COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State announced late Tuesday that all concessions will be closed for home games due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. 

What You Need To Know

  • Many Big Ten schools' athetic departments are making adjustments heading into the spring semester as the pandemic rages on

  • A few Big Ten schools begun requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test ahead of events, but Ohio State isn't one of them

  • Ohio State said it will continue to monitor he situation and will make changes when necessary

Only water will be available at the games, and fans are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks into the facilities. 

"The department will continue to monitor and evaluate this policy moving forward and communicate any changes when applicable," the press release stated. 

The policy goes into effect immediately, starting with Thursday’s women’s basketball game against Illinois.

The school said the new policy was made in accordance with updated back-to-school guidelines for the spring semester. 

"The university and City of Columbus policies require wearing of masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, for all faculty, staff and invitees. The department encourages and urges all patrons at our events to wear your mask at all times for your own safety and for the health, safety and well-being of others, including our student-athletes, campus community and visitors," officials wrote. 

Many Big Ten schools in recent weeks have begun requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours, including Michigan State, Rutgers and Michigan. The Ohio State Athletic Department has not, but is strongly encouraging vaccination and booster shots. 

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