Wilkin Introduces Bill Equalizing High School Athletic Ticket Prices

COLUMBUS—State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) today introduced Senate Bill 181, which will equalize ticket prices for high school athletic events. This legislation follows the news that the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) is charging a steeper price for cash tickets than any other payment method.

“It’s a shameful move by the OHSAA to target students and their families with these sky-high prices,” Wilkin said. “Senate Bill 181 matches ticket prices regardless of how someone purchases them, allowing every student, parent, and grandparent the opportunity to watch the game. As the original drafter of the budget amendment, I will fight as strong as I did then to ensure our kids and families have a cash option that is as equal and accessible as other forms of payment.”

Senate Bill 181 updates the definition of qualifying schools to include an interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates these conferences or interscholastic athletic competition among member schools. This change closes the language gap, ensuring that every entity that charges for these events is held to the same standards under the law.

The legislation requires qualifying schools to:

• Charge the same price for cash and any other forms of payment;
• Charge students enrolled in any school participating in a school-affiliated event less than the adult ticket for the event;
• Offer a cash payment option for concessions, and;
• Allow free entry to an individual who can pay for a ticket in cash on the day of the event if the school does not accept cash payments.

Senate Bill 181 awaits assignment to a committee.