SPRING GAME TRIBUTE: THE OHIO STATE MARCHING BAND PAYS HOMAGE TO BRUNO MARS DURING 2025 SPRING GAME, ENERGIZING FANS WITH DYNAMIC RENDITIONS OF HIS HITS…

COLUMBUS, OHIO – APRIL 20, 2025 — The 2025 Ohio State University Spring Game will be remembered not only for the on-field performances and quarterback competitions but for a dazzling and heartfelt tribute that came from the stands. The world-renowned Ohio State Marching Band, often hailed as “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” turned the halftime break into an unforgettable musical celebration, paying homage to pop and funk sensation Bruno Mars.

With tens of thousands of fans in attendance and more watching via streaming platforms and highlight clips shared widely across social media, the band transformed Ohio Stadium into a stage for one of their most electrifying performances in recent memory. The tribute, which spanned nearly ten minutes, blended the spirit of collegiate football with the glamour and groove of Bruno Mars’ chart-topping anthems, from “Uptown Funk” to “24K Magic,” captivating fans of all ages.

A MUSICAL MASTERPIECE IN THE HORSESHOE

Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Hoch, Director of Marching and Athletic Bands at Ohio State, the Spring Game show had been in the works for months. The selection of Bruno Mars as the centerpiece was a deliberate choice, intended to resonate with the current generation of students while maintaining appeal for alumni and general fans alike.

“Bruno Mars is one of those rare artists who transcends age and genre,” said Dr. Hoch in a post-game interview. “His music is infectious, high-energy, and just plain fun — a perfect fit for the kind of show we aim to deliver during the Spring Game. We wanted to give our fans something to remember, something bold, and something joyful.”

The show opened with the fan-favorite “Locked Out of Heaven,” arranged for marching band with signature brass punches and synchronized flag team choreography. The stadium erupted as familiar notes filled the air, setting the tone for a fast-paced, entertaining sequence.

Following this opener, the band transitioned into “Treasure,” a smooth, funk-laced groove that saw the sousaphone line take the spotlight with a syncopated bassline. High-stepping band members formed intricate shapes on the field, including a rotating diamond and Mars’ signature sunglasses — a nod to his charismatic fashion style.

A VISUAL AND MUSICAL SPECTACLE

The tribute wasn’t just a musical feat; it was a visual marvel as well. The Ohio State Marching Band is famous for their animated formations, and Saturday’s show did not disappoint. Midway through the performance, band members formed a moonwalk formation that paid homage to both Mars and his frequent comparisons to Michael Jackson. The crowd roared when the form morphed into an animated “Uptown Funk” silhouette strutting across the field.

The most iconic moment came during the closer — a powerful rendition of “24K Magic.” As the drumline drove the beat forward, the rest of the band burst into a dazzling display of golden flags, reflective uniforms, and a formation spelling out “BRUNO” in massive block letters that shimmered with coordinated flag twirls.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

For many students in the band, the tribute was deeply personal. “I grew up listening to Bruno Mars,” said senior mellophone player Jason Reed. “Getting to perform his music in the ‘Shoe, in front of all these fans, was just surreal. I’ve played in a lot of games here, but this one had a different energy.”

That sentiment was echoed by drum major Kayla Simmons, who led the band onto the field with flair. “We poured our hearts into this. It wasn’t just about playing notes — it was about connecting with the crowd, celebrating music, and showing what this band can do.”

FAN REACTION: ELECTRIC ENERGY FROM THE STANDS

The tribute lit up Buckeye Nation on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Videos of the halftime show were trending within an hour of the game ending, with hashtags like #BrunoInTheShoe and #TBDBITL lighting up the feed.

“I came for the quarterbacks but stayed for the band,” tweeted @BuckeyeMama92. “That Bruno Mars tribute had my whole section on our feet!”

Another fan, @JaredWOSU, wrote: “The marching band just stole the show. Period. I’ve been to five Spring Games, and this one had the best halftime performance I’ve seen. What a tribute!”

The stadium itself, packed with over 75,000 fans, erupted in cheers as the final note of “24K Magic” echoed through the rafters. The players, many of whom remained on the field during the performance, were seen clapping and dancing along — including rising quarterback Jackson Arnold, who was caught on the Jumbotron nodding to the beat and smiling wide.

HONORING A CULTURAL ICON

While Bruno Mars himself did not attend the game, his influence was felt throughout. Band leadership shared that Mars’ team had been informed of the tribute beforehand. “We reached out to let them know what we were planning, and they were supportive and excited,” said assistant director Russel Mikkelson. “We hope he gets a chance to see the footage. It’s a love letter to his artistry.”

The selection of Mars wasn’t just about musical appeal — it was about acknowledging his role as a cultural icon. With multiple Grammy Awards, billions of streams, and a genre-blending style that’s both retro and modern, Mars represents a kind of timeless showmanship that aligns perfectly with the Ohio State Marching Band’s own reputation for excellence.

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

This isn’t the first time the OSU Marching Band has gone viral for its inventive halftime shows. From tributes to The Beatles and The Wizard of Oz to blockbuster-themed performances featuring Star Wars and Marvel, the band has built a national reputation for fusing music, art, and athletics.

In fact, Saturday’s performance marks the 10th year anniversary of the band’s groundbreaking “Michael Jackson Moonwalk” routine that first gained international attention in 2015. That legacy of innovation continues today with younger generations of musicians, arrangers, and designers pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the discipline and precision the band is known for.

SPRING GAME HIGHLIGHTS: THE MUSIC AND THE FOOTBALL

While the halftime show stole the spotlight, the 2025 Spring Game still offered plenty for fans of the gridiron. The quarterback battle between Jackson Arnold and true freshman Devin Brown provided compelling moments, with Arnold showcasing improved pocket presence and a strong connection with wide receiver Carnell Tate.

Running back James Peoples impressed with multiple explosive plays, while the defensive unit led by Jack Sawyer and Sonny Styles looked disciplined and fast. Still, for many in attendance, the music was the moment.

“I come to the Spring Game every year,” said OSU alum Darrell Moore. “The football is fun, sure. But this band? They make you proud to be a Buckeye.”

LOOKING AHEAD: THE SEASON AND THE SHOWS TO COME

With the 2025 regular season just months away, expectations are high for both the football team and the marching band. Fans are already speculating what next season’s theme shows might include, with suggestions ranging from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé to Broadway classics.

Dr. Hoch remains tight-lipped about future plans but promises more to come: “We never stop working. The Bruno Mars tribute was a highlight, but we’re always looking forward — thinking about what comes next and how we can continue to elevate the experience for our fans.”

A LASTING MEMORY FOR BUCKEYE NATION

As the sun set over Ohio Stadium and fans filed out, many couldn’t stop humming the tunes they had just heard. For students graduating this spring, the Bruno Mars tribute marked one of their final performances in the iconic ‘Shoe — a fitting finale to their college careers.

And for the fans, both old and new, it was another chapter in the rich tradition of Ohio State football Saturdays: a reminder that music, culture, and sports can come together to create moments that resonate far beyond the final whistle.

Because at Ohio State, halftime is never just a break — it’s a show. And on this spring afternoon, it was pure 24-karat magic.