Peden Stadium has anchored Ohio University’s athletic campus in Athens, Ohio since it opened on October 5, 1929. Built for just $185,000 and designed by Osborn Engineering, the same firm behind Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park, the venue originally carried the name Ohio Stadium before being renamed in 1946 to honor longtime coach Don C. Peden.
Nearly a century later, Peden Stadium remains the home of Ohio Bobcats football and stands as the oldest college football venue in the Mid-American Conference. A series of renovations, from added grandstands in 1986 to a lowered playing surface and expanded seating in 2001, grew capacity to roughly 24,000 while keeping the stadium’s old-school charm intact.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Ohio Bobcats (NCAA Division I FBS)
- Location: Athens, Ohio
- Opened: October 5, 1929
- Capacity: About 24,000
- Surface: FieldTurf
- Notable Fact: Oldest college football venue in the Mid-American Conference
A Century of Bobcats Football
When it opened in 1929, the venue was known simply as Ohio Stadium. It was renamed Peden Stadium in 1946 in honor of Don C. Peden, who coached the Bobcats for decades, and in 2022 the playing field itself was named Frank Solich Field after the program’s winningest MAC-era coach.
The stadium has grown gradually rather than all at once. Grandstand additions in 1986 pushed capacity toward 19,000, a five-story press tower followed in 1990, and a 2001 project removed the old track and lowered the field to bring fans closer to the action while raising capacity to about 24,000.
Game Day in Athens
Peden Stadium’s long history gives it an intimate, old-school atmosphere that’s rare among FBS venues. The surrounding Richland Avenue campus setting, combined with the stadium’s age and design pedigree, makes it a favorite among college football traditionalists touring MAC country.
The stadium set a new attendance record on September 6, 2025, when 26,740 fans packed in to watch Ohio defeat West Virginia 17-10, showing the venue can still draw a crowd well beyond its official seating capacity.
Explore more: Explore more iconic stadiums.
Team-color face paint in a twist-up stick — no brushes, no mess in the car.
Sized to the NFL's 12x6x12 clear-bag rule. Fits snacks, a jacket and a rally towel.
A see-through purse that looks like a purse. Works for most stadium, arena and concert bag policies.
Peden Stadium FAQs
When did Peden Stadium open?
Peden Stadium opened on October 5, 1929, originally under the name Ohio Stadium.
What is the capacity of Peden Stadium?
Peden Stadium seats about 24,000 fans, with standing room pushing capacity higher on big game days.
Why is it called Peden Stadium?
The stadium was renamed in 1946 to honor Don C. Peden, a longtime Ohio University football coach.
Get More from Peden Stadium
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Peden Stadium, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: George23520 / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.