ArenaColumbus, OHOhio State and other events at the Schottenstein Center
Schottenstein Center Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Gear
Checked Source: Schottenstein Center A-Z guide (schottensteincenter.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
The Schottenstein Center bans bags and purses of any size, though wallets and wristlets up to 5 by 8 by 1 inches are allowed, plus one bag through a screening lane for medical, dietary or childcare needs. Clear, empty plastic bottles are allowed, but food, coolers and cans are not. Laptops, banners and selfie sticks are banned.
Every rule at Schottenstein Center
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Bags or purses of any size are not permitted. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5 x 8 x 1 inches are, and a dedicated screening lane takes one bag for guests with medical, dietary or childcare needs. Bags of any size are not permitted, which covers backpacks. Purses of any size are not permitted, but wallets and wristlets no larger than 5 x 8 x 1 inches are.
- Bag: No bags, wristlet up to 5 x 8 x 1 in
- Backpack: Not allowed
- Water bottle: Clear, plastic, empty bottles
- Outside food: Not allowed
Food and drink
Guests may bring in bottles that are clear, plastic and empty, and refill stations are on the concourse. Cans, cups and thermoses are not allowed. Food and beverages are on the prohibited items list. The guide notes a screening lane for guests with dietary needs. Flasks, coolers, ice chests, cans, bottles, cups and thermoses are among the prohibited containers, though clear empty plastic bottles are permitted.
Cameras and electronics
The standard policy for most events, including Ohio State hockey and basketball games, allows small pocket-sized point-and-shoot cameras. Audio or video recording is prohibited. Laptops and computers are prohibited. Tablets without keyboards are permitted for sporting events only. The pages do not mention camera lenses, tripods, drones and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers are welcome as long as they do not block access. They can be stored under the guest's seat or checked at Guest Services. A dedicated screening lane is available for guests with medical, dietary or childcare needs, and one bag is permitted.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
Banners, flags, posters and signs are not permitted for Ohio State athletic events and most special events. Some events allow small signs that do not block other guests' view. Banners, flags, posters and signs are not permitted for Ohio State athletic events and most special events. The pages do not mention binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
Management sets the types of security screening. Refusing to comply, or having a prohibited item, can lead to ejection from the arena.
Bag storage and lockers
The guide describes no bag storage and suggests leaving most items at home. Strollers can be checked at Guest Services.
Ohio State games and other events
The guide covers Ohio State games and other events, and the camera policy varies by event. Guests may not exit and re-enter except in personal emergencies arranged with a supervisor.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Backpacks
- Outside food
- Coolers
- Laptops
- Alcohol
- Animals other than service animals
- Fireworks and explosives
- Inflatables and sports equipment
- Poles, sticks and pipes, including selfie sticks
- Lasers and laser pointers
- Noise-making devices
- Weapons and items that mimic weapons
- Wrapped gifts and packages
Questions about Schottenstein Center
Bags or purses of any size are not permitted. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5 x 8 x 1 inches are, and a dedicated screening lane takes one bag for guests with medical, dietary or childcare needs.
Bags of any size are not permitted, which covers backpacks.
Guests may bring in bottles that are clear, plastic and empty, and refill stations are on the concourse. Cans, cups and thermoses are not allowed.
Food and beverages are on the prohibited items list. The guide notes a screening lane for guests with dietary needs.
Flasks, coolers, ice chests, cans, bottles, cups and thermoses are among the prohibited containers, though clear empty plastic bottles are permitted.
Strollers are welcome as long as they do not block access. They can be stored under the guest's seat or checked at Guest Services.
Sources
- A-Z Guide | Schottenstein Center (opens in a new tab)
schottensteincenter.com, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the Schottenstein Center A-Z guide.
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