Located in the Arena District of downtown Columbus, the Nationwide Arena was built on a piece of property that was the site of the historical Ohio State Penitentiary until 1984. Nationwide Arena has pleasantly surprised fans as one of the best NHL arenas ever to be built. Some of the unique qualities include two 80-foot towers that house party suites, a 70-foot glass-enclosed entrance, open lobbies so fans can see the ice as soon as they walk in, and black pillars with marble detail.
Year Opened: 2000
Capacity: 18,500 (Hockey); 20,000 (General Event)
Architect: Heinlen & Schrock, Inc. / NBBJ
Web Site: nationwidearena.com
Phone: 614/246-2000
Anchor Tenants: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) / Columbus Destroyers (AFL) / Columbus Landsharks (NLL)
Parking: There are more than 15,000 parking spaces available within a 10-minute walk of Nationwide Arena. All surrounding parking lots and garages offer spaces for guests with disabilities. The designated drop-off site for guests with special needs is at the corner of Nationwide Blvd. and John H. McConnell Blvd. on the west plaza near the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office. Arena District parking facilities are adequately staffed to assist in directing traffic in and out of lots and garages. All lots and garages will be pre-pay to avoid delays in exiting.
Directions: 200 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215. From North: South on I-71 to I-670 west. Exit at Neil Avenue. Turn left at intersection onto Neil Avenue. Proceed to the signed event parking entrances. Or South on I-71 to I-670 west. Exit onto N. Third St. Turn right onto Chestnut Street. Proceed to the signed event parking entrances on Chestnut Street. Or South on OH-315 to I-670 east. Exit at Neil Avenue. Turn right at intersection onto Neil Avenue. Turn left onto Nationwide Blvd. Proceed to the signed event parking entrances. From South: North on I-71. Exit at Front St. (#100A). Turn left at intersection onto Front Street. Proceed north on Front Street to signed event parking entrances near Front Street. and Nationwide Blvd. From East: West on I-70. Exit at Fouth Street. Continue on Fulton Street to Front Street. Turn right onto Front Street. Proceed north on Front Street to signed event parking entrances near Front Street and Nationwide Blvd. Or West on I-670. Exit onto N. Third Street. Turn right onto Chestnut Street. Proceed to signed event parking entrances on Chestnut Street. From West: East on I-70. Exit at Fourth Street. Continue on Fulton Street to Front Street. Turn right onto Front Street. Proceed north on Front Street to signed event parking entrances near Front Street and Nationwide Blvd. Or East on I-670. Exit onto N. Third Street. Turn right onto Chestnut Street. Proceed to signed event parking entrances on Chestnut Street.
History
Located in the Arena District of downtown Columbus, the Nationwide Arena was built on a piece of property that was the site of the historical Ohio State Penitentiary until 1984. Nationwide Arena has pleasantly surprised fans as one of the best NHL arenas ever to be built. Some of the unique qualities include two 80-foot towers that house party suites, a 70-foot glass-enclosed entrance, open lobbies so fans can see the ice as soon as they walk in, and black pillars with marble detail.
Opened in 2000, this is also the only rink that has its hockey team’s practice facility, CoreComm Ice Haus, attached to the arena. Not only do professionals practice here, but it is open to the public as well.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, National Lacrosse League’s Columbus Landsharks, and the Arena Football League’s Columbus Destroyers all consider Nationwide Arena home.
With plenty of land surrounding the area, the Arena District has room for growth, development, and renovation. Restaurants, shops, and businesses will encompass the arena, which will provide not only sporting events, but also concerts, ice shows, the circus, and other exhibitions.
