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Columbus, OH
Localtime

Nationwide Arena

A downtown arena anchoring Columbus's Arena District, with strong pre-event options and a straightforward bowl offset by garage… Read more

Event-day essentials

Plan in 60 seconds

Reviewed 8.8.26

Bags & entry
Official bag & entry policy (opens in a new tab)Bags are prohibited except medical bags, diaper bags and clutches up to 8 × 5 × 1 inches. Permitted bags undergo X-ray in dedicated lines.
View bag-size diagram

FanProof visual guide

Small clutch / wallet

Small clutch / wallet

no larger than8 × 5 × 1 in

8 in5 in1 in

Most bags are restricted; the small clutch or wallet shown is generally permitted.

Medical, accessibility, or childcare exceptions may apply after screening.

Individual events may use stricter or different rules. Recheck the official policy before leaving.

Verified 9.2.26Official policy (opens in a new tab)
Seat maps (opens in a new tab)
Parking
Official parking & directions (opens in a new tab)Reserve a district garage in advance and choose it for the departure direction, not only its walking distance.
Arrive
About 45-60 minutes early; allow more time for a sellout or dinner in the Arena District
Exact location
200 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215Open directions (opens in a new tab)
Getting there
COTA routes serve downtown and the Arena District, but schedules vary at event end; confirm the current trip and late-night return before relying on transit.
NearbyDining near Nationwide Arena (opens in a new tab)Drinks near Nationwide Arena (opens in a new tab)Stay near Nationwide Arena (opens in a new tab)
MerchBlue Line store at the arena
  • The Blue Line is Nationwide Arena's official Blue Jackets shop and has public non-event hours.
  • Merchandise locations are cashless and accept cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
  • Cash-to-card kiosks are available in the Box Office and on both concourses.
Official merch details (opens in a new tab)
Real fan takeMarconi garage is usually great in my experience and a light jacket/hoodie is good to take so you’re covered either way.One fan's perspective. Verify variable details with official venue guidance.
Wide upper-level view of the rink, scoreboard, and seating bowl inside Nationwide Arena during a sold-out hockey game.
Photo credits
Photo: w:User:Uccee44, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped for layout.Photo source (opens in a new tab)License (opens in a new tab)
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Home teams
Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Fury
Upcoming Events

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Check official venue information ↗
Venue details
Venue typeArena
Capacity18,144published capacity
Your visit checklist Save, copy or print

Get ready for Nationwide Arena

200 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215

Recheck your exact event’s rules before leaving. Saving is optional and stays in this browser on this device. No account needed.

Visit preparation checklist

Open your ticket and confirm the event date, door time, seat or standing area, and ticket delivery instructions.

Official venue event information (opens in a new tab)

Bags are prohibited except medical bags, diaper bags and clutches up to 8 × 5 × 1 inches. Permitted bags undergo X-ray in dedicated lines.

Official Nationwide Arena visitor policies (opens in a new tab)

Destination: Nationwide Arena, 200 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215. About 45-60 minutes early; allow more time for a sellout or dinner in the Arena District. COTA routes serve downtown and the Arena District, but schedules vary at event end; confirm the current trip and late-night return before relying on transit. Reserve a district garage in advance and choose it for the departure direction, not only its walking distance.

Directions to this venue (opens in a new tab)Official parking / arrival information (opens in a new tab)

Wheelchair assistance from entry to your seat and back is available on request without advance booking. It is an escort service, not a full-event wheelchair loan.

Official Nationwide Arena visitor policies (opens in a new tab)Seat maps (opens in a new tab)

Ticketing, concessions and merchandise are cashless, accepting major cards; concessions and the team shop also accept Apple Pay/Google Pay. Free Cash2Card prepaid Visa conversion is available at the box office and on the Main and Upper concourses; the guide lists no card expiration.

Still to check

  • Water-bottle permission, size/material limits and refill options.
Official Nationwide Arena visitor policies (opens in a new tab)

COTA routes serve downtown and the Arena District, but schedules vary at event end; confirm the current trip and late-night return before relying on transit. Confirm return service and last departures for your event’s finish time.

Plan your route home from this venue (opens in a new tab)

Checking an item records your preparation. It does not confirm a ticket, reserve a seat or guarantee admission. Saved plans do not sync between devices.

Find your section

Seating maps & views

Match the layout to your event before choosing seats. Stage position, floor seating, standing areas, and available sections can change.

Real photos from the seats

Browse Nationwide Arena photos by section and compare the sightlines, railings, and stage views. Check the event and photo date; zoom can make the stage look closer.

View seat photos on A View From My Seat (opens in a new tab)

Plan your visit

Arrival and logisticsBefore you goTransit, parking, timing and entry details

Need to Know

Best for
A walkable entertainment district with multiple food and drink options for hockey, volleyball, and concerts
Watch out for
Event garage pricing, bag restrictions, cold-weather walks, sold-out concourse traffic, and construction or street closures
Good arrival window
About 45-60 minutes early; allow more time for a sellout or dinner in the Arena District
Main transit note
COTA routes serve downtown and the Arena District, but schedules vary at event end; confirm the current trip and late-night return before relying on transit.
Sources1 fan · 3 officialReviewed 8.8.26Sources for Need to Know

Fan discussions are anecdotal, not a consensus.

Parking At A Glance

Parking difficulty

Parking options (opens in a new tab)

Moderate

What to do
Reserve a district garage in advance and choose it for the departure direction, not only its walking distance.
Best option
A prepaid Arena District garage a few blocks from the main doors
Avoid
Joining the closest-garage queue at doors without a reservation
Sources1 fan · 3 officialReviewed 8.8.26Sources for Parking At A Glance

Fan discussions are anecdotal, not a consensus.

Seats and atmosphereChoose your experienceSightlines, supporter sections, crowd flow and event-day character

Inside the Venue At A Glance

01

Positive

Arena District advantage

Restaurants, bars, and pedestrian activity extend the event beyond the building. The same compact district becomes congested immediately after major events.

02

Positive

Hockey atmosphere

Important Blue Jackets games can generate strong crowd energy. Atmosphere varies with opponent, stakes, and attendance.

03

Mixed

Garage choice matters

Official parking guidance offers several district facilities, and the closest option is not always the fastest exit. Route home should guide the selection.

Sources3 officialReviewed 8.8.26Sources for Inside the Venue At A Glance

FanProof editorial synthesis; no fan consensus is claimed.

Fit and tradeoffsWhat to expectThe practical strengths and the details that could change your choice

Why it works

  • ✓The Arena District makes pre-event dining simple and walkable.
  • ✓The building can feel loud and engaged for meaningful hockey games.
  • ✓Multiple nearby garages provide more choice than an isolated arena lot.
Sources3 officialReviewed 8.8.26Sources for Why it works

FanProof editorial synthesis; no fan consensus is claimed.

Know before you book

  • ×Garage traffic can stall after sold-out events.
  • ×Concourse and concession lines tighten at intermissions.
  • ×Transit options are less direct from some suburban areas.
Sources3 officialReviewed 8.8.26Sources for Know before you book

FanProof editorial synthesis; no fan consensus is claimed.

Editorial verdict

FanProof Takeaway

Reviewed 8.8.26

Use the Arena District as part of the experience, reserve a garage for the route home, and arrive before the sharpest door rush.

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