Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena opened in 2000 as the centerpiece of Columbus’s Arena District and helped turn a former industrial area into one of downtown’s main entertainment zones. It is the Blue Jackets’ home, but the surrounding district makes concert nights feel bigger than the building itself.

Nationwide Arena sits inside Columbus' Arena District, so get downtown and stay on foot once you are there. Parking garages around Nationwide Boulevard fill quickly for large shows, making an advance reservation worthwhile if you are driving.

Nationwide Arena's published event details and guest-services page are the final authority for bags. Concert rules can differ from sports or festival setups, so verify the current size limit and prohibited-items list before packing.

The Arena District is the obvious place to meet before the show, while the Short North is a short walk north if you want more food and bar options. Reserve parking in advance for busy nights because garages around Nationwide Boulevard fill quickly.