Ohio State football kicks off Saturday: what to know before you go

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - It's the time of the year many Ohio State fans have been waiting for: football season.

The Buckeyes will take on Akron in their first game of the season at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Ohio Stadium. Many fans will be flocking to Columbus to watch, so here's what you need to know before you go to the game.

Times for gameday

5 a.m. - Parking lots open

10 a.m. - Team Shop opens

12:30 p.m. - Ticket office opens / Fan Fest starts

1:30 p.m. - Ohio Stadium gates open

3:30 p.m. - Kickoff

Parking

• First come, first serve parking at lots and garages.
• All parking sales are $25 and $30 (no cash accepted, credit cards only)
• Fans who do not have parking permits can park in Buckeye Lots, West Campus or High Street garages.

Bag policy

There is a no bag policy at Ohio Stadium.

• Small bags that are no larger than 5x8x1 inches will be permitted.
• Guests with medical or childcare needs can carry one bag, no bigger than 14x14x4, into the stadium through the Band Center entrance between Gates 10 and 12 or the press entrance between Huntington Club and Gate 23.

Traffic changes

• Cannon Drive will not be a public throughway on game days as construction continues in the area.
• Cannon Drive will be limited to visitors with West Stadium parking passes, service vehicles and security.

Anyone wanting traffic and parking updates, as well as emergency notifications and more can get Buckeye Alerts by texting OSUFB to 67283.

New foods and drinks

• Hot Honey Footlong Dogs, Impossible Dogs
• Crumbl Cookies
• Buckeye Vodka, Evan Williams, High Noon, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Patron will be available for the first time throughout Ohio Stadium 
• Open air grilled “Weber” burgers and ribeye steak sandwiches

Skull Session

• At St. John Arena
• Doors open three hours before kickoff
• No tickets needed with first come, first served seating

Tickets

• Single game tickets are still available for the game on Saturday.
• Ticket office is located on the Northwest corner of Ohio Stadium