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Pictures of Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena opened in late 2000 after being built from entirely private funds. With a cost of approx. $150-million, the facility was unlike anything previously existing in Columbus in terms of technology and amenities. With owner John H. McConnell in the founder’s suite and coach Dave King behind the bench, the Columbus Blue Jackets played their first NHL game on October 7, 2000 versus the Chicago Blackhawks- in Nationwide Arena.

Despite scoring three quick goals in the first ten minutes of the game, the Blue Jackets fell to defeat that night by a score of 5-3. That game sold out. So did every game in the 2001-2002 regular season and most after that. The arena’s official capacity is 18,136 although standing room areas and other factors can potentially raise this number. The team has received a startling amount of support in their first three years, an impressive feat in a non-traditional hockey market and for a team that racked up 71, 57, and 69 points respectively in their first three seasons.

The building itself is state-of-the-art in every way, and stacks up against newer arenas in Colorado, Minnesota, Toronto, Philadelphia, Atlanta and elsewhere. The building has 78 suites situated between the lower and upper-decks, and two stacks of “party suites”, each 3 levels high, in the west end zone. The scoreboard is a 4-sided Diamondvision model with dot matrix boards situated on the corners. An integrated Dot Matrix display runs 75 percent of the way around the upper bowl, and is used to display advertisements, special effects and more. The most unique feature about Nationwide Arena- even more unique than the 130 foot light tower on the building exterior or TWO 70 foot glass enclosed atriums- is the CoreComm Ice Haus. The CoreComm Ice Haus is the team’s practice facility, and it is attached to the arena and viewable through glass windows from the concourse. Occasionally a high school or local league game will be taking place at the same time as an NHL game only feet away.

Although the team has never made the playoffs and no meaningful banners yet hang from the ceiling, Columbus is slowly and surely establishing a wide and loyal fan base. Recently rated as the #2 stadium experience in all of Pro sports by ESPN, Nationwide Arena is possibly only improvable with the atmosphere and recognition that comes with team success. - Adam Young

Seating chart of the arena:

Seating chart kindly provided by www.eishockey.com. 

Getting there:

Coming from the north you have to take the I-71 south and follow it until you get to the "Spring Street" exit (# 109C). From there on go north until you make it to the Chestnut Street, turn left and follow the signs leading you to the "Event Parking". 

From the south take the I-71 North and then the I-70 East until you get to the "Front Street" exist, there make a left turn into the "Front Street" and follow it until you get to the "Event Parking". 

Links to the building and the team:

Building:  http://www.nationwidearena.com/

Team: http://www.bluejackets.com/