Nationwide Arena: A Premier Event Venue in Columbus, Ohio
Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Nationwide Arena stands as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. Situated at 200 W Nationwide Blvd, this state-of-the-art facility has been a cornerstone of the local community since its opening in 2000. Originally known as the "Columbus Arena," it was rebranded to its current name to reflect the sponsorship by Nationwide Insurance.
Nationwide Arena boasts a seating capacity of approximately 18,500 for concerts and around 19,000 for hockey games, making it one of the largest venues in the region. The arena features a versatile seating arrangement that accommodates various events, from exhilarating NHL games featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets to electrifying concerts by world-renowned artists. The seating options range from premium club seats to more affordable general admission tickets, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
The arena hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year, including professional hockey, basketball games, concerts, and family shows. Notable past performers include Taylor Swift, Elton John, and the legendary Cirque du Soleil. The seasonal nature of events means that fans can enjoy different experiences depending on the time of year, with hockey season running from October to April and concert tours often peaking during the summer months.
Parking at Nationwide Arena is convenient, with several lots available nearby. The most recommended parking areas include the Arena District Garage and surface lots located within walking distance. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid traffic congestion on event days. For those using public transportation, COTA offers reliable bus services that connect directly to the arena.
When selecting your seat at Nationwide Arena, consider factors such as proximity to the stage or rink and your budget. The best seats for concerts are typically located in the lower bowl sections, while hockey fans may prefer seats along the glass for an up-close experience. For those looking for a more economical option, upper-level seating still provides excellent views of the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events are held at Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena hosts a variety of events including NHL games, concerts, family shows, and special events like wrestling matches and ice skating performances.
How do I get to Nationwide Arena?
The arena is easily accessible via major highways such as I-70 and I-71. For those driving, it's recommended to use GPS for real-time traffic updates. Public transportation options are also available through COTA bus services.
What are the parking options at Nationwide Arena?
There are several parking lots available near the arena including the Arena District Garage. It's advisable to arrive early as these lots can fill up quickly on event days.
What is the seating capacity of Nationwide Arena?
The seating capacity varies by event type: approximately 18,500 for concerts and around 19,000 for hockey games.
How can I choose the best seat for an event?
Consider your budget and preferences when selecting a seat. Lower bowl seats offer closer views for concerts while upper-level seats can provide a broader perspective of hockey games.
Media and Trailers
Nationwide Arena Customers Reviews
Sir Paul McCartney concert
The show was brilliant, the venue was not. We arrived at the stadium almost 2 1/2 hors before the show. It took us 45 minutes from the tome we got off the NJ Turnpike to the time we got to a parking space, there were not enough people collecting the obscene $40 for parking, there were people taking up to 5 minutes to collect the fee from 1 car. We left our parking spot at 7:20, waited 20 minutes to get in the stadium only to learn we needed to wait in another 25 minute line to get to our seats on the floor. Very disorganized! From there the evening was great. Paul didn't disappoint, atmosphere was fantastic, all around great concert.
Third Time Seeing Sir Paul was a Charm! However...
Everything was perfect other than the actual tickets. Its very stressful having ONLY Mobile tix on cell phone. We brought printed copies on paper, just in case the ticket on the cell phone didn't work correctly. Why must it be this way only? (I know its helping to stop the scams and scalpers) BUT if someone doesn't have the latest smartphone, they are not allowed because they can't have a MOBILE ticket? Kind of crazy in my opinion...
Also we had 2 seats in section 117, last row, perfect view, not so close but large screens helped. The scene behind us however is an open floor space with a large bar, and the noise of all the people roaming around and drinking and drunk and talking loudly was VERY distracting. While we end up paying $300+ per ticket, it was not only distracting but very annoying. METLIFE stadium needs to do something, especially with all the $$$ they rake in for parking alone! Maybe add in a large divider to block off all of that Noise??? Otherwise the whole concert was AMAZING!
McCartnet Concert 6/16/22
As usual Paul did a fantastic 3-hour show at MetLife Stadium. The 5th time I've seen Sir Paul since the early 70's, even though I've been a fan since 1964 on that magical Sunday night on the Ed Sullivan show when The Beatles appeared for the first time on TV. Paul was in excellent form at MetLife, for a guy about to turn 80 years old in the next 48 hours. The band was flawless and I think Paul's voice sounded better than the last time I saw him in Hershey, PA. MetLife was a good venue and the sound was surprisingly good! Hope this was not the last full blown tour but I feel this may be the last time we may see Paul doing a full tour. As much as his fans would like to see him again and again. This man's music has affected everyone's life, if you were lucky enough to experience the Beatlemania phenomenon.