Opened in 1922 because OSU running back Chic Harley drew such large crowds to Ohio Field that the school have to build a large arena, Ohio Stadium has hosted games for 84 years out of the Buckeyes' 116 year history.

They called the horseshoe The House That Harley Built, but they did not name it after him. There was talk of naming the shoe Woody Hayes Stadium, after our famous coach; or Harley-Hayes Stadium, but the school simply left it as Ohio Stadium.

Chic Harley really did build Ohio Stadium with his unparalleled football accomplishments. Ohio Field seated only a couple of thousand spectators and it was standing room only to see Harley play. This is because he was great at running, passing, defense, punting, place kicking ... whatever was needed what was Chic Harley could do.

Beginning his football career in the early 1900s at East High School in Columbus, Ohio, Chic joined the Buckeyes in 1916 and stayed through 1919. He missed only one year of play at Ohio State, because he went off to serve in the US Army for a year in World War I. His Jersey, Number 47, has been retired -- we only have 7 retired jerseys and one of those is for a coach. Woody Hayes (WH)..

It is interesting that Chic's first year at OSU, 1916, was also the year of OSU's first Big 10 Championship. I don't think they could have done it without him, because during the three years he played for the Buckeyes, they lost only one game.

Chic Harley was like Olympian and golfer Babe Zaharias, who seemingly could play any sport and win. Chic lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He played outfield, guard, and sprinter. He became the first football Buckeye to earn All American three times.

Chic Harley graduated from OSU and signed to play with a new NFL team that was to be named The Chicago Bears. He was also to have had 1/3 ownership of the team. However, he was dicovered to have permanent medical conditions stemming from his WWI service overseas and he was taken to a VA hospital, where he spent much of the rest of his life until his death at age 74.

Ohio Stadium was built and renovated in the style of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and seats over 100,000 people. Football Saturdays are so crowded in the campus area that the streets are rerouted one way to and form, and closed off during certain games. This is all still the momentum started by Chic Harley at old Ohio Field. The excitement has never stopped.

Since 1950, Ohio State University Football has not placed lower than fourth in home game attendance nationwide.

In 1950 chic was named a first-team halfback to the Associated Press (AP) college All Star Team of 1900 - 1950. The only other first-team halfback names as was Olympian Jim Thorpe.

Chic Harley is honored at the stadium, as all of our OSU All Americans are honored, with a buckeye tree planted in his name -- except he has three. East High School named its football field after him - Harley Field.

College Football All American and US Veteran, Chic Harley created Ohio Stadium for the Ohio State Buckeyes.