COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s been 658 days since the Ohio State University Marching band has played in front of a full capacity crowd at Ohio Stadium.

That changes on Saturday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Members of the Ohio State University Marching Band are beyond excited to perform again at Ohio Stadium

  • New Drum Major Austin Bowman is nervous but prepared to lead the band this season

  • Assistant Squad leader Hanna Hutchins said performing in front of 100K people is a thrill like no other

  • TBDBITL is performing a 9/11 tribute at halftime against Oregon

As the band prepares to get back in the swing of things, the excitement is building, and there are new faces leading “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” back into Ohio Stadium.

Austin Bowman is the new Drum Major.

He said holding this position is surreal.

“I’ve been wanting this spot for five, almost six years now, so the fact that I can say that is a dream come true,” Bowman said. 

Bowman has yet to experience a game at Ohio Stadium as a member of the marching band, and now he’s the leader — quite a rise for the Hebron, Ohio native.

He said there will be some nerves beforehand, but he’s preparing to perform at a high level. 

“I’m excited, but I really don’t know what it feels like yet,” Bowman said. “So it’s kind of a surreal feeling. I’m not sure what to expect, but I would say I’m ready for it.” 

Someone who does know what it feels like to perform in front of a packed crowd at the Shoe is Hanna Hutchins.

Hutchins, who is the assistant squad leader for H-row, said it’s going to be awesome being back home. 

“I can speak for probably all of us when I say we’re really, really excited to be back in the stadium,” Hutchins said. “While we had the opportunity to keep doing halftime performances it was completely different without having any audience. Having 100,000 people screaming, it really just changes the environment entirely and makes it such an electric experience that it’s a new experience every single time and it’s amazing every single time.” 

Hutchins said she’s hopeful fans can do everything they can to keep attendance at games as high as possible. 

“If you’re coming to the games, do your best to be vaccinated, keep yourself safe, keep others safe,” Hutchins said. “We really want to continue being able to do what we’re doing in the stadium with full capacity with everybody there. Keep us all safe.” 

Bowman and his fellow bandmates say they’re ready to continue the tradition of excellence associated with being a part of the Ohio State University Marching Band. 

“Just carrying on that legacy I guess,” Bowman said. “The legacy of past drum majors and the band as a whole. I’m excited to continue that legacy.”

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