Ohio State football tickets are scheduled to go on sale for students today at 4 p.m., and some some say coach Jim Tressel’s resignation will change their buying plans.
Tressel resigned on Monday after a scandalous offseason, and some students say it has affected their decision to buy tickets.
“I’m disappointed that he’s leaving because I thought that Tressel was different from most coaches,” said Mark Rudolph, a first-year in biomedical science. “I bought tickets last year, but I’m not going to this coming year.”
One student said she isn’t optimistic about the upcoming season.
“It’s not going to be a great football season without him next year,” said Katy Wheeler, a fourth-year in accounting. “But then again, I know it really just comes down the players.”
Others don’t think Tressel’s departure will hurt the program’s ticket sales.
Tickets will be sold by students’ rank, which is determined by a student’s number of credit hours. Sales will run through June 15, with any unsold tickets going on sale to all ranks at 4 p.m. on June 16.
“If I buy tickets next year, I’ll probably just sell them,” said Natalie Zeleznik, a first-year in math and physics.
Students can purchase the student season ticket package, which includes tickets to the final five home games of the year. This package includes games versus Colorado, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Penn State, respectively.
The cost for this package is $170, plus a $10 processing fee, according to OSU’s official website.
Some students said Tressel’s resignation wouldn’t prevent them from attending the games.
“Tressel is a great coach but no one is bigger than the program,” said Alan Irving, a fourth-year in psychology. “I bought tickets last year, and I’m getting tickets next year. OSU football is a tradition. It’s not just about Jim Tressel.”
Students can also buy tickets to home games against Akron and Toledo, which cost $34 each, along with a $2 processing fee.
Upgrading to the Block “O” section of the stadium costs an additional $5 per ticket package, as well as a $15 Block “O” membership fee.
Students can buy tickets to away games, but must purchase the home game package to be eligible. The prices for away games range from $70 to $90.
The only away game ticket to cost $90 gets students into the Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Nov. 26, when the Buckeyes play Michigan for the first time in the post-Tressel era.
Prior to Tressel’s tenure, the Buckeyes hadn’t beaten the Wolverines in Ann Arbor since 1987.
“I got tickets last year, and I’ll come back for a couple next year,” said Matt Gant, a fourth-year in economics. “I expect anywhere from one to four losses next year.”
Tressel won’t be the only familiar face not donning scarlet and gray at Ohio Stadium on Saturdays this fall.
Five Buckeyes including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, offensive lineman Mike Adams, running back Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas are suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season for selling memorabilia and receiving improper benefits.
Tressel was also to be suspended for the first five games of the season.
Columbus’ NBC affiliate reported Tuesday that Pryor has been driving under a suspended license. Pryor arrived at a team meeting Monday night at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in a Nissan 350Z with temp tags on it.
