October 3, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Scarlet red will light the night sky from the top of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s new University Hospital on Friday, Oct. 3. That’s when a 30-foot-tall Block O mounted inside the new 26-story hospital lights up for the first time. It’s the highlight of the first major event leading up to the hospital’s opening in early 2026.
Hospital faculty and staff are invited to the evening celebration located on the lawn at the northwest corner of King Avenue and Cannon Drive. Organizers have planned a fun-filled night of music, games, tailgate-style refreshments and prizes. An exciting drone show will have guests looking skyward as they count down to the main attraction: the Block O lighting.
“For decades, the Block O has symbolized tradition and excellence at Ohio State. Now the Block O is also a beacon representing world-class care for every person, every time. That is our commitment to our community as we prepare to open this exciting, innovative new University Hospital that is designed to provide health and healing to everyone who comes to the Wexner Medical Center for care,” said John J. Warner, MD, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State.
The Block O sign is the highest on campus, sitting 365 feet above ground in the glass cross section of the hospital known as the lantern. Made locally by the Columbus Sign Company, the sign weighs nearly 3 tons and contains about 750 feet of LED lighting. It was transported in 20 sections by elevator and assembled over four weeks.