NEWS RELEASE – Ohio High School Athletic Association
Commissioner Daniel B. Ross, Ph.D.
For Immediate Release – May 26, 2017
OHSAA Track & Field State Tournament Notes
Important reminders for media, participants and fans regarding next week’s state track meet
COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the annual state track and field meet one week away, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has several important reminders for media, participants and fans. First held in 1908, the OHSAA state meet is one of the largest high school meets in the country, with approximately 14,000 fans attending the competition each day to watch more than 1,900 student-athletes represent their schools.
The state meet has been held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at The Ohio State University since 2004. The event was first held at Denison University in 1908, then at Ohio Wesleyan University from 1909-1923, and then at Ohio Stadium from 1924-1998. When the track was removed from Ohio Stadium in 1999, the state meet was held at Dayton Welcome Stadium from 1999-2003.
Attention Fans:
Tickets are $10 each at the gate per day. Children under 3 years of age are not required to have a ticket. The bleachers on the east side of the stadium have been removed due to construction at the nearby Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Please see additional important announcements below.
Regional tournaments conclude Saturday. Schedules and results can be found at:
State Tournament Information:
Media Update: All media work space at the state track meet is now located in the OSU softball stadium complex. There are four areas available, including the first base side clubhouse, press box, third base side batting cages and a large trailer located beside the stadium. There are actually more seats available now compared to previous years in the former media work rooms under the main grandstand.
2017 OHSAA Track and Field State Meet Announcements
State Meet Traffic Advisory
Due to multiple events occurring in the area, all guests coming to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium for the state track and field meet should use the Ackerman Road exit from State Route 315. For reference, Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium is located at 2450 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, but please use the Ackerman Road exit even if coming from south of the stadium. The facility and parking map is posted at:
http://www.ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Sports/Track-Field/tfFacilityDiagram.pdf
Participant Drop Off and School Vehicle Parking
For drop-off, only vehicles marked as “School Transportation” will be permitted to enter the parking lot south of the stadium to drop off state qualifiers and coaches. AFTER DROP-OFF, ALL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES MUST PARK IN THE ABB LOT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF ACKERMAN ROAD, NORTH OF THE STADIUM). The physical address is 660 Ackerman Road.
East Side Spectator Seating Note
Stadium Open June 1 from 4:00 to 6:00
The track at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium (but not the shot put or discus areas) will be open from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, for state qualifiers to visit, if desired. This availability is only for a “walk-through” and no implements (including batons, hurdles, starter blocks, shot puts, discus, etc.) is permitted. The facility will not open until exactly 4 p.m. and will close promptly at 6 p.m. On Thursday, ALL VEHICLES must pay the automatic teller machines for the hourly rate. Parking is free on Friday and Saturday.
Spike Regulation
Spikes longer than 1/4" pyramids are not permitted. Pyramid spikes, needle spikes and Christmas tree spikes are not permitted. The clerks will be checking spike length just before the races and at check-in. If a competitor is in violation of this rule, he/she will not be allowed to participate.
RV Parking – FEES APPLY PRIOR TO FRIDAY
RVs are permitted to park in the Buckeye Lot #1, which is located just north of the shot put and discus areas (west of Fred Taylor Drive). RVs that arrive on Thursday must pay the automatic teller machines for three parking spaces. All parking is free beginning Friday morning.
Temporary Tents Not Permitted in Pole Vault Area
Temporary tents are not permitted in the pole vault area at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Coach Infield Passes for Pole Vault, High Jump and Long Jump
Schools that have a state qualifier in pole vault, high jump or long jump will receive one infield pass for a coach. Only one pass is given per school. The passes are specific for event, division and gender and are valid only when those competitions are being held.
Tim Stried
Director of Communications
Ohio High School Athletic Association
614-267-2502, ext. 124 office
614-267-1677 fax
4080 Roselea Place
Columbus, OH 43214