Columbus Blue Jackets Arena

The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team. They joined the NHL in 2000 alongside the Minnesota Wild. The team’s nickname honors Ohio’s Civil War history and Columbus’s role in producing Union army uniforms. The Jackets made their first playoff appearance in 2008–09 but lost in the first round. However, the following years saw the team return to the league’s lower ranks.

After moving to the Eastern Conference in 2013, the Blue Jackets earned their first playoff wins but were eliminated by the Penguins. In 2018–19, they achieved a historic upset by sweeping the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs but fell to the Bruins in the next round.

What is the name of the Columbus Blue Jackets Arena?

According to Columbus Sports, Nationwide Arena is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets and opened in September 2000. It was the first NHL arena to feature an attached practice facility, the OhioHealth Ice Haus. Known as the "Ultimate Arena" by ESPN The Magazine in 2004, it also hosts world-class events, including NCAA championships, Big Ten games, and high school state championships.

Columbus Blue Jackets Arena History/Columbus Blue Jackets Arena Construction and Cost

Nationwide Arena was built in 2000 on the site of the former Ohio Penitentiary's parking lot. It became the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets and is known for its modern design and central location in downtown Columbus. The arena has hosted numerous events, including NHL games and concerts.

On March 16, 2002, a tragic incident occurred when 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil was struck by a puck during a Blue Jackets game, leading to her death. The event prompted the NHL to mandate safety netting in all arenas to protect fans.

The Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company originally owned the arena. In 2012, ownership was transferred to the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) through a financing agreement involving Nationwide Insurance, casino tax revenue, and a state loan. Nationwide retained naming rights and a partial ownership stake in the Blue Jackets.

From 2000 to 2012, the Blue Jackets managed the arena's operations with SMG. In 2010, Ohio State University took over day-to-day management, and in 2012, Columbus Arena Management (CAM) was formed to oversee both Nationwide Arena and Value City Arena.

Where is the Nationwide Arena?

Nationwide Arena is at 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, 43215.

Columbus Blue Jackets Arena Capacity

Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has a seating capacity of 18,500 for ice hockey games, 19,500 for basketball events, and 20,000 for concerts.

Columbus Blue Jackets Arena Seating

According to Tickpick, Nationwide Arena offers a variety of seating options for events, including hockey games, concerts, and more. The seating chart is divided into multiple levels, including floor seating, lower bowl (100 level), club seating, and upper bowl (200 level). Premium seating includes sections 114-115, which offer all-inclusive food and beverage access in the Time Warner Cable HD Lounge. Club seating, located between the 100 and 200 levels, provides access to the Pizzuti Club Lounge with additional amenities like in-seat wait service and private TVs.

For hockey games, the Columbus Blue Jackets bench is in front of section 103, while the visitor's bench is in front of section 104. The team shoots twice at the net near section 109, and the penalty box is between sections 114 and 115. Fans generally consider sections 105 and 113, located in the Blue Jackets' scoring zone, or seats above row 10 in the lower level, as some of the best spots for hockey games.

What is the parking cost at Columbus Blue Jackets Arena?

According to vividseats, Parking costs at Nationwide Arena for Columbus Blue Jackets games vary depending on the event date and location. Prices typically range from $13 to $20, with an average cost of $15-$17 for most games. Parking tickets can be purchased in advance, and costs may differ based on availability and proximity to the arena.

Columbus Blue Jackets Arena Notable Events

Nationwide Arena in Columbus has hosted several notable events across different sports and entertainment. The first game of the Columbus Blue Jackets was held there on October 7, 2000, and the arena has been home to various events since then. These include multiple NCAA basketball tournaments, NHL events like the 2007 Draft and the 2015 All-Star Game, and a record-setting crowd for a Blue Jackets playoff game in 2009.

It has also hosted major events like the 2016 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions, the 2018 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, and UFC and WWE events, including UFC 68, which set attendance records. Other events include Monster Jam, The Basketball Tournament in 2020, and the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.