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Dedication of Ohio Stadium

Aerial shot of dedication of Ohio Stadium Program from October 21, 1922

Newspaper article about Wesleyan Football team playing in Ohio Stadium

 

The Stadium was completed just in time for the planned dedication day of October 21, 1922. To prepare for the festivities, President Thompson led the Board of Trustees and members of the faculty to the Stadium to clean the seating sections the day before the celebration.  The dedication game was actually the third game to be played at Ohio Stadium, the first being against Ohio Wesleyan on October 7, and the second against Oberlin on October 14. 

 

Dedication ceremonies at Ohio StadiumThe dedication of Ohio Stadium included a 21-gun salute, a parade of distinguished guests, the crowning of Eloise Fromme as the Stadium Girl, as well as the football game against the University of Michigan.  Over 72,000 people attended the game, proving that the Stadium could and would be filled by enthusiastic fans that supported the team.  The day was also a commercial success for the Athletic Board who still had to pay ofOctober 21, 1922 game at Ohio Stadiumf the stadium loans.  By the third quarter, 10,000 hot dogs, 70 gallons of coffee, 8,000 boxes of Cracker Jacks, and 70,000 bottles of soda had been sold!  The only disappointment of the day was the loss to Michigan, 19-0. 

Flag Raising at Ohio Stadium CeremonyThe next Monday, the student newspaper, The Lantern, noted that: “All walks of life were represented when leaders came from far and near to pay their respects to the Ohio State University’s new athletic plant.”