The Buckeye Invitational

Updated February 15, 2024


The Buckeye Invitational is a high school band competition sponsored by the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). It is hosted by The Ohio State University Marching Band and takes place in historic Ohio Stadium, and it is open to any high school band in the United StatesThe 2024 Buckeye Invitational will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Bands should register for the Buckeye Invitational through the OMEA portal. Out-of-state band directors, please email Phil Day at day.404@osu.edu to gain access to the OMEA portal. 

Online ticket sales will open in early September. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online, and pre-ordered tickets can be picked up at Ohio Stadium will call (Gate 5, northwest side) on the day of the event. Tickets will be $20 online or $25 at the gate. If you are paying with cash at the gate, the band cannot give change. Please have exact change.

Kids 6-years-old and younger are free, and parking is included in the ticket price. A Deck, B Deck and C Deck will be open on the west (press box) side of the stadium for all spectators, and all seating is general admission. Exit and re-entry is permitted, but please retain your ticket stub for re-entry.

Outside food and beverage will not be allowed in the stadium, but concessions will be available at cash-free locations inside the stadium throughout the day.

Bands who compete will be adjudicated by OMEA adjudicators. Bands who perform in festival class will receive feedback from outstanding musicians and teachers from around the region.

  • Bags, cameras, umbrellas, strollers, and seat backs (that do not attach to the bleachers) are permitted into the stadium
  • No animals (unless service animals) are permitted into the stadium
  • NO FOOD OR BEVERAGE WILL BE PERMITTED INTO THE STADIUM

Driving Directions to Ohio Stadium (The Shoe)

411 Woody Hayes Drive | Columbus, Ohio 43210

From the North – Take I-71 South to 270 West to SR 315 South. Exit at Lane Avenue and turn left. Turn right onto Fyffe Road. Turn left onto Woody Hayes Drive. Ohio Stadium will be on your right once you cross the bridge.

From the South – Take I-71 North to SR 315 North to Worthington. Exit at Lane Avenue and turn right. Turn right onto Fyffe Road. Turn left onto Woody Hayes Drive. Ohio Stadium will be on your right once you cross the bridge.

From the East (Airport) – Take I-70 West to SR 315 North to Worthington. Exit at Lane Avenue and turn right. Turn right onto Fyffe Road. Turn left onto Woody Hayes Drive. Ohio Stadium will be on your right once you cross the bridge.

From the West – Take I-70 East to SR 315 North to Worthington. Exit at Lane Avenue and turn right. Turn right onto Fyffe Road. Turn left onto Woody Hayes Drive. Ohio Stadium will be on your right once you cross the bridge.