The proud Buckeyes’ football program at The Ohio State University plays its first game in 1890. Beginning in 1899, another significant tradition begins with the introduction of a marching band at home games.
During the 1922 season, home games begin to be played in Ohio Stadium (nicknamed the “Horseshoe”). The marching band remains a key component of football’s lasting legacy at the university.
Left: aerial view of ohio stadium. right: statue near ohio stadium celebrates the birth of “script ohio.” (photos courtesy of pinterest)
The band’s foremost tradition remains the “Script Ohio” formation, which has been in continuous use since 1936. Designed by Director Eugene Weigel, the band marches in formation for the first time as the Buckeyes host the Indiana Hoosiers on October 24.
Back in those early days, the marching band consists of 120 members. Today’s band features 192 members.
During the pre-game ceremony, the marching band is given center state on the turf of Ohio Stadium. The “Script Ohio” formation begins along the sideline, centered at the 50-yard line. A triple block “O” becomes the starting point from which a constantly flowing script slowly unwinds across the field.
As the drum major leads the way, the band plays “Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuce.” O-H-I-O unfolds and loops with each letter until the “I” is dotted.
“Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuse” is a military march, which is written by French composer, Robert Planquette, in 1870. The cadence of the music blends perfectly with the graceful loops of “Script Ohio.”
According to tradition, a senior sousaphone player is selected to dot the “I” as he is led by the drum major to his assigned place. He removes his hat and salutes the cheering crowd in the “Shoe.”
The video below showcases the “Script Ohio” of The Ohio State University marching band. The formation begins at the 3:30 mark.
On rare occasions, notable people have been invited to dot the “I” at home games. Here are some of the people who have been honored with this privilege:
- Comedian Bob Hope (1978)
- Buckeyes’ Head Coach Woody Hayes (1983)
- Ohio State alum and professional golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006)
- Astronaut John Glenn and his wife, Annie (2009)
- Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin (2024)
Big Sky Buckeye 