COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State University has the largest athletic department in the nation, supporting 36 scholarship sports, with an annual budget of approximately $115 million.
Now, officials are looking at an approximate shortfall of $300,000 to $500,000, NBC 4's Lauren Diedrich reported.
Every year, tens of thousands of fans pack Ohio State's football and men's basketball games, cheering on the Buckeyes and paying anywhere from $16 to $60 or more to attend.
Now, OSU is hoping to add $1 more to the total.
"We just felt like a dollar would help us quite a bit and it may not be as stressful to our customer," said Gene Smith, OSU Athletics Director.
"It doesn't seem like a dollar is a lot, but if you multiply that by six or seven home games, two people, cost of parking, concessions," said Barbara Smith, of Franklin County OSU Alumni Club.
Smith spoke with NBC 4 to discuss their proposal to increase ticket prices for those in-demand events Monday.
Smith said the increase has happened annually over the last three years and this year is no different -- especially since the department is facing up to a $500,000 budget shortfall.
Smith said the change is due to the economy.
"Basically, it's the same expenses costs everyone else is facing. Our utility costs are up, our travel costs are up," he said.
The OSU Board of Trustees will make the final decision. Their next meeting is scheduled for Friday.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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