Sat Jan 24 02:10:00 UTC 2026: # Ohio State Upgrades Schottenstein Center with New Scoreboard

The Story:
The Schottenstein Center, home to Ohio State basketball and hockey, is set for a significant upgrade. Starting in April, the current scoreboard, ribbon board, and LED signage will be replaced. This project, approved by the Board of Trustees and budgeted at $5.2 million, aims to modernize the arena and address the limitations of the current, aging scoreboard, which is considered one of the smallest in the Big Ten relative to the arena’s size. Completion is expected by September.

Key Points:

  • The Schottenstein Center will receive a new scoreboard for the first time since 2008.
  • The project has a budget of $5.2 million.
  • The upgrade includes replacing the center court scoreboard, the 360-degree ribbon board, and all outdated LED boards and signs.
  • Construction is slated to begin in April and be completed by September.
  • The new scoreboard’s size and shape are restricted by the existing infrastructure and the need to accommodate non-basketball and hockey events.
  • This project follows plans to replace video boards in the North and South End Zones of Ohio Stadium in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of the Schottenstein Center’s upgrade alongside the planned renovations to Ohio Stadium suggests a strategic, university-wide initiative to modernize athletic facilities. This coordinated effort likely stems from a need to maintain a competitive edge in recruiting, enhance the fan experience, and generate increased revenue through improved advertising and event presentation capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ohio State is investing significantly in upgrading its athletic facilities.
  • The Schottenstein Center upgrade addresses the limitations of the current scoreboard and overall arena aesthetics.
  • The project’s constraints highlight the challenges of upgrading existing infrastructure while maintaining versatility for various events.
  • The timing of these renovations points to a coordinated, long-term strategy for facility modernization.
  • These improvements are likely aimed at enhancing the fan experience and attracting top athletes.

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