Nationwide Arena
Columbus · Home of 🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets
⚡ Quick answers
- Who plays at Nationwide Arena?
- Nationwide Arena in Columbus is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL).
- What is the closest airport to Nationwide Arena?
- Columbus John Glenn (CMH) is the closest major airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from Nationwide Arena — roughly 11 min by car depending on traffic.
- How much is parking at Nationwide Arena?
- Game-day parking starts around $17 USD. Ride COTA's CBUS — a genuinely free downtown circulator running every 10-15 minutes along High Street with a stop at Nationwide Blvd, a block from the arena — and park in…
- How much is a beer at Nationwide Arena?
- A standard beer is estimated at about $10.50 USD, undated; we couldn't confirm it on a menu. A regular hot dog is about $6.00 USD (estimate). Prices vary by stand and size and may change.
- How do you get to Nationwide Arena without a car?
- Columbus has no rail transit. COTA's free downtown circulator, the C-Bus, runs a north-south route along High Street two blocks east of the arena - get off at Nationwide Boulevard to walk to the arena; it also connects to Short North and Ge…
- Where are the best seats at Nationwide Arena?
- Lower bowl (100s) along the ice; upper 200s cheap and fine. The Arena District around it is a big plus — sit lower and arrive early.
- What is the bag policy at Nationwide Arena?
- No bags (clear ones included) except an 8×5×1 in. clutch, medical bags or diaper bags. No outside food or drinks. No heavy plastic or glass bottles or thermoses.
- Is Nationwide Arena wheelchair accessible?
- Accessible seats are on all levels and prices; request them when buying through the Box Office or Ticketmaster, with up to 3 companion seats (not guaranteed). Suggested accessible parking is the McConnell Garage or Front Street Garage, and drop-off is on West Street. Elevators across from Sections 106, 112 and 117 reach the upper levels. Free wheelchair escorts are at every entry—no booking needed, just ask uniformed staff.
✈️🚗 Getting to Nationwide Arena
Nearest major airport: Columbus John Glenn (CMH) — about 8 mi / 11 min away.
🏟️ Fan guide
Best seats
Lower bowl (100s) along the ice; upper 200s cheap and fine. The Arena District around it is a big plus — sit lower and arrive early.
Parking
Arena District garages/lots right there; walkable and well-organized. COTA buses serve downtown. ($15–30 USD)
Getting there
No rail — drive to the Arena District garages, or a short walk/bus from downtown Columbus.
Bar scene
The Arena District is purpose-built with bars/restaurants around the rink (and ballpark next door); the Short North just north is Columbus's best strip.
Pre-game bars
- R Bar Arena District — Classic pre-game bar steps away.
- Short North — Columbus's top bar/restaurant strip, short walk/ride.
Concession prices (USD, approx)
- Standard beer, undated, estimate$10.50
- Hot dog (estimate)$6.00
- Schmidt's brat$9
Prices vary by stand and size and may change.
Insider tips
- Park in the Arena District
- Short North for after
♿ Accessibility at Nationwide Arena
Accessible seats are on all levels and prices; request them when buying through the Box Office or Ticketmaster, with up to 3 companion seats (not guaranteed). Suggested accessible parking is the McConnell Garage or Front Street Garage, and drop-off is on West Street. Elevators across from Sections 106, 112 and 117 reach the upper levels. Free wheelchair escorts are at every entry—no booking needed, just ask uniformed staff.
- Sensory-friendly
- Safelite Safe Spot quiet sensory room on Club Level near Tower 4 (ask Guest Services), and Sensory Inclusion Packs at Guest Services (Sections 112 and 208) with license deposit.
- Hearing
- Free headsets for most events at Guest Services across from Section 112 (ID held)—in-house feed only, not play-by-play. No captioning info listed.
- ASL interpreters
- Free; contact Guest Services at least 3 weeks ahead (ideally before buying tickets).
- Service animals
- Only ADA-defined service animals; call Guest Services ahead about seating. No relief area listed.
🎒 Can I bring it? Bag & food policy
- Bags
- No bags (clear ones included) except an 8×5×1 in. clutch, medical bags or diaper bags.
- Bag check
- Binbox lockers at the McConnell Blvd. and Front St. entrances (cashless; price not published).
- Outside food
- No outside food or drinks.
- Water bottles
- No heavy plastic or glass bottles or thermoses.
- Re-entry
- No re-entry.
Not allowed & exceptions
- Clear bags
- Golf or pointed umbrellas
- Strollers and wagons unless medical
- GoPros and selfie sticks
- Signs that block views
From the venue's official guest guide, checked 2026-10. Rules can change by event. Official policy ↗
🧳 Visiting Nationwide Arena as an away fan
The next visiting teams, and the airport you'd fly into: Columbus John Glenn (CMH) (CMH). Each link has that team's full road-trip guide.
- Sat, Oct 17New York Rangers at Blue Jackets NHL
- Tue, Oct 20Toronto Maple Leafs at Blue Jackets NHL
- Sat, Oct 24Vegas Golden Knights at Blue Jackets NHL
- Tue, Nov 3Colorado Avalanche at Blue Jackets NHL
- Thu, Nov 5Dallas Stars at Blue Jackets NHL
- Tue, Nov 10Florida Panthers at Blue Jackets NHL
🎟️ Tickets & more
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