Ohio bill demands big OSU football games be played at night

Lights. Camera. Football. If you want to watch more big Ohio State football games at night, there’s a bill in the Statehouse to make that happen.

Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) said FOX’s Big Noon game isn’t a big deal for fans. He said there’s more excitement and student attendance with evening games.

“The atmosphere is just different when you are kicking off under the lights,” Fischer said.

But Fischer said FOX has scheduled OSU in the noon slot too frequently. His bill, which has yet to be formally introduced, would require that if OSU Football is ranked in the top ten and plays a top ten team, the game can’t start before 3:30 pm. But there is one carveout – Michigan.

“That is traditionally a noon kickoff. I don’t think anyone is too concerned or looking to change that. I certainly am not,” Fischer said.

Under Fischer’s bill, scheduling a game before 3:30pm would result in hefty penalties.

“It would be a $10 million fine to either the broadcast network or their conference, kind of depending on the specifics of what that contract is and who the burden of the violation would fall upon,” Fischer said.

In recent years, streaming services have been getting exclusive contracts to broadcast college athletics. For the second time, Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) is sponsoring a bill that would ban OSU football from entering into contracts with exclusive streaming services. But that is not part of Fischer’s bill.

The recent Ohio legislative proposal demanding that major Ohio State University football games be scheduled at night represents a significant development in the intersection of sports, public policy, and community interests within the state. This bill, driven by a combination of economic, cultural, and safety considerations, aims to reshape the traditional scheduling of OSU’s biggest football contests, primarily evening or night games, and reflects broader debates about the role of sports in society. To understand the implications of this bill fully, it is essential to explore its origins, motivations, potential impact on the university and community, historical context of college football scheduling, and the broader societal debates surrounding sports and public policy.

Ohio State University’s football program is one of the most storied and successful in college football history. With a passionate fan base, a tradition of excellence under legendary coaches like Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Ryan Day, and a prominent place in Ohio’s cultural identity, OSU football games are major statewide events. Historically, the schedule of these games has included a mix of daytime and evening contests, often dictated by television networks, logistical considerations, and tradition.

In recent years, night games—particularly primetime Saturday night contests—have become increasingly popular. They often draw larger television audiences, create a festive atmosphere, and enhance revenue through increased ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise. Night games also boost the visibility of the program nationally and contribute to the local economy, especially in college towns like Columbus.

However, despite the popularity of night games, the scheduling has been subject to debate, with some stakeholders advocating for more daytime contests due to concerns about safety, family-friendly environments, and community involvement. It is within this context that the Ohio bill proposing mandatory night games for major OSU football matchups has gained attention.

**The Bill’s Provisions and Motivations**

The legislation, introduced by a coalition of state legislators, stipulates that all major Ohio State football games—defined as home games against top-ranked opponents or rivalry games—must be scheduled to start at night, post-sunset hours. The bill cites several motivations:

1. **Economic Growth:** Proponents argue that night games generate more revenue for the university, local businesses, and the state through increased attendance, tourism, and media rights. Night games tend to attract larger crowds and higher television ratings, which translates into greater advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

2. **Community Engagement:** Advocates believe night contests foster a more vibrant, unified community atmosphere. Evening games can encourage families and students to attend without conflicting with daytime work or school obligations, thereby increasing community participation and school spirit.

3. **Safety and Security:** Supporters contend that night games are safer, as they often come with increased security measures, better crowd control, and less daytime traffic congestion. They also argue that evening games reduce potential conflicts with school hours and commuter traffic, making transportation safer and more manageable.

4. **Media and Visibility:** Night games tend to garner more national attention, helping elevate Ohio State’s profile and recruiting efforts. The bill aims to leverage this visibility to promote Ohio’s reputation as a football powerhouse.

5. **Tradition and Culture:** For many fans, night games are a beloved part of college football culture. The bill seeks to formalize this tradition and ensure that the state’s most significant sporting event aligns with what has become an expectation among fans.

Conversely, critics of the bill raise concerns about its potential drawbacks, including restrictions on the university’s scheduling autonomy, the impact on local residents, and the potential commercialization of college sports.

**Legal and Logistical Considerations**

Implementing such a law would involve navigating complex legal and logistical issues. Universities typically schedule games based on television contracts, network preferences, and logistical planning, which may conflict with legislative mandates. The bill could face legal challenges on grounds of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, or First Amendment concerns related to free enterprise.

Furthermore, the NCAA, which governs college athletics, maintains a degree of independence in scheduling and event management. Any state legislation mandating game times would need to align with NCAA policies and broadcast arrangements. There could also be conflicts with the Big Ten Conference’s scheduling policies and television agreements.

Logistically, the bill would require coordination with multiple stakeholders:

– **Ohio State University:** The athletic department would need to adjust its scheduling policies, potentially rescheduling or resuming conflicts with existing commitments.

– **Television Networks:** Broadcasters such as ESPN or FOX would need to agree to schedule games at night, which might conflict with their programming priorities.

– **Local Authorities:** Law enforcement, transportation agencies, and emergency services would need to plan for increased night-time activity, crowd control, and safety measures.

– **Community and Fans:** Fans, students, and residents would need to adapt their routines, transportation plans, and family schedules to accommodate night games.

While the bill’s proponents argue that these challenges are manageable, critics worry about potential unintended consequences, including increased traffic congestion, noise complaints, and the impact on local residents who might be inconvenienced by late-night events.

**Historical Perspective on College Football Scheduling**

College football has a long-standing tradition of Saturday afternoon and evening games. Historically, these schedules were driven by practical considerations—daylight hours, travel logistics, and the availability of stadiums. Over time, television rights and commercial interests transformed the scheduling landscape, leading to the proliferation of prime-time night games.

In many conferences, including the Big Ten, scheduling decisions are influenced heavily by television contracts. Night games often attract higher ratings, which in turn boost revenue sharing and program visibility. Notable rivalries like Ohio State vs. Michigan or Ohio State vs. Penn State have occasionally featured night contests, which have become a staple for fans and broadcasters alike.

However, some regions and communities have expressed preferences for daytime games, citing concerns about noise, safety, and family-friendly environments. The debate over game times is not new; it reflects broader tensions between commercial interests and community values.

**Societal and Cultural Implications**

The proposal to mandate night games at Ohio State touches on deeper societal themes:

– **Commercialization vs. Community:** Critics argue that legislating game times prioritizes revenue over community well-being and traditional values. The move towards night games is seen by some as part of a broader trend of commercialization and commodification of college sports.

– **Safety and Family Considerations:** Daytime games are often preferred by families and local residents, who feel more comfortable attending and supporting their team during daylight hours. Night games can pose safety concerns, especially for younger children and elderly spectators.

– **Economic Impact:** Night games can boost local economies through increased patronage of restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments. However, they can also strain local infrastructure and increase noise and traffic in residential neighborhoods.

– **Media and Exposure:** Night games typically attract larger audiences, boosting the university’s national profile, recruiting efforts, and media revenue. This aligns with the broader media-driven model of college sports.

– **Tradition and Identity:** For many fans, night games have become a cultural tradition, symbolizing excitement, energy, and communal celebration. The bill’s proponents view formalizing night games as preserving and enhancing this tradition.

**Potential Reactions and Stakeholder Perspectives**

The bill has generated a spectrum of reactions from various stakeholders:

– **University Administration:** Ohio State’s athletic department may have mixed feelings. While recognizing the financial and promotional benefits of night games, they may also be cautious about legislative interference and logistical complexities.

– **Fans and Alumni:** Many fans cherish night games for their festive atmosphere. Supporters of the bill likely see it as a way to ensure these prime-time contests remain a central part of OSU football culture.

– **Local Residents:** Some community members may oppose the bill, citing concerns about noise, late-night traffic, and disruptions to their daily routines.

– **Student Body:** Students may appreciate evening games that allow participation without conflicting with classes or daytime commitments, although some may prefer daytime games for safety reasons.

– **Opponents of the Bill:** Critics argue that scheduling decisions should remain within the university’s discretion, based on logistical, commercial, and strategic considerations rather than legislative mandates.

**Legal and Ethical Considerations**

Enacting legislation that dictates university athletic scheduling raises questions about the limits of government intervention in private and institutional decisions. While the bill aims to serve public interests—economic development, safety, community engagement—it must balance these with university autonomy and free enterprise principles.

Legal challenges could include claims that the bill infringes on the university’s independence or violates contractual agreements with broadcasters and conference organizers. Ethical debates may focus on whether government should influence sports scheduling or if such decisions should be left to the institutions involved.

**Future Implications and Broader Trends**

If passed, the Ohio bill could set a precedent for legislative involvement in college sports scheduling, prompting other states to consider similar measures. It could also influence how universities negotiate television contracts and schedule games, integrating public policy considerations into their planning processes.

Moreover, the bill highlights ongoing tensions between commercial interests—ranging from media rights to merchandise sales—and community values emphasizing family-friendly environments and local concerns.

The Ohio bill demanding that major Ohio State football games be played at night encapsulates a complex mix of economic ambitions, cultural values, safety considerations, and institutional autonomy. While night games have become a staple of college football’s modern landscape, legislating such scheduling raises important questions about the appropriate role of government in sports and community life. As this bill moves through legislative processes, it will undoubtedly spark ongoing debate about the future of college football scheduling, the balance between revenue and community well-being, and the enduring traditions that define the sport. Ultimately, the outcome of this legislative effort will reveal much about Ohio’s priorities and the evolving landscape of college athletics in America.