About this venue
Nationwide Arena is one of the flagship indoor venues for major sports and touring shows in the United States—an arena purpose-built for big nights out and a defining landmark of the Arena District. Opened in 2000, it blends a clean, downtown exterior with a highly functional, modern bowl, scaled for top-tier productions: roughly 18,500 for hockey and up to 20,000 for concerts, making it a natural stage for NHL game nights, headline tours, and arena-sized entertainment.
Inside, the experience is designed around visibility and comfort. Seating geometry keeps sightlines clear, the atmosphere carries well across the building—from high-energy sports crowds to full-volume concert finales—and concourses are laid out to help guests move, find sections, and settle in quickly. Food-and-drink options and multiple seating tiers round out a setup that feels straightforward and guest-friendly.
For arrival, head to 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, United States. The arena sits at Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street, with convenient nearby parking in garages such as McConnell Garage and Front Street Garage, plus well-marked pedestrian approaches to the main doors. There are also designated drop-off areas in the immediate vicinity; for broader citywide transportation beyond the arena itself, see the city section further down the page.
About the city
Columbus, the capital of the state of Ohio, may feel understated at first glance, but in practice it’s a strong hub for sports, concerts, and big live experiences. The city blends an easygoing Midwest vibe with the energy of a major student and business center, so there’s always a good reason to go out. From neighborhoods around the Arena District to the The Ohio State University campus, the venue mix is wide—large arenas and stadiums alongside theaters, clubs, and smaller stages that keep the city’s event pulse consistently lively.
Getting in and moving around is straightforward thanks to a clear road network and practical city connections. Most visitors fly into John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), then reach downtown and the main event zones quickly by taxi, rideshare, or rental car. Within the city, public transit is anchored by COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority), whose bus routes connect downtown, campus, and broader neighborhoods—handy when you want to avoid traffic and parking pressure near the biggest venues.
When you’re not chasing tickets, Columbus offers enough “tourist bonus” to fill your day comfortably before or after an event. A walk along the Scioto Mile and the Scioto River is one of the best ways to catch the city’s rhythm, while the Short North Arts District and German Village pair galleries, cafés, and streets made for an easy stroll. For quick bites and local flavors, head to North Market and the Columbus Museum of Art, and let the evening flow naturally—city first, then the arena.
