Ohio State announced plans for a major video board upgrade at the Schottenstein Center, which will be in place for the 2026 winter season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Schottenstein Center is undergoing a significant technological transformation this summer to revitalize the game-day atmosphere for Ohio State basketball and hockey fans.

Ohio State Athletics announced Wednesday that the arena is being outfitted with a suite of high-definition LED video displays, a project designed to offer a more immersive viewing experience for spectators. The upgrades are scheduled for completion by September 2026, ahead of the upcoming winter sports seasons.

The core of the project centers on a completely reimagined, center-hung main video board. The new structure features more than triple the square footage of its predecessor and utilizes a continuous, convex design intended to improve sightlines from all vantage points within the arena.

Big things coming soon to the Schottenstein Center 🏟️

Read More ➡️ https://t.co/hPaVw2hkBx pic.twitter.com/aPHapaw2LF

— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) July 17, 2026

Key components of the upgrade include:

• Enhanced Main Display: Four high-resolution LED faces provide a seamless, panoramic view of live action and instant replays.
• Courtside “Underbelly” Screens: New displays mounted beneath the main board provide dedicated viewing angles for fans in premium courtside seats and on team benches.
• Expanded Ribbon Boards: The 360-degree ribbon boards have been increased from 16 inches to 36 inches in height, with pixel density jumping from 400,000 to over 2.6 million, resulting in significantly sharper graphics.
• Unified Arena Presentation: 43 new “vomitory” (vom) displays have been installed throughout the seating bowls, while upper-level corner displays have been upgraded to single, continuous high-definition screens.

Altogether, the installation brings nearly 64 million pixels and over 7,200 square feet of LED technology to the venue. These visual improvements complement a recently completed, comprehensive overhaul of the arena’s audio system, which included new line arrays and modernized back-of-house infrastructure.

Impact on the Game-Day Experience

For the programs that call the Schottenstein Center home, the technology is viewed as a vital tool to strengthen the connection between the team and Buckeye Nation.

“The enhancements to the video boards will deliver sharper visuals, allow for more dynamic content, and provide greater connectivity to the action,” said Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics.

Coaches also expressed optimism about how the upgrades will influence the energy at home games:

• Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jake Diebler: “The improvements to the video boards will not only enhance the in-venue experience but also help better connect our fans with the team”.
• Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kevin McGuff: “Improvements to the video board will further elevate the experience for fans and the student-athletes”.
• Men’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Steve Rohlik: “The new video boards will enhance the experience for both fans and the athletes and allow us to showcase our players and program in even more ways”.

The project was managed by Anthony James Partners and executed by Daktronics, marking the latest chapter in the university’s ongoing efforts to modernize its athletic facilities.

Ohio State’s men’s basketball team, in particular, is generating a lot of buzz this summer with the additions of key freshmen and transfers. Justin Pippen and Anthony Thompson look to make an immediate impact in the Scarlet and Gray, and fans will get an upgraded viewing experience to take in the action.