Deputies Monitor Ohio Stadium From North Towers

Franklin County Sheriff deputies provide security oversight at the historic Ohio Stadium for every home game.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football

Wide view of the historic concrete towers and stadium architecture at Ohio Stadium during an evening home game. — Franklin County Sheriff deputies provide security oversight from elevated positions at Ohio Stadium during all home football games. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Franklin County Sheriff deputies maintain a security presence atop the north end towers at Ohio Stadium during all home football games. This deployment serves as a key component of the stadium security protocols at the over 100-year-old facility.

Why it matters

The university assigns officers to these elevated posts to monitor activity across the entire venue while preventing unauthorized fan access to the structures. This oversight helps ensure order and safety within the massive stadium environment.

Ohio Stadium has stood for more than 100 years and currently features two towers atop the north end of the facility. Two deputies are permanently assigned to monitor the stadium from these specific posts during each game.

The players

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and order within Franklin County.

Ohio Stadium

This historic venue is a major landmark in Columbus and serves as the home field for collegiate football games.

The details

Deputies reach their high-altitude posts by climbing to the top of C-Deck and passing through a padlocked gate. From the sloped surfaces of the towers, they coordinate with security personnel located outside the stadium via radio.

Deputies monitor the stadium during every game.
Deputies arrive at their posts two hours before each game begins.

Season Trajectory

Heightened security protocols reflect broader trends in collegiate sports aimed at modernizing management of legacy facilities. This posture ensures that stadium operations remain in compliance with the 2018 stadium safety guidelines established by the Big Ten Conference.

Fans entering the stadium should note that specific areas of the north end structures remain restricted to unauthorized personnel. Deputies maintain constant radio communication with perimeter security to manage crowd flow throughout the game duration.

The takeaway

Maintaining security in historic venues requires unique strategies to account for aging infrastructure. Spectators benefit from these high-level vantage points as they help keep the surrounding areas clear and secure for all attendees.