicker route out. While university garages leave you waiting in long lines before dumping you into police-controlled routes, parking at a nearby home lets you walk up, start your car, and get right onto local roads.
- North of Lane Avenue (Old North Columbus): Driveways and private spots along West Norwich, West Northwood, West Oakland, and West Patterson avenues are an easy 10- to 15-minute walk (around half a mile) to the north rotunda.
- Fast Highway Access: Unlike Lane Avenue Garage or Tuttle Garage, which sit stuck behind pedestrian holds, cars parked north of Lane Avenue can pull onto neighborhood streets and head straight north toward Dodridge or Hudson, or east toward Indianola and I-71.
- West Lane Avenue Area: Driveways along West Lane Avenue toward Upper Arlington put you a 15- to 20-minute walk across the bridge, giving you a clean run west toward Route 33 (Riverside Drive) and I-270 without getting trapped in SR-315 backups.
Booking a spot through Prked—which holds a 5.0/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 750 reviews—is a simple way to arrange private parking near Ohio Stadium. Rates are often lower than prime campus lots, and you get host reviews plus secure mobile checkout. Since the spot is on private property, you bypass the crowded garages and drive straight out when the game wraps up.
Ohio Stadium Rideshare Drop Off and Pick Up Locations
Rideshare cars, cabs, and limos cannot enter roads immediately surrounding the stadium on gamedays. CampusParc and university police direct all rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs to two spots:
- North Zone: Borror Drive, located just south of the Jerome Schottenstein Center.
- West Zone: Carmack Lot 1 on West Campus, where you can hop on the free stadium shuttle.
Trying to hail or meet a driver along Lane Avenue, Cannon Drive, or Woody Hayes Drive will only lead to cancelled trips or officers telling your driver to keep moving.
Alternative Transit, COTA Buses, and Bike Valet
- COTA Gameday Service: The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs regular city bus routes (including Lines 1, 2, 8, and 31) connecting downtown Columbus, the Short North, and Clintonville to campus along High Street and Neil Avenue.
- Pedal Bike Valet: The university offers a free, staffed bicycle valet along the Olentangy Trail near the Woody Hayes bridge, giving fans an easy way to ride right up to the stadium grounds without paying to park.
- Neighborhood Private Drives: Homeowners and businesses along West Lane Avenue and High Street sell front-yard and lot parking on Saturdays. You can also book these private spots in advance on Prked to lock in your space ahead of time.
Which Parking Option Is Right for You?
Finding the best Ohio Stadium parking spot on gameday depends on balancing your budget, walking distance, and how quickly you want to exit after the final whistle. This guide and side-by-side comparison table evaluate every official and alternative transport option for Ohio State football games across cost, convenience, entry and exit traffic, and safety. Use this breakdown to compare official CampusParc facilities against private driveways, rideshare zones, and transit routes so you can pick the ideal setup for your visit to the Horseshoe.
| Option | Cost | Convenience | Getting In & Out | Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential/Driveway Parking (Prked) | Often lower than prime campus lots | 10–20 min walk from Old North or West Lane Ave | Direct exit to local routes (Dodridge, Hudson, Rt 33, I-71/I-270); avoids campus traffic holds | Private residential property; rated 5.0/5 on Trustpilot (750+ reviews) | Fans wanting a guaranteed private spot and a fast post-game escape |
| Non-Proximity Lots (West Campus / Carmack Lots) | $30 | Free continuous shuttle to transit hub (5–8 min walk to stadium) | Empties faster onto SR-315 highway ramps than central garages | Official CampusParc surface lots | Budget-conscious drivers comfortable riding a gameday shuttle |
| Proximity Garages (Lane Ave, Neil Ave, Arps) | $40 | Covered parking; 5–20 min walk to stadium | 45–90 min post-game exit delays due to pedestrian street holds | Covered, official campus parking garages | Drivers prioritizing covered parking within walking distance of central campus |
| Premiere Surface Lots (Ag Admin, Vivian) | $60 | Closest non-permit walking distance; fills up hours before kickoff | Subject to campus street closures and post-game pedestrian congestion | Official CampusParc surface lots | Early arrivals willing to pay more for the shortest non-permit walk |
| Disability (ADA) Parking (St. John Arena / Lane Ave Garage) | $30 | Free wheelchair-accessible shuttle directly to Gate 22 | Dedicated ADA shuttle routes; Lane Ave Garage subject to post-game egress holds | Staffed ADA drop-offs and accessible shuttles | Fans with state-issued disability placards needing direct gate access |
| Official Permit Lots (Secondary Resale Market) | Resale market pricing | Steps from the Horseshoe (West/East Stadium, South Fieldhouse, Tuttle) | Heavy pedestrian holds and Woody Hayes Dr closures complicate entry/exit | Official permit-holder athletics facilities | Fans willing to pay resale prices for stadium-adjacent donor spots |
| Official RV Parking (Buckeye & Gray Lots) | Advance athletics permit required | Located near Schottenstein Center along Fred Taylor Dr & Ackerman Rd | Weekend entry from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning | Dedicated RV permit area | Fans bringing oversized motorhomes or trailers for multi-day tailgating |
| Ohio Stadium Rideshare Drop-Off (Borror Dr / Carmack 1) | Variable rideshare fare | Restricted drop-off zones; requires walking from Borror Dr or a shuttle from West Campus | Eliminates parking, but subject to post-game pickup surges and designated route restrictions | Designated campus rideshare zones | Non-drivers looking to avoid parking fees and campus garage lines |
| COTA Gameday Bus Service | Standard transit fare | Lines 1, 2, 8, and 31 drop along High St and Neil Ave corridors | Avoids personal driving; buses operate on scheduled city traffic routes | Public municipal transit | Fans traveling to campus from Downtown, the Short North, or Clintonville |
| Pedal Bike Valet | Free | Direct stadium access along the Olentangy Trail near Woody Hayes bridge | Bypasses all vehicular traffic and post-game road closures entirely | Free, staffed bicycle valet | Local fans and cyclists commuting along the Olentangy Trail |
Is Prked Better Than West Campus Non-Proximity Lots for Ohio Stadium Parking?
West Campus Carmack lots cost $30 and require waiting for a shuttle bus before and after the game, which can add significant transit time during peak crowds. In contrast, reserving a private driveway allows you to walk straight to your vehicle on your own schedule without waiting in shuttle lines. While West Campus offers relatively quick access to SR-315, neighborhood driveways let you bypass highway ramps altogether by routing through local neighborhood corridors.
Prked vs. Lane Avenue and Proximity Garages: Which Gets You Out Faster?
CampusParc proximity garages cost $40 and put you within a 5- to 20-minute walk, but post-game pedestrian holds routinely trap vehicles inside structures like Lane Avenue Garage for 45 to 90 minutes. Booking a private driveway north of Lane Avenue or along West Lane Avenue provides a comparable 10- to 20-minute walk while completely circumventing garage gridlock. Because private spaces exit directly onto residential streets, you can immediately head north toward Dodridge or west toward Route 33.
Is Prked Cheaper Than Premiere Surface Lots for Ohio State Football Parking?
Official Premiere lots such as Vivian and Ag Administration charge $60 on gameday and fill up rapidly within hours of opening at 5:00 a.m. Private driveway rentals typically offer lower rates than these prime campus lots while still keeping you within a 10- to 20-minute walk of the Horseshoe. Additionally, reserving a private space guarantees your parking ahead of time, eliminating the risk of arriving early only to find Premiere lots already full.
Residential Driveway Parking vs. Ohio Stadium ADA Accessible Parking
Official ADA parking north of St. John Arena and in Lane Avenue Garage costs $30 and includes a dedicated, wheelchair-accessible shuttle taking placard holders directly to Gate 22. For visitors with significant mobility limitations, official ADA parking provides the closest vehicle-assisted access to the stadium gates. However, for mobile fans seeking to avoid post-game garage queues and shuttle lines, a private residential driveway offers faster vehicle departure.
Prked vs. Buying an Ohio Stadium Parking Pass on the Secondary Market
Secondary market resale passes for donor lots like West Stadium or Tuttle Garage offer unmatched proximity right next to the gates, but they carry steep premium pricing and are only held until 90 minutes before kickoff. Private neighborhood spots provide a predictable, cost-effective alternative without the risk of being redirected to overflow lots if you arrive late. Furthermore, exiting stadium-adjacent permit lots requires navigating heavy pedestrian crowds and closed campus streets, whereas driveway parkers walk past the congestion and drive straight out.
Residential Driveway Parking vs. Official Ohio Stadium RV Parking
Official RV parking in the Buckeye and Gray lots is designed strictly for multi-day tailgating rigs and oversized motorhomes holding advance Ohio State Athletics permits. Standard residential driveways are tailored for regular passenger vehicles and cannot accommodate large motorhomes or trailers. If you are driving a standard car or SUV, private driveway bookings avoid the dedicated RV permit requirements and offer a much faster route home after the game.
Prked vs. Ohio Stadium Rideshare Drop-Off: Which Is More Convenient?
Rideshare services drop passengers off far from the stadium footprint at Borror Drive or Carmack Lot 1, requiring either a long walk or a transfer onto a campus shuttle. After the game, rideshare users face heavy surge pricing, long wait times, and strict traffic-control restrictions. Driving your own vehicle to a reserved residential spot eliminates surge pricing and guarantees a clear, direct walking route to and from the stadium.
Residential Driveway Parking vs. COTA Gameday Bus Service
COTA bus routes provide an inexpensive transit option along High Street and Neil Avenue, making them well-suited for solo travelers coming from the Short North or Downtown. However, riders remain bound to fixed municipal schedules and crowded post-game buses. Reserving a private driveway gives you the flexibility of using your personal vehicle, private storage for tailgating supplies, and direct driving access toward major outbound arteries like I-71 and I-270.
Prked vs. Ohio Stadium Pedal Bike Valet
The university's bike valet offers a free, zero-traffic commute for cyclists who live close enough to ride the Olentangy Trail directly to the Woody Hayes bridge. While cycling completely bypasses vehicular gridlock, it requires physical exertion and is limited by weather and travel distance. For fans commuting from outside the immediate trail network or carrying gameday gear, a private driveway spot offers secure parking and direct road access.