Dedicated on Oct. 21. 1922, Ohio Stadium was the largest west of the Alleghenies and preeminent among football stadia of the day. Innovations such as curved seat rows and an upper seating deck increased capacity and provided better sight lines for spectators. Interior walkway ramps and 78 gates permitted large crowds to enter and exit quickly. The necessity and functionality of the large-capacity stadium was proven at the 1922 Ohio State vs. University of Michigan game, when a standing room only crowd of over 75,000 filled Ohio Stadium. From 1922 to 1998, over 30 million people attended games at Ohio Stadium and many changes were made to the facility. Dormitories and the OSU Marching Band room were built in the interior spaces, and temporary stands were provided at the open end of the stadium for the football season. Artificial turf covered the playing field from 1971 to 1989. The Jesse Owens Plaza was dedicated in 1983 in tribute to Owens's achievements and the history of track and field at Ohio Stadium. In the mid-1990's, the University Board of Trustees approved a plan to preserve Ohio Stadium. The plan included rehabilitation of the physical structure, increased seating capacity, additional spectator amenities, and updated team facilities. With the support of alumni, fans, and corporate benefactors, the renovation and revitalization of Ohio Stadium started in 1998 and was completed in 2001.
