Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena is an impressive multi-purpose sports complex located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, USA. Since its grand opening in September 2000, this arena has become one of the city's landmarks, attracting both locals and tourists.

Mainly, Nationwide Arena is known for being the home ice of the Columbus Blue Jackets, a National Hockey League (NHL) team. This modern sports facility can accommodate 18,144 spectators during hockey games, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of excitement and athletic celebration.

In addition to thrilling hockey battles, the arena regularly hosts concerts by world stars, various shows, and other large-scale events, confirming its status as a versatile entertainment venue. The complex was named after the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, whose headquarters is located directly across the street from the sports complex. Thus, it is not just a sports facility, but a true epicenter of cultural and entertainment life in Columbus.

Planning to visit Nationwide Arena and want to know the current event schedule, check ticket availability, or get other important information? We recommend contacting official sources directly. The main contact details are provided in the table below.

The main reason to visit Nationwide Arena is, undoubtedly, the chance to experience the thrilling atmosphere of hockey games. The arena is the home ice for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who compete in the National Hockey League (NHL). Attending a game is a chance to see top-level professional hockey, feel the energy of the fans, and be part of a vibrant sporting event. Of particular note is the fact that the arena hosted the NHL All-Star Game in 2015, gathering the league's best players—an event that has forever gone down in the history of the complex and is a point of pride for local fans.

Beyond hockey, Nationwide Arena offers a diverse program of events thanks to its multi-functional nature. While the Columbus Landsharks lacrosse team also played here in the past (from 2001 to 2003), today the main focus, aside from sports, is on concerts, exhibitions, and other large-scale entertainment shows. Visitors can attend performances by global music stars, spectacular productions, or themed exhibitions. It's recommended to check the event calendar in advance to plan your visit and choose an event to your liking.

Nationwide Arena is conveniently located in the heart of Columbus at 200 West Nationwide Blvd, making it easily accessible for visitors. Thanks to its central location, the arena can be reached in various ways, both by private car and public transport.

If you plan to travel by car, finding the arena is straightforward. Parking for visitors is available next to the complex on the site of the former Ohio Penitentiary. This provides convenience for those who prefer to drive. It is recommended to check the available access routes and parking rates in advance, especially on the days of major events.

For those choosing public transport, the area where Nationwide Arena is located is well-connected to other parts of Columbus. Various bus routes pass in the immediate vicinity of the arena, allowing you to reach your destination without transfers or with a minimum of them. Before your trip, it's worth checking the current schedules and routes on the city's official transport website or via navigation apps.

Nationwide Arena, which opened its doors in 2000, has a rather unusual backstory regarding its location. It was built near the former site of the Ohio Penitentiary. Interestingly, the arena building itself is situated on the site of the prison's former parking lot, while the current arena parking and adjacent residential complex were built directly where the prison blocks once stood. This fact adds a certain historical character to this modern sports facility in Columbus.

Another distinctive feature of Nationwide Arena is its funding method. Unlike many sports facilities in the USA, its construction was entirely privately funded. The investor was Nationwide Realty Investors, the real estate division of Nationwide. The project cost an impressive $175 million. Experts from 360 Architecture (formerly known as Heinlein Schrock Stearns) and NBBJ worked on the arena's architectural look, while Turner Construction served as the general contractor, ensuring the complex's high quality and modern design.

Unfortunately, the arena's history is also linked to a tragic event. On March 16, 2002, during a hockey match between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames, an accident occurred: 13-year-old fan Brittany Cecil was accidentally struck by a puck. The girl passed away two days later, becoming the only spectator in NHL history to die as a result of an incident during a game. This tragic event had far-reaching consequences: afterwards, the NHL introduced a mandatory requirement for safety netting at all league arenas to improve spectator safety and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

When planning a visit to Nationwide Arena, especially if your goal is to attend a hockey game or another major event, you should allow for about 3-4 hours. This time will allow you to enjoy the event and all the accompanying moments without rushing, fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere.

It is recommended to arrive at the arena 30-60 minutes before the official start of the event. This will give you the opportunity to calmly pass through all necessary entrance procedures, find your way around the complex, locate your seats, and, if you wish, visit food outlets or souvenir shops. The event itself, such as a standard hockey game, usually lasts about 2.5-3 hours, including intermissions. Also, remember to factor in the time needed to exit the arena after the event concludes, especially if it's a popular show or game attracting a large crowd.

Nationwide Arena does not have standard daily operating hours, as its functioning depends entirely on the schedule of events—be it hockey games, concerts, or other shows. Generally, the arena doors open to visitors 1-1.5 hours before the official start of the event and close after it concludes.

To find out the exact start time of an event you're interested in and the arena's operating hours on a specific day, it is highly recommended to check the information on the official Nationwide Arena website or contact the event organizers. Events at the arena are held year-round, depending on the approved schedule. For popular events, such as NHL games or concerts by famous performers, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

A visit to Nationwide Arena is undoubtedly an exciting event, whether it's a thrilling hockey game or a grand concert. However, to make your trip to Columbus even more fulfilling and memorable, it's worth taking some time to explore the arena's surroundings. The area around the Nationwide Arena District offers many interesting places that can complement your experience and show the city from different angles.

A walk through the nearby streets will allow you to discover other iconic sights, cozy cafes, parks, or cultural centers. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Columbus and make your stay here as diverse as possible. Even a short outing before or after an event at Nationwide Arena can lead to new discoveries.