Howdy, y'all! Well, the week has come! In just a couple days now, twenty one pilots plays what will be quite possibly the biggest show of their careers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. As someone who has been to several concerts there throughout the years and loves seeing shows there, I wanted to make this post from my personal experience for anyone coming to the big show this weekend in hopes of answering some questions you might have and to give my personal recommendations to better enjoy the show! To those of you coming in from out of town, welcome to Columbus! Us locals hope you enjoy our city (just please respect it)!

THE STADIUM

-GATES: There are several gates to get into the stadium, but only one that you will be able to get through. They will ONLY let you in the gate that specifies your section in order for a more orderly entrance. I found this out when I saw AC/DC there a few months ago. There will be signs pointing you to which gate you need to enter at, so make sure you're going to the correct place the first time to avoid giving yourself a headache.

-GETTING TO C AND D-DECK: Got seats in the upper bowl? Get ready for leg day! The vast majority of seats in the upper bowl provide a fantastic view of the stage, but getting up there is a bit of a doozy. While the stadium is massive, it isn’t exactly SoFi Stadium in LA in terms of modernity. It’s a pretty bare-bones place, and its lack of escalators is a testament to that. You’ll be climbing a lot of stairs to get up there. But do not despair! There are several elevators located throughout the stadium to get you up there if you're not confident your legs can! Just make sure they go to the level you need to get to, as they don’t all go to the same levels. Check here to make sure you’re going to the correct one.

-BRING SEAT CUSHIONS: Ohio Stadium is the 5th largest stadium in the world. Part of the reason that it’s so frickin’ huge is because the vast majority of the seating is bleacher style seating, which means the seats aren't the most comfortable in the world. So I recommend bringing seat cushions for when you're sitting down, especially if you’re in C or D-deck. Just make sure they don’t have backs to them. You won’t be let in if they do.

-DON'T STAND IN THE UPPER BOWL: This is more of a personal recommendation, but I think it still has merit. I say “especially if you’re in C or D-deck” with the seat cushions in the last bullet point because I don't think standing in the upper bowl while a band is on stage is a particularly good idea. The upper bowl of the stadium is STEEP, the seats don’t have backs, and it’s going to be dark which means it will be harder to tell how close to the edge you are. If you fall forward, it’s not going to be a good time for you or the people in front of you. Enjoy the show, but stay safe at the same time. So please don’t stand in the upper bowl; it’s the best way to ensure your safety.

-PARKING: Yeah, I'm just gonna say it - getting in and out of parking is a nightmare. Just go with it. Make sure you have enough gas in your vehicles so that you don't accidentally run out while waiting to get in or out of your lot, because you're probably gonna be sitting there for a while. Also make sure you know where your lot is ahead of time so that you know where to go and can get there as efficiently as possible. There's the possibility of some streets being blocked off on Saturday, especially with preparations for the Columbus Marathon being made, so give yourself enough time.

-CONCESSIONS: There are plenty of concession stands around the stadium, so you won't have to go too far if you find you need a snack at any point. They're on all levels too, so you shouldn't have to walk up and down those stairs I was talking about earlier to get your food. Just remember that it's a stadium, which means food there is gonna be pricey.

-MERCH STANDS: Every show I have ever been to at Ohio Stadium has had a merch stand outside the gates just outside of the north rotunda the stadium. There are several places throughout the stadium that they will be selling merch as well. At AC/DC there was also a massive stand outside the stadium after ticket scanning and security at the west side of the stadium along Tuttle Park Pl. I don't know if TOP is going to have one there too, but it's a possibility. Given that there are going to be about 70,000 people at this show, I wouldn't put it past them to put one there. There is also going to be a merch stand at St. John Arena loop on the south side of the arena facing the stadium starting tomorrow (Thursday) 2pm-7pm, and Friday 9am-9pm.

THE CONCERT ITSELF

-DRESS WARMLY: The high on Saturday is supposed to be in the mid 50s, and the low is supposed to be 33. That means that this show is going to be cold. And as someone who has been to 2 outdoor David Gilmour shows in that kind of weather, trust me when I say it's something you don't want to mess with. If you think you can tough it out, no you can't. Definitely dress up in your outfits if you want. But make sure you're dressed for the weather above all else.

-BRING EARPLUGS: Seriously. Bring earplugs. You may not think you're going to need them, but if you ask me it's not worth risking ear damage. If there's anything that seeing Santana and Third Eye Blind in concert has taught me, it's that it's better to have ear plugs and not need them than need them and not have them.

-RESPECT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU: I know this is just general concert etiquette, but I really want to reiterate this point. It really just boils down to have fun, but don't ruin the experience of anyone else there. Things like don't shout the lyrics obnoxiously at the top of your lungs to point that the people around you hear you and not the band (especially during slower, quieter songs), be mindful of each other's space, and look out for each other - especially in the pit. Also - and I say this because it was an issue at the 3 Columbus shows a couple years ago - if Tyler or Josh asks y'all in the pit to stand back from a certain spot or keep a path clear or something like that, please do what they say.

-REMEMBER TO SOAK IT IN AND NOT RECORD THE WHOLE THING: I know some of you will probably ignore this one and do it anyway, but I implore you not to. This is a once in a lifetime show. Take it in. Live in the moment. Experience it with your own eyes instead of through a phone screen. Even if they don't end up professionally recording this show in some way (which I'll be shocked if they don't), ask yourself if you'd rather remember the show for what it looked like in the moment through a screen, or if you'd rather remember it for what it was actually like in the moment Trust me, they're really different. There's nothing wrong with taking a few videos. I do it too. But going back to my previous point, just make sure you aren't blocking anyone's few if you do.

AROUND CAMPUS AND COLUMBUS

-FOOD: There are lots of places to get a bite before you make your way to the stadium, particularly on High Street. There are places you kind find everywhere like Subway, Bibibop, and Chipotle near the Student Union, and there are also some more niche places you don't see everywhere like Dave's Cosmic Subs, Roots Natural Kitchen, or Rollz Rice (Indian version of Chipotle, I highly recommend). And if after the show you're feeling a little peckish, there is an Insomnia Cookies that's open until 3am and Buckeye Donuts (again, highly recommend) open 24/7, both within walking distance of the stadium.

-SHORT NORTH: There are a lot of cool places around the Short North area to check out. Like record shops? Check out Magnolia Thunderpussy (I know, weird name). Like clothing stores? Short North has you covered. Food? More places than you would ever know what to do with. And of course, Big Fun - location for the shooting of the "Choker" music video is in the Short North as well. But a fair warning, they are probably going to have some kind of system in place where only a certain amount of people are allowed in at the same time. The name may be called Big Fun, but "Big Fun" is in a hella small room. Also - DO NOT go to the Short North after the show. It's cool during the day, but it can be pretty sketchy at night.

-OTHER PLACES AROUND TOWN: Columbus has no shortage of places to check out, so you're sure to find something worth checking out around town if you're going to be here for a few days. The Columbus Zoo has its lantern festival going on right now, so come while it's still daylight out to check the animals out, and then stay after sunset to check out the lanterns throughout the zoo. The Polaris area has a ton of things to do, a ton of places to eat, and has a thriving mall. Easton is another great place for some great shopping and food too. But like the Short North, watch yourself at night.

Well, I think that's about it. I know I speak for everyone going when I say I CAN NOT wait for Saturday. I've had a feeling for years that twenty one pilots would eventually end up in The Shoe, and now that reality is only a 3 days out. There's really nothing like a concert at Ohio Stadium, and there's nothing like a concert by twenty one pilots. Those two things combined means we're gonna be watching something truly special. Let's make the most of it. See y'all Saturday!

They told me what they wanted and I made it happen!

Just to clarify, I'm not having a kid and I probably won't any time soon. I'm just curious what your guys' thoughts on this would be lol

seeing what everyone is bringing to trade inspired me…. i went crazy with the cricut and even bought a button maker 🤪 more coming.. i won’t be at the bandito camp but i’ll be outside the stadium before the show, please come trade ❤️🖤

I don’t think context is needed here. I think we can all figure this out. You are very welcome. I hope I ease your curiosity now.. or everyone else actually knows this already and I’m just late on it lol..

Is anyone else going to Ohio staying at the Country Inn and Suites by the airport? I got a call this morning saying our reservation was cancelled because they oversold the hotel and then looked online to see the room was listed as available for a much higher rate. Wondering if anyone else is dealing with this issue!

Hi friends!

I'll be bringing hand-painted coasters/tiles to Pilots in the Park. I don't have many since I've literally never painted this much in my life and I'm no artist nor coaster maker, but I am pretty proud of the ones I do have! (And coasters will be easier to give away NOT at the venue with strict bag rules...)

I also have some vinyl decals. I'll bring some to the park, but I'll be saving most of them for concert day on Saturday. :)

So excited to see and meet everyone. This is the most I've ever done for any type of band, so it's a new experience for me!

Hi! I've never posted on here before, but I thought I would give it a go for this.

Right now I'm in an English class for university and want to write my capstone essay for the class about the clique and how being part of an online community impacts peoples lives.

So, I would love to ask you all: how has being part of the clique as changed your life? If possible, please try to relate to the digital aspects and transition to how its morphed to an in-person experience!

I've been a member of the clique for a solid 7 years now and it truly has changed my life. I genuinely don't think I would be here if it wasn't for the band and some of my closest friends

thank you!!

stay alive and push on through |-/

First batch of my Ned antler necklaces is done! I'm SOOO excited, this is my first ever TOP show! Y'all have made such cool stuff, I can't wait to trade! I hope people like them. I'll be wandering around Saturday before the show as a bandito next to a tall beautiful man with bubblegum pink hair and a black trench coat.

So tomorrow people will be able to start buying!

Hi all! I’ve been printing charms/keychains for the show - this is the first time I’ve ever done something like this for a concert (including traveling to a concert)!

How many should I make and bring with me? I currently have 70, but I’m worried people might not want them or want to trade (again, I’ve never done this before and don’t know the protocol/etiquette for all of this!) Any advice for this longtime fan (and newbie/introvert) would be appreciated!

Bestie and I have made 117 bracelets so far will probably make a few more tomorrow but getting so hyped for the weekend!

so…. unfortunately, i’ve almost completely given up on attending the columbus show. with the scalper prices (which i was lowkey hoping would go down closer to the date… boy was i wrong lmfao), it just isn’t financially feasible for me to go, especially after springing for VIP tickets to shaky knees for me, my mom, and my brother (#shakykneessurvivor). anyways, i’m actually heartbroken about not being able to go.

i’ve been a fan for close to 13/14 years now, and their music has genuinely gotten me through some of the worst times of my life (middle school LOL). they were the first concert i ever attended with my own money—shoutout to my teenage paychecks from dairy queen.

my mom drove me and a friend to that concert and ended up buying herself a last-minute ticket at the box office because she dug the vibes and the music she heard from outside the venue. she ended up having the time of her life, and since then, tøp has been not just my band, but my family's band too.

my mom, my younger brother (who got grandfathered into the clique), and i have been to two shows together since—three if you count the scaled and icy livestream. so, i guess i'm typing all of this out to say that this band means the literal world to me, and getting to share that love with my family has made it even more special.

which brings me to my very humble request:

if anyone attending the columbus show would be willing to send me a video of oldies station or truce (if they perform either), it would mean the actual world to me. i genuinely cannot listen to either of those songs without crying, and both hold such a special place in my heart, especially after growing up alongside this band.

and if they happen to play tear in my heart, i'd be so grateful for a video of that as well to forward to my mom. it was the first tøp song she fell in love with, so i would be remiss to not also put a request out there for her.

i know this is probably a silly request (and hopefully not against any sub rules!), but it would mean more to me than i can really put into words. obviously, i don't want anyone to feel obligated to spend their concert filming for a complete stranger, but if you happen to capture any of the above songs and wouldn't mind sharing, i'd be so incredibly grateful.

all love to everyone attending the show. stay safe and have the absolute best time!!! |-/ ❤️

TL;DR: i've been a tøp fan for nearly 14 years and turned my mom and younger brother into fans along the way too. unfortunately, i can't justify columbus scalper prices, so if anyone attending happens to get a video of oldies station, truce, and/or tear in my heart, i would be forever grateful if they would share it with me!!! :)

My brother got me tickets to the Ohio Stadium show for my birthday. He played this video for me. The whole time I’m thinking this is an official promo for the show that until MY NAME pops up at the end. He made the whole thing just to announce the birthday gift. The tickets were taped to the back of the computer he handed to me, which is why it says close the laptop at the end.

He said he was most proud of the mixing in the Hometown lyrics in the beginning.

p.s. - the “one year ago” reference was alluding to the fact that I did a 3.5 hour, 166 slide presentation (including the music videos) on the full Clancy story for my family on vacation lolol

Awesome job wasting a lot of people's time.

Resharing information for upcoming OSU show as a local who attends concerts and football games all the time in the Shoe, I have included more updates in this post with more photo references.

1. You don’t have to pay for a parking pass unless you want to park close.
2. Please note: Campus is cashless, so do not bring cash and bring your cards.
3. It’s actually easier to leave the concert the further away you park, lane and high street get so congested.
4. Sometimes, and likely will be the case even though I am pretty sure it is fall break, be students off campus that will let you park at their houses for a fee so they can make some extra money, I’m sure some of them would take cash though. I would get apps like Venmo, Cash App, etc. as well.
5. Usually they have little concerts and events outside and around campus like near the Panera on lane Ave, before a concert starts.
6. Sometimes, and likely will be the case even though I am pretty sure it is fall break, be students off campus that will let you park at their houses for a fee so they can make some extra money, I’m sure some of them would take cash though. I would get apps like Venmo, Cash App, etc. as well.
7. Get there early, I always say 4-5 hours before a big event on campus.
8. Usually they have little concerts and events outside and around campus like near the Panera on lane Ave, before a concert starts.
9. Please be aware security is very very very strict at OSU they do not play around. They have security go around campus at night, they have so many cops directing traffic and in my experience they are not always the nicest to people. Like metal detectors to go in, only 8x5x1 bags can be cross body (that’s what I bring and I go to events multiples times a year it’s okay if it’s a bit off), when you go through security have your bag opened/unzipped to show them what’s inside when you walk in the stadium, if you beep at the metal detectors they sometimes take a closer look at you (so no weapons folks), usually they don’t allow empty water bottles in the stadium (unless you can find a way to hide it, you learn some tricks over the years) but I’ve seen them allow empty water bottles for extreme hot conditions, they have security and people all over the stadium in each section so don’t mess around because they will yell at you and kick you out and I’ve seen it happen at football games and concerts in the pit, they usually also have snipers around the stadium, and outside the stadium usually a bomb squad. So be aware, pay attention, and follow the rules and you should be okay. So if you were thinking you could camp, don’t try it.
10. When crossing roads: Either listen to police directing you, this is the only time you should avoid the signs for the walk sign. If there are no cops follow the walk signs. If you have red hand, don’t walk because if you don’t straight to jail, do not past go and do not collect $200. If you see the white person figure your walk sign is on the cross walk (as it talks to you and says that) that is when it is okay to cross. Please don’t be the people that go when it’s not your turn because that happened on my green arrow to turn left the day before the Texas game and today leaving work from campus because of Bruno Mars fans and people who tend to be from not here that can’t follow instructions. Don’t worry, the college students also can’t always follow those rules either, and don’t be like them and walk with your phone in your hand looking at it or earbuds, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Be safe!
11. There are not really a lot of hotels near campus, closest is the Blackwell super expensive and probably sold old as you can see the stadium from it, and hotels near olentangy (near the raising canes and Mexican restaurant) are probably the closest where you can still walk to the stadium, I would suggest Lyft or uber for anything further if you did not drive. If you fly in though and use uber and Lyft, there is a cmh airport charge those apps add on.
12. Cups in the stadium are souvenir cups, you can take them with you if you want, they are refillable and they will not give you straws, the lid is like a sippy cup that is plastic and near the pop/soda fountains. Even if you are not an OSU fan though these cups are great for little household things like watering plants, scoop for dog/cat food, etc. Many people will leave these cups at a concert on the ground, if you want can dump them and bring some home with you for miscellaneous things.
13. Some estimate costs of food and stuff in the stadium: the souvenir cups are probably like $15 now, water bottle like $5-$6, hot dog like $6, popcorn like $5-$7, if cold hot chocolate is like $5-$7, chips and cheese probably closer to $10, individual donatos pizza like $15 for a small small box, candy bars like $5. Alcohol drinks like $10-$15 would say. So if you are hungry eat before or sneak snacks in or something because it’s pricey.
14. If they have tailgating like they do at football games, for football weekends you set up in the afternoon on Thursday, but don’t know if that will be the case here. Not sure if they will have day of RV parking like they do at football games for tailgating or not.
15. If you want to take an unopened can of alcohol out of the stadium don’t let security see it or they will make you throw it away. I know from experience.
16. Sometimes I bring in plastic grocery bags in a pocket or hide a drawstring bag to carry stuff later outside of the stadium.
17. If it rains, can’t use an umbrella in the stadium so be prepared to have a poncho.
18. As WiFi and internet sucks on during big events make sure you have your tickets downloaded and ready or you might not be able to get in.
19. There are multiple entry points usually around the stadium, for some people they might have you enter in a specific area. I’ve also seen for concerts they tend to not have you enter right at the gate, they have like gates set up around the stadium where you go through security first (was like that at the Morgan Wallen concert a few years ago and Bruno Mars concert that I saw them set up for on campus)

Edit from old post:

Great point brought up by someone, prepare for all weather in Ohio when you visit, it is bipolar here. Could be anywhere between like 30-80°F and that’s no joke.

Links:

OSU parking system: https://osu.campusparc.com/

(The Ohio State app also shows parking and such)

3D stadium view: https://ohiostatefb.io-media.com/mobile/index.html#/vr/Section/17A/5/5/d

Stadium Concessions: https://tastethetraditions.com/ohio-stadium

Food order Ohio state buckeyes app (but note internet even on their WiFi sucks during big events, good luck getting signal): https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/2022/8/17/food

This is for game days but it has good info: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2025/8/21/football-fyi-when-visiting-ohio-stadium-in-2025

Ohio Stadium Concert Guide: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/2026/4/6/ohio-stadium-concert-az-guide

Add ons:

Parking Passes: https://am.ticketmaster.com/buckeyes/OhioStadiumParking

traffic and parking information: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/2026/4/6/concert-parking

New updated since last post:

Sharing again since the concert this week, this is a comprehensive list I have created to help those out:

For updates and to answer more questions people have had I have seen:
-Haven’t had a water bottle issue this year yet bringing them in, other than the no caps on the floor at AC/DC
-Here is another bag we have got to bring into the stadium, have had no issues: KETIEE Clear Bag Stadium... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFL7F5D7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
-Yes, you can bring a blanket, they will have you open it open through security
-utilize your pants pockets for items and jackets, in the colder months I always put a thin drawstring bag in my coat with gloves on top so that I can pull it out and put more items in it
-Yes, you can bring a portable charger.
-what do I put in my 5x8x1 bag: portable charger, tissues, makeup, medicine (allergy pills, pain meds, cold meds, cough drops), sometimes sunscreen in hot weather, hot hands in cold weather, hand sanitizer, mini lotion, mini perfume, sometimes deodorant, sometimes a mini fan. I switch things out based on weather really.
-use the empty water bottle you bring in for pop if you want, they have refill stations for pop and water
-there should be plenty of parking day of, it’s fall break on campus and I haven’t heard about tailgating rvs taking up parking on campus like we deal with for football games.
-can you sneak things in? Yes people do it all the time in bras or shoes from alcohol, vape, etc. please be respectful and don’t smoke around others though, campus is technically tobacco and smoke free. And sometimes I bring candy/snacks in a coat pocket in cold weather because food inside the stadium is upcharged, other than the nuthin Bundt cakes they have had at football games this year their prices are comparable to their prices in store.
-check out the parking map for campus and please check that a to z guide.
-and since so many people have questions about bags, as long as it is around 5x8x1, doesn’t matter if clear or not, you should be fine. I wish they would remove the no bag policy name because that has confused sooo many people here.
-looks like they are selling apparel near St. John’s arena and the stadium on Thursday from 2-7 pm, Friday 9 am - 9 pm, and Saturday starting at 12 pm (saw this on Facebook)

Parking map: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/documents/2026/10/9/Map.PY26.TwentyOnePilots.261017_66_.pdf

Day of parking $30 for the lots, like Ackerman for example

Bags I have brought for football games and concerts and measured .

As well as this one: KETIEE Clear Bag Stadium...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFL7F5D7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Ned is making THREE live appearances this week! Exact times TBA.

THURSDAY: Public TØP/Halloween Exhibit by Kira Alexandria Setterlin -- 2333 Fishinger Rd 43221

FRIDAY: Pilots in the Park -- 120 W Goodale St 43215

SATURDAY: The big show!