Ohio State will open its 2010 regular season against Marshall on Thursday, Sept. 2, the OSU athletic department confirmed shortly after a source reported the story to The Lantern.
“This change to a Thursday night opener offers a number of positives for Ohio State,” Ohio State associate vice-president and director of athletics Gene Smith said through a press release. “Summer quarter classes end the week before, so there will be minimal campus impact on students, faculty and staff that day.
The scheduling decision will provide the Buckeyes two extra days to prepare for their most daunting non-conference opponent, Miami (Fla.), who they will play Sept. 11.
“Along with providing maximum national exposure for our Rose Bowl champions, this unique starting date and time allows our team and fans to escape the heat of the day, and breaks up a string of four consecutive Saturday home games to start the season,” Smith said. “It will allow fans to enjoy other events throughout the Labor Day weekend. We see it as a treat for Buckeye fans and an exciting way to open the 2010 campaign.”
Information regarding parking and transportation for the night game will be determined at a later date, according to the press release.
The Buckeyes haven’t played a mid-week game during the regular season since 1997, when they beat Wyoming 24-10 in their season opener.
Coach Jim Tressel expressed his excitement in kicking off the season under the lights.
“The Thursday night before Labor Day is a great night to play,” Tressel said. “To be one of the first games that kicks off the 2010 season will be exciting. The Buckeyes and the Thundering Herd will both be veteran teams, and it will be a fun night in the Horseshoe. We cannot wait to tee it up.”
