Columbus Blue Jackets
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
Address
200 West Nationwide Boulevard
Source statement; not independently verified.
City
Columbus
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
OH
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
Nationwide Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
43215
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Lower-cost spots typically in lots/garages a short walk away (advertised from roughly $10 via ParkMobile/SpotHero); over 15,000 spaces within a 10-minute walk
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://www.nationwidearena.com/directions-parking (booking via https://arenadistrict.parkmobile.io/nationwide-arena)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Accessible spaces exceed ADA standards across surrounding lots/garages (state-issued disability hangtag required). Suggested entries: North entrance of McConnell Garage or NE entrance of Front Street Garage; a drop-off section along McConnell Blvd. is maintained for guests with special needs
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Cashless/online prepay via ParkMobile and third-party apps; day-of available. Arena is cashless overall
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — advance purchase available online (recommended) plus day-of
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Nationwide Arena has multiple parking options including the McConnell Garage (connected to the arena), the Front Street Garage, and the Marconi Garage. Pre-paid parking available. Event rates range from $10-$25. ADA parking available in all garages.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
COTA bus lines serve the arena (see Public Transit). Riding COTA is promoted to save on parking/rideshare
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena (urban Arena District; no formal tailgating program published)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Towing
All pick-ups and drop-offs occur on West Street; vehicles must be attended at all times — unattended vehicles may be towed
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
I-670 (Neil Ave exit) and I-70/Front Street access points congest pre/post-event; downtown surface streets around Nationwide Blvd back up near event start/end
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
Surface lots and parking garages throughout the Arena District (e.g., Nationwide Arena Garage, McConnell Garage, Front Street Garage, Vine Street Garage, Buggyworks Lot)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) ~6–7 miles east; reached via rideshare/taxi or connecting COTA service. No direct rail link
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
Transit app and COTA.com provide real-time arrivals/departures
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
COTA Lines 1, 2, or 5 to N. High St. & Ohio Center Way, then a one-block walk west
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
COTA Lines 1, 2, 5 (N. High St. & Ohio Center Way stop, one block east); Lines 3, 8 (Neil Ave & Vine St); Lines 6, 9 (W. Nationwide Blvd & N. Front St). Wikipedia also lists routes 72, 74
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
COTA fares paid via the Transit app or onboard; mobile payment supported
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — landlocked downtown arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
N/A — Columbus has no urban passenger rail/subway system
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus routes serve the downtown Arena District. The CMAX bus rapid transit line runs along High Street nearby. The CBUS free downtown circulator stops near the arena. Standard bus fare: $2.00.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
N/A — no rail service
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Riding COTA avoids parking fees and rideshare surge; check return-trip schedules before the game ends
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
Roughly one block from the High St. & Ohio Center Way stop to the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Cost
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notes
Save fees by riding COTA; download the Transit app for arrivals and mobile payment
Source statement; not independently verified.
Operator
N/A (COTA provides public bus service rather than an arena shuttle)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Pickup
N/A
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated arena shuttle. Nationwide Arena is located in the walkable downtown Arena District with easy access from nearby hotels and parking.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Routes
No dedicated official arena game-day shuttle published; transit served by COTA fixed routes
Source statement; not independently verified.
Schedule
N/A — see COTA schedules at COTA.com / Transit app
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Accessible parking exceeds ADA standards across surrounding lots/garages (state-issued disability hangtag required); demand can exceed supply at heavily attended events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Guest Services desk at Section 112; Blue Jackets ticketing (614) 246-3350. Full info at nationwidearena.com/accessibility
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
A section along McConnell Blvd. is maintained as a drop-off site for guests with special needs
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena meets or exceeds ADA and Ohio accessibility mandates, with accessible parking supply exceeding ADA minimums
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Nationwide Arena is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Services.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
Yes — ADA-compliant restrooms throughout the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Sensory
Sensory inclusion packs/bags available (driver's license left as collateral; packs sanitized after use)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
Service animals are permitted; the arena complies with ADA. Detailed policy on the Accessibility page (nationwidearena.com/accessibility)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Accessible/wheelchair seating available; guests may exchange conventional tickets for accessible locations at the Box Office in advance or at the main Guest Services desk (Section 112) on arrival
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — fully cashless from ticketing to concessions and merchandise; Apple Pay/Google Pay accepted. Cash-2-Card reverse ATMs at Box Office, Main Concourse and Upper Concourse
Source statement; not independently verified.
Craft beer
Yes — local and craft beer available, plus Spirits & Spuds (near Section 104) with high-end liquor selections
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
ESPN The Magazine once ranked Nationwide Arena the "No. 2 stadium experience in professional sports."
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Arena features local/regional concepts; the adjacent North Market (Arena District) hosts ~35 local vendors (Vietnamese, Indian, Belgian, Polish, Mexican, vegetarian, fried chicken)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Pucks & Clucks (Sec. 105), Spirits & Spuds (Sec. 104), Stix bento cart (Sec. 102), nacho counters (Sec. 121 & 217)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
ParkMobile (official Arena District booking), plus SpotHero/ParkWhiz/BestParking third-party booking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Nationwide Arena features a diverse food program with local Columbus favorites, craft beer from Ohio breweries, and classic arena fare. The Blue Line Team Store is on the main concourse. The on-site OhioHealth Ice Haus provides community access.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
Regional/Ohio nachos (foot-long boxes, ~$19.99) sold every Jackets game near Sections 121 and 217
Source statement; not independently verified.
Vegetarian
Yes — vegan nuggets and veggie meatball bento options (Pucks & Clucks near Section 105; Stix cart near Section 102)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Heinlein Schrock Stearns and NBBJ (structural: Thornton Tomasetti; general contractor: Turner Construction)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
$175 million (approx. $338 million in 2024 dollars)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Hosted the 2015 NHL All-Star Game; CBJ's first home game Oct. 7, 2000 (vs. Chicago); first playoff game April 21, 2009; 2007 NHL Entry Draft; multiple NCAA tournament rounds (incl. 2023 Fairleigh Dickinson over Purdue 16-vs-1 upset)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
First NHL arena built with an on-site practice rink (the OhioHealth Ice Haus); the venue sits over the former Ohio Penitentiary parking lot. Brittanie Cecil's 2002 death here led the NHL to mandate protective netting in all arenas
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
~18,500 for hockey
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
Nationwide Arena (named from opening for original majority owner Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened September 9, 2000. The Blue Jackets achieved their first playoff series win in 2019, sweeping the President's Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. The arena anchors the Arena District, a thriving mixed-use neighborhood developed around the venue.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Records
Franchise attendance record of 19,434 vs. Boston Bruins on March 5, 2022 (prior record 19,395 in 2018 playoffs)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
No. 61 Rick Nash — first number retired in franchise history, raised March 5, 2022
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena; brick-and-stone exterior design anchoring the Arena District
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevation
Columbus sits at approximately 760 ft above sea level
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Lower bowl, club/mezzanine, and upper concourse levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Suites, Loge Boxes & Terrace Tables, and Party Towers (premium seating program)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 18,144. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. Includes the attached OhioHealth Ice Haus practice facility.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Center-hung video scoreboard with surround LED graphics/ribbon boards
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Columbus Fury (Pro Volleyball Federation, 2024–present); historically Columbus Destroyers (AFL) and Columbus Landsharks (NLL). Also hosts the on-site OhioHealth Ice Haus practice rink
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
NHL regulation sheet (200 ft x 85 ft)
Source statement; not independently verified.