One of the most beautiful and unique sports and entertainment venues in the world, Nationwide Arena opened its doors in September 2000 with the nation's only two-night performance of the sold-out "Soul to Soul" tour featuring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Nationwide Arena is the home of the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets, the National Lacrosse League's Columbus Landsharks and a wide variety of world-class entertainment events.
Located on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street in downtown Columbus, the $150 million facility raises the bar of excellence for sports and entertainment facilities. The following unique features separate Nationwide Arena from its peers:
* Two 80-foot towers anchoring the western interior of the seating bowl that houses party suites
* A 70-foot, glass-enclosed atrium
* Open lobbies and concourses that allow fans a great view of the ice as soon as they walk through the door
* Elegant design featuring terrazzo floors
* Brick pillars and marble details
* A 135-foot light tower at the southeast corner
Nationwide Arena is the only building in the Hockey League that has the team's practice facility, CoreComm Ice Haus, attached to the arena where the team plays its games. The CoreComm Ice Haus is not only the practice home of the team, but is open to the public as well.
Nationwide Arena is the centerpiece of the Arena District, Columbus' newest entertainment area. This trendy section of downtown development is a unique mixture of business, entertainment and residential space that attracts a broad spectrum of tenants and visitors from across the country.
By Adam Young, thanks Adam
June 16, 2001
There is no place in the world that a true Blue Jackets fan would rather be than inside Nationwide Arena on the night of a game. From the moment one walks in the door, it is apparent that the builders designed Nationwide Arena with the Blue Jackets fan in mind. Aside from presenting a wide variety of concerts year-round, and professional Lacrosse games as well, Nationwide Arena is making a name for itself as one of the best NHL arenas in existence. Its spaciousness awes you from the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave. Instead of packing into tiny corridors between periods, fans at Nationwide Arena can mingle with friends in a three-story, wide open atrium which runs the length of the building along one side. They can look through a set of glass windows onto the ice in the CoreComm Ice Haus, where the Blue Jackets practice on-site, and which is open for public skating much of the time. Or they can sample a variety of foods ranging from the famous local Donato's Pizza, to barbequed pulled pork sandwhiches, right down to your plain old hot dog. Beer is available in bottles or on draft, and can be purchased from vendors which roam the aisles during play as well.
From the front row, to the Bud Light Party Terrace high above the rink, there is not a bad seat in the arena. The chairs are all comfortable with good sightlines. However, don't get too comfortable in your seat, as the action of the ice is sure to have you on your feet and cheering wildly. Columbus supports its teams. The Blue Jackets are no exception. With a great arena to play in, and great fans to back them up, the Blue Jackets should look forward to many years of NHL hockey right here in Columbus, OH.
A Clear Example of Inspired Architecture
Inspired by the game. The city. And the fans. This is more than an arena. It's a source of pride for the Blue Jackets. And for you. The steel and brick represent strength and stability. The abundance of glass pays tribute to the vision that made this arena a reality. And the tower of light is a signal to everyone that the team, city, and fans have arrived.
The Vision to Lead
In many ways, this arena was a logical next step. For Nationwide¨ Insurance and for Columbus. As any resident of this city knows, Nationwide¨ has always stepped to the front. In support of the arts. Education. And countless community endeavors. The Nationwide ArenaSM is the latest example of a corporate citizen and a city moving forward together.
- "The Nationwide ArenaSM will be a catalyst for additional, exciting development in downtown Columbus. It will be a home for world-class entertainment and convention facilities - something for everyone in this wonderful community. Your purchase of a personal seat license will help to ensure that you can be a part of this exciting future."
-Dimon Richard McFerson (Chairman and CEO, Nationwide Insurance Enterprise¨)
A Controlled Explosion
The arena is a catalyst. For growth. For development. For renovation. Restaurants, shops, galleries, businesses. They will surround the arena on all sides. And spread out in all directions. Along with Miranova and COSI, Nationwide ArenaSM will anchor the development that transforms the Scioto River Peninsula into downtown's most dynamic setting. Where pedestrian walkways, bridges and parks will lead to an eclectic collection of entertainment, dining and shopping options. Throughout the entire riverfront corridor.
Endless Opportunities
Concerts. Shows. Exhibitions. The circus. The Nationwide ArenaSM will be home to more than the Columbus Blue Jackets. In fact, this facility will serve as a regional entertainment hub. And will allow us to attract many events to Columbus for the first time.
Every Fan's Dream
This arena was made for you. All 700,000 square feet of it. Incredible sight-lines to view the action. From every one of the 18,500 seats. With wide concourses that make it easy to get from point A to point B. Like from your seat to a concessions area, for example. Where you'll find an upscale offering to satisfy every taste. We've even made it easy to get your hands on all the Blue Jackets merchandise. There's a team shop right inside the arena. And if you ever feel like hitting the ice yourself, the Chiller will be right next door.
Arena District
The Arena District plans to be a unique urban village of housing, retail and office space under development in the area adjacent to Nationwide Arena. Nationwide is currently working on the infrastructure needed to support development in the area. Construction on the Arena Park is already underway and will be completed by late October 1999. East and West Streets, bordering the park, were completed in September 1999. In addition, Nationwide Boulevard, between Front Street and Neil Avenue will be completed by the end of November 1999.
The privately financed Arena and Arena District will include several features including:
* Nationwide Boulevard will be repaved in brick. It will be the backbone of the district, lined with restraurants, shops and cafes.
* Arena Square, being developed at the west entrance to Nationwide Arena, will serve as a gathering place surrounded by restraunts and clubs. Planners envision special lighting, video boards and large signs to create a mini Times Square on the Scioto atmosphere.
* Arena Park is a grass mallway 870 feet long and 280 feet wide at its widest part. The park's south end will have large grass terraces leading down to the Scioto riverfront. Its north end features the relocated Union Station Arch, designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham.
* Clusters of brick, upscale apartments will be built west of Arena Park. A total of 350 units, built on the former Ohio Penitentiary site, will include views of the river and park.
The bulk of the arena district, which includes the 23-acre old Pen site will be developed by Nationwide Realty Investors (90 percent) and The Dispatch Printing Co. (10 percent). The plans also include:
* 200,000 square feet of retail/entertainment development around Arena Square at the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and West Street.
* 1.3 million square feet of office space, with most of it West and South of Nationwide Arena.
* A total of six parking garages, providing ample space allow people to park their cars and experience the Arena and Arena District.
Nationwide Arena Facts
* Arena Size: 685,000 square feet.
* Total Project Size: 800,000 square feet; includes practice rink, office building, and retail space.
* Seating Capacity: 18,138 for hockey; 19,500 for basketball; approximately 20,000 for concerts.
* Premium Seating: 3,200 premium seats available (including Club, Suite, Tower, Skybox, and Center Ice configurations).
* Parking Spaces: 560-space attached parking garage, with an additional 10,000 spaces within a 10-minute walk.
* Architects: Heinlein + Schrock, Inc., Kansas City, Mo.; and NBBJ of Columbus. Construction Managers: Turner/Barton Malow Sports, Miles-McClellan Construction Co.
* Unique Features: Separate practice rink, which will be open to the public for skating and viewing. Signature restaurant of 7,500-10,000 square feet. Attached retail shops, restaurants, and office space.
* Excavation will remove 100,000 cubic yards of dirt from the arena site. This equals the amount of dirt displaced excavating basements for 116 homes (average home size of 2,000 square feet).
* Nationwide Arena will require 36,000 cubic yards of concrete to complete construction. This is enough concrete to build basement walls for 732 homes (average home size of 2,000 square feet).
* The arena will require 5,200 tons of reinforced steel. If stretched in a continuous line of 1/2-inch pipe, this amount of steel would be 2,963 miles long -- about the distance from Columbus to Seattle, Wash.
* Nationwide Arena will use 6,400 tons of structural steel. This equals the amount of structural steel used to make 8,600 cars.
* The Blue Jackets' practice rink, which will also be open for public skating.
* A four-story, 60,000-square-foot office building, with some office views to the arena interior, on its northeast side.
* Two 80-foot towers to anchor the west end of the arena. The towers will house four platforms for luxury seating and will be topped with huge video boards.
* An asymmetrical bowl, with telescopic upper deck seating in the west end, which will allow for a variety of reconfigurations for concerts and other performances.
* A 70-foot, glass-enclosed atrium, open lobbies and concourses to allow visitors to immediately feel part of the action.
* Uniquely-designed seating will provide superior sight lines throughout and 76 luxury suites and 22 loge boxes will provide additional amenities.
Privately financed and developed by Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and the Dispatch Printing Company.
In addition to serving as the home of the Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena will host a variety of family entertainment including concerts, ice shows, and other sporting events.
The arena is designed as a mixed-use facility that will integrate into its downtown surroundings. A pedestrian-friendly building, the arena's west, east and south sides will house street-level shops and restaurants. A Blue Jackets team store will anchor the southeast corner.
The red brick arena exterior will allow the structure to blend with the existing turn-of-the-century architecture of its neighbors. A 135-foot light tower will add illumination to the downtown sky.
Highway Directions
Directions to Downtown and the Arena District
NORTHBOUND (I - 71)
Proceed North on I-71 to the Front St. Exit. Turn Left at the Front St. intersection and proceed North. Proceed North on Front St. to Event Parking Entrances
SOUTHBOUND (I - 71)
(East side of the Arena District) Proceed South on I-71 to the Spring St. Exit. Make a Right at the Spring St. Exit and proceed West to Fourth St. Make a Right at Fourth St. and proceed North to Chestnut St. Make a Left at Chestnut St. and proceed to the Event Parking Entrances
SOUTHBOUND (I - 71)
(West side of the Arena District) Proceed South on I-71 to I-670 West to the High St. Exit (the orange sign says “Convention Center Only”). Then turn LEFT at the stop sign. You will then follow the CFA Roadway which turns into Kilbourne take that until you come to the stop sign
at the corner of Kilbourne and Vine (about a half block down). Turn left onto Vine then go to Neil and turn left again.
EASTBOUND (I - 70)
Proceed East on I-70 to the Front St. exit then make a left at Front St. and proceed North. Proceed North on Front St. to Event Parking Entrances
WESTBOUND (I - 70)
Proceed West on I-70 to the Fourth St. Exit. Continue West on Fulton St. to Front St. Make a Right at Front St. and proceed North. Proceed North on Front St. to Event Parking Entrances.
SOUTHBOUND (SR - 315)
SR-315 traffic coming from the west may access the Arena District via Neil Avenue (as usual). If you would normally take I-670 from 315
N. and exit 3rd, you should now exit Neil Avenue and turn right
go to Nationwide Boulevard and turn left to access
the East side of the Arena District.
WESTBOUND (I - 670)
Proceed West on I-670 to the Third St. Exit.
Proceed South on Third St. to Chestnut St. Make Right at Chestnut St. and proceed to the Event Parking Entrances.
THE ULTIMATE SPORTS ROAD TRIP
By: Andrew Kulyk & Peter Farrell
| Nationwide Arena Ranking by USRT |
| Architecture |  | 8.5 |
| Concessions | | 9 |
| Scoreboard | | 6 |
| Ushers | | 7 |
| Fan Support | | 7.5 |
| Location | | 9.5 |
| Banners/History | | 3 |
| Entertainment | | 8 |
| Concourses/Fan Comfort | | 8 |
| Bonus: Practice Rink | | 2 |
| Bonus: Arena District | | 1 |
| Bonus: USRT Red Carpet | | 4 |
| Total Score |  | 73.5 |
November 5, 2000 & January 20, 2003 - For 20 years Columbus tried to land themselves a pro hockey team, and again and again, the public sector refused to kick in. So finally a consortium of private moneys was put together to build their new hockey arena, and the NHL rewarded Columbus with an expansion team, and play began in 2000. And what a splendid new hockey arena it is!
Getting to the Venue
The arena is situated on the north side of downtown Columbus, and signage off of I-670 or I-71 will direct you right to the Arena District. From I-71 the Spring St exit is your best bet. Parking around the arena is abundant, with the lot directly across from Arena Square running $15, but most lots in any direction run $5 or $7.
Outside the Venue
Nationwide Arena is the anchor building for what has already become the "Arena District". We walked about 4 blocks from our parking lot to the arena, and every building we passed was either open for business or in the process of being gutted and refurbished. The main street, Nationwide Blvd, has being repaved in brick, and the main entrance to the arena spills out into Arena Square, which serves as a gathering place surrounded by restaurants and entertainment in a "Times Square" type setting. Across the street is a parking ramp, emblazoned with a huge "Arena District" marquee, a massive Daktronics video board and a series of changeable ad panels. On our second visit, we counted at least a dozen restaurants and bistros just steps from the front door, all great places to visit before and after the game.
Concourses
The management took tours of many NHL venues to cull great ideas for their project - and from our travels we can detect similarities to other NHL venues - a light tower and beacon is reminiscent of Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center; the center ice scoreboard is designed similar to the one at Air Canada Centre; a stack of "party suites" four high in two corners looks alot like the suites at Philips Arena; and their grand entrance pavilion with its sweeping views of downtown Columbus is reminiscent of our own HSBC Arena.
This facility almost has the feel of the Conseco Fieldhouse which we had just seen - at the top of the bowl there are huge glass walls allowing light into the building, and the entire building has a red brick and stone veneer giving the place a nostalgic feel to it. Once inside, you enter a huge pavilion with glass walls facing outside and escalators to take you to club or upper levels. A team store is right inside the pavilion. All the concourses are bathed in soft lighting and some corridors in blue mood lighting to accentuate the "blue" theme in Blue Jackets. The concessions are organized by themed geography, with such names as "sunset", "uptown", "west end" etc. The corridors are also given corporate nicknames, for example "CoreComm Avenue" on the upper deck. At the main pavilion one can find the main food venue with a huge food court, several bars, all grouped into an area called "Bud Light Terrace".
Premium Seats
This arena is laid out much like our own in Buffalo, with a club level wrapping around 75% of the 200 level, and premium restaurants up there laid out much like our 200 level Harbour Club. Interestingly, they also have 2 "super premium" areas - one side of the 200 level sidelines has mini-boxes, with huge captains chairs and their own TV monitors, and there are also high tables - 4 to a table that are sold by the table for viewing the action - these tables also come with TV monitors. In the first few rows around the penalty boxes is another exclusive premium area, with access to a private club called the "ticketmaster.com lounge" and an upscale buffet.
The Seating Bowl
This bowl is beautiful -and when you walk around the 100 level concourse you can actually see the action from the concourse itself. But the coolest thing is the latest in LED Surround Vision Technology. This dot matrix board is bolted on the facade of the upper deck and forms a continuous circle around the inside of the arena. Just like Paul Brown Stadium, this board can display advertisments with neat graphics, stats, and also great special effects in with an IMAX surround type effect. ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC!!!!!!
Concessions
Add delicacies such as lobster rolls, quesadillas, panini sandwiches and grilled tuna steak to the traditional fare. Besides the ticketmaster lounge, there is another premium lounge area called the PIzzuti lounge, located on the club level. A bistro style restaurant called Black and Blue is available for general ticket holders, and is accessible from the main concourse. This facility is also open on non game days and sports a great view of the practice rink., which brings us to the...
Practice Rink
The Blue Jackets have a practice rink built right into the arena - not next door..not adjacent - right in the arena!!! It is called the CoreComm Ice Haus, and you can see it at one endzone from the 100 concourse by looking through the glass. There is bench seating for about 1000 patrons, and there is also a restaurant overlooking the playing surface. The practices are open to the public and the building is also used by the public and youth teams, sometimes even when the Blue Jackets game is in progress.
The team has sold almost 13,000 season tickets, and that is incredible considering that the city has almost no hockey tradition (save an ECHL championship by the former Columbus Chill, coached by our own Brian McCutcheon!), and also there is a PSL requirement which doesn't go to the team but rather to defray the cost of construction. We think that the fan support is remarkable... and this city has gone nuts for their new NHL team... what a great addition to the NHL family!
Retired Numbers/Banners
No past teams - no tradition.. so they hang banners of some "founding" corporate sponsors. Definite deduction in our book. The titles will come, the championships will come, and someday this team will bid farewell to its icons and retire their numbers.. Until then, LEAVE THE RAFTERS EMPTY.
Hat Tricks, Assists, Penalties
Hat Trick - The digital LED 360 degree surround dot matrix board is very cool. The set up here in Columbus actually goes about 80% of the way around, nonetheless, they use it to the max and it really dresses up the seating bowl.
Hat Trick - to the management of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Too many people to list here, but special props to Joel Siegman, Fan Services Coordinator. We hooked up with Joel on both of our visits, and he was very gracious to us. On our return visit, Joel lined up VIP seats, gifts of personalized jerseys, media appearances, and participation in in-game entertainment. A big THANK YOU to the number one NHL organization in our hearts!
Penalty - to Andrew, who with Peter was invited to shoot t-shirts into the crowd with one of those big cannons. He sailed the last shirt right onto the ice, almost hitting 'Jackets goalie Marc Denis. OOPS! Fortunately the puck hadn't dropped yet. Andrew will report back to Columbus to serve the penalty in person.
Assist - A large "Fans #1" banner hangs at the top of the escalator in the main atrium. THIS is an appropriate place for this sort of banner, and we are glad the Blue Jackets resisted the temptation to hang this in the seating bowl.
Summary
Columbus did it right... a privately built arena with a dynamic cityscape built around it. Attractions both at the arena and throughout the adjoining neighborhood to keep people coming on event days and at other times. A wonderful building abounding in fan amenities, food selections, and other entertainment. The first in the NHL auxiliary practice rink built right in the arena, available for public use as well. It all works here - the team, the building, the Arena District. Clearly this is one of the premiere, if not THE best, setup in the NHL. Cities looking to build a sports venue and companion private development to create vibrant urban synergies need look no farther than Columbus to see how it should be done. Congratulations to you, Columbus... you have set the bar for your peers to emulate! We hope to come visit again and again.
