For the first time in program history, Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium will play host to the NCAA Tournament, marking a major milestone for the Buckeyes and signaling the venue’s rise as one of the top lacrosse destinations in the nation. The announcement comes as a source of immense pride for the university, its athletic department, and a loyal fanbase that has long dreamed of bringing championship-level lacrosse to Columbus.
The state-of-the-art stadium, which officially opened in 2023, was built with the future in mind. Now, less than two years later, the future has arrived. With a sleek design, modern amenities, and an electric atmosphere, the facility has quickly earned respect throughout the lacrosse community. Hosting a round of the NCAA Tournament cements Ohio State’s place on the national stage, not just as a participant in elite competition, but as a premier host site capable of delivering a first-class championship experience.
The NCAA’s decision to bring part of the tournament to Ohio State was driven by multiple factors: the venue’s cutting-edge infrastructure, central Midwest location, strong ticket sales, and an increasingly competitive Buckeyes team that continues to gain traction on the national scene. Administrators from both the NCAA and Ohio State collaborated over the past year to bring the vision to life, and now, everything is in place for one of the sport’s biggest events to unfold in the heart of Columbus.
For Ohio State’s lacrosse program, this is more than a logistical win—it’s symbolic of how far the team has come in recent years. What was once a program fighting for recognition in a crowded Big Ten field is now being celebrated for its commitment to excellence both on and off the field. The Buckeyes’ rise hasn’t happened overnight, and this moment represents a culmination of recruiting efforts, program investment, and fan engagement. Ohio State head coach Nick Myers, who has spent over a decade leading the team, called the opportunity to host a tournament game “a dream come true” and a “testament to the entire Buckeye lacrosse family.”
“There’s nothing like Buckeye Nation,” Myers said. “To be able to bring the NCAA Tournament to our home field is something we’ve worked toward for years. Our players, our alumni, our fans—they’ve all played a role in getting us here. This is a celebration of that journey, and we can’t wait to showcase what Ohio State Lacrosse is all about.”
The stadium itself was designed with championship moments in mind. Seating more than 2,000 fans with additional standing-room capacity, the venue offers intimate sightlines that bring spectators close to the action. The playing surface is a hybrid Bermuda grass built for all-weather durability, and the locker rooms, media spaces, and team facilities are top-tier. There’s also an in-stadium video board, upgraded lighting, and a sound system that brings energy to every faceoff, goal, and ground ball.
Beyond the stadium’s walls, Columbus is ready to roll out the red carpet. A growing lacrosse market, the city has hosted youth tournaments, high school championships, and professional exhibitions in recent years. The addition of the NCAA Tournament adds a new layer of prestige to the local sports landscape, which already includes Ohio State football, NHL hockey with the Blue Jackets, and Major League Soccer with the Columbus Crew. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants are expected to see a significant uptick in traffic, with traveling fans and teams bringing economic energy into the area.
The NCAA Tournament itself is one of the most revered events in college sports. Often overshadowed by its basketball counterpart, the lacrosse tournament is beloved within the sport for its intensity, emotion, and unpredictability. Each game is a do-or-die battle, with student-athletes leaving everything on the field in pursuit of the national title. The chance to witness that level of drama in person is a rare privilege for many fans in the Midwest, where top-tier lacrosse has traditionally been harder to access than on the East Coast.
For the Buckeyes, playing in front of a home crowd could be a game-changer. While nothing is guaranteed in the world of sports, the possibility of Ohio State earning a tournament home game and competing in front of its loyal supporters adds an exciting subplot to the postseason. Players have long spoken about the unique energy that comes with playing under the lights at Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium, and bringing that atmosphere to the NCAA Tournament would be a dream scenario.
Midfielder Bobby Van Buren, one of the team’s emotional leaders, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “We talk a lot about legacy,” Van Buren said. “This is one of those moments where you realize you’re part of something bigger than yourself. To have the NCAA Tournament come to our home—it’s a chance to show the world what we’ve built here. It’s something we’ll never forget.”
The road to hosting wasn’t without its hurdles. Ohio State had to demonstrate not only the quality of its facilities, but also its ability to organize and execute large-scale sporting events. With a proven track record of hosting Big Ten Championships, NCAA regional events in other sports, and massive football games, the university cleared those benchmarks with confidence. Still, securing a lacrosse tournament site required targeted planning, investment in sport-specific resources, and a collective vision to grow the game in the Midwest.
Athletic director Gene Smith, who has long championed the growth of non-revenue sports at Ohio State, praised the collaboration across departments. “This was a team effort from top to bottom,” Smith said. “Our goal has always been to elevate every program at Ohio State, and lacrosse is a big part of that vision. Hosting the NCAA Tournament sends a message that we’re committed to being the best—not just in football or basketball, but across the board. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Fans can expect a packed house, with Ohio State’s loyal student section—known as “The Cage”—expected to lead the charge. Known for their creative chants, relentless energy, and painted faces, The Cage has become a staple of home games since the new stadium opened. Their presence adds a distinct home-field advantage that few schools can match, and it’s sure to be a factor during tournament play.
Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks, with priority access given to season ticket holders and Ohio State donors. General admission sales are expected to follow shortly after, and early interest suggests a sellout is likely. In addition to the game itself, the university is planning a range of fan experiences, from youth clinics and autograph sessions to live music and pregame festivities. The goal is to make the event not just a game, but a celebration of lacrosse culture and community.
The ripple effects of hosting an NCAA Tournament game will be felt long after the final whistle. For recruiting purposes, there’s no better message than showing future players that Ohio State isn’t just competing at the highest level—it’s helping to shape what that level looks like. From a brand standpoint, the Buckeyes will be front and center in a nationally televised event, with broadcasters, analysts, and highlight reels beaming images of Columbus to lacrosse fans across the country.
There’s also an emotional component that can’t be ignored. For alumni who built the foundation, for coaches who fought for funding, and for players who gave everything without the promise of a packed stadium, this is a validation. It’s a reward. It’s a moment that honors the past while inspiring the future.
As the NCAA Tournament prepares to descend upon Columbus, one thing is clear: Ohio State is ready. The stadium is ready. The fans are ready. And the sport of lacrosse, growing faster than ever, just found one of its brightest new stages in the Buckeye State.
The Big Dance is coming—and this time, it’s bringing its cleats.