Information
Landmark: Nationwide ArenaCity: Columbus
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
Nationwide Arena sits in the heart of Columbus’s lively Arena District, a modern space built to host everything from hockey games to sold‑out concerts, with bright lights spilling onto the busy streets at night.Since opening in September 2000, it’s become a go-to spot for sports, concerts, family shows, and big events, breathing new life into downtown Columbus with the buzz of cheering crowds and bright marquee lights.Nationwide Arena sits at 200 W, its glass front catching the afternoon light.Nationwide Boulevard sits just steps from Columbus’s favorite spots, from cozy cafés in the Short North Arts District to the lively streets of nearby neighborhoods.Right in the heart of town, it’s easy for locals and out-of-towners to reach-just a short walk from the main square.The arena blends historic charm with modern style, giving it a look you won’t mistake for anything else.Outside, a warm brick facade ties seamlessly into Columbus’s streets, keeping the city’s architectural heritage alive.Atrium: Its 70-foot glass enclosure makes a striking first impression, flooding the entrance with warm daylight and framing the city skyline in clear, shimmering panes.Inside, two 80‑foot towers hold the arena steady, while outside a 135‑foot light tower floods downtown Columbus with a warm glow, easy to spot from blocks away.Building Nationwide Arena was no small task-it took over 9,400 tons of steel, 1.3 million bricks, 44 miles of piping, 300 miles of wiring, 40,000 cubic yards of concrete, 12,000 gallons of paint, 60,000 square feet of gleaming glass, a roaring 200,000-watt sound system, and nearly 6,600 light fixtures.These details show just how much scale and craftsmanship went into the arena’s infrastructure, from its towering steel beams to the smooth, echoing floors.Nationwide Arena was built to handle all kinds of events, with seating that shifts to fit the occasion - for a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game, about 18,500 fans can pack in, their cheers echoing off the ice.Basketball games can pack in about 19,500 fans, filling the arena with the roar of sneakers on hardwood.At concerts, the crowd can range from about 13,000 in an end-stage setup to almost 20,000 when the stage sits right in the middle, with speakers towering overhead.For theater-style events, seating can be tailored to create a more intimate feel, whether it’s a cozy 2,000-seat setup or a sprawling hall for 7,000.Thanks to its flexibility, the arena can host anything from roaring major league games to packed concerts, lively family shows, or bustling conventions.The arena’s best known as home ice for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, where fans pack the stands and the thump of skates cuts through the cold air.Hockey fans soak up the buzz here, surrounded by sleek, modern facilities and the scent of fresh ice.At Nationwide Arena, major touring artists and bands from every genre take the stage, filling the air with booming bass and drawing packed crowds for headline shows.Families flock here for entertainment-think Disney on Ice, with skaters gliding under bright spotlights-and plenty of other kid-friendly shows make it an easy choice for a fun day out.The arena has hosted everything from NCAA basketball games to ice hockey tournaments, with the echo of sneakers on hardwood and skates cutting across ice proving its versatility.With its many meeting rooms and plush suites, the arena hosts everything from boardroom-style corporate gatherings to glittering galas and lively neighborhood events.Food and Beverage: At Nationwide Arena, you’ll find everything from sizzling burgers to fresh salads, with plenty of choices to suit any appetite.Delaware North Sportservice handles the catering, serving everything from local crab cakes to well-known national brands at spots all over the venue.Luxury suites and VIP areas offer plush seating and private club access, giving guests an upscale view of the action-perfect for corporate gatherings or celebrating a special night.The venue meets full ADA standards, so every guest can get around easily-whether it’s rolling up a smooth ramp or finding wide, clear pathways.Parking’s easy here-more than 15,000 spots sit just a short walk away, and there’s even a garage right on site, so you can step out of your car and head straight to the entrance.Nationwide Arena sits in the heart of the Arena District, a lively spot where you can catch a concert, grab dinner, and watch neon signs flicker to life after dark.It’s easy for visitors to wander into nearby restaurants, grab a drink at a lively bar, or catch a show just steps from the venue, whether before or after an event.Being so close to the Short North Arts District means you can wander through art galleries, browse quirky little shops, and discover something new around every corner.Several hotels sit just a few blocks away, so finding a place to stay is simple-step outside, and you can see their signs down the street.You’ll find standout choices like the Hilton Columbus Downtown, the Hyatt Regency Columbus, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Downtown, where the lobby smells faintly of fresh coffee.Since opening its doors, Nationwide Arena has helped breathe new life into downtown Columbus, drawing crowds that spill onto nearby streets and cafés.It’s turned the Arena District into a vibrant, inviting spot where locals linger over coffee and visitors snap photos of the skyline.The arena isn’t only for games-it’s a lively gathering place where concerts echo, neighbors meet, and the city’s character grows stronger.Nationwide Arena is one of Columbus’s top spots for sports, concerts, and big events, where the roar of the crowd can shake the rafters.With striking arches, seating that shifts to fit any crowd, and amenities for every need, it draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.Set in the heart of a lively district, it still draws crowds and stands as a focal point in Columbus’s buzzing entertainment scene, where neon lights spill onto the sidewalk at night.
