Nationwide Arena is a 2000-era indoor arena in Columbus’s Arena District and the home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The venue also hosts major touring concerts, family entertainment, comedy, and other large-scale events. Its location near Nationwide Boulevard puts it within walking distance of downtown restaurants, bars, and the rest of the Arena District.
For concerts, the building can use different floor and stage configurations, so the best seats depend on where the production team places the stage. A centered lower-bowl position is generally the safest choice for fans who want a balanced view without relying on a specific event map.
Nationwide Arena Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Nationwide Arena |
| Location | Columbus, Ohio |
| Address | 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Venue Type | Indoor multi-purpose arena |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Primary Events | NHL hockey, concerts, comedy, family entertainment |
| Concert Capacity | Varies by event configuration |
| Seating | Floor, lower bowl, club/suite areas and upper bowl |
What to Know Before a Concert
Nationwide Arena sits in a dense entertainment district rather than an isolated venue campus. That makes walking from nearby parking, restaurants, and downtown areas practical, but traffic can build around major events.
The arena uses contactless walk-through security screening, and the current policy is especially important for concertgoers: bags are generally not permitted. Medical bags, diaper bags, and clutches no larger than 8 x 5 x 1 inches are exceptions and use designated screening lines. Nationwide Arena is also cashless, with card and mobile payments accepted inside.
Nationwide Arena Seating Layout
Concert layouts can change substantially from one artist to another. The floor may be used for reserved seating, general admission, or a combination of floor sections and standing areas.
The lower bowl provides the main ring of reserved seating, while the upper bowl gives a more elevated perspective. Club and suite areas provide a different experience with premium amenities.
Rather than treating one section as universally superior, check the event-specific seating chart before purchasing. A section that faces center ice during hockey may have a very different relationship to the stage during an end-stage concert.
Choosing the Best Seats
| Priority | What to Look For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Center-facing lower bowl | Good compromise between distance, elevation and stage visibility |
| Best full-production view | Elevated lower or front upper level | Better perspective of lighting, screens and stage design |
| Closest to the artist | Floor or pit | Maximum proximity, but standing crowds can affect sightlines |
| Best value | Front portion of upper bowl | Elevation can provide a useful view of the complete production |
| Seats to check carefully | Extreme side or behind-stage locations | Stage position may create restricted or partial views |
Accessible seating is available on all levels, although floor accessibility depends on the individual show configuration. The arena also provides elevators, accessible restrooms, wheelchair escorts, assistive listening equipment, and other documented accommodations.
Parking and Getting There
Nationwide Arena says more than 15,000 parking spaces are available within a 10-minute walk, spread across surface lots and garages. Parking patterns and prices vary by event, and advance purchase is available for arena events.
COTA buses also serve the area. Depending on the direction of travel, routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9 provide access to stops within walking distance of the arena. Rideshare pickups and drop-offs take place on West Street.
Practical Tips
- Check the concert-specific seating map before choosing a section.
- Bring as little as possible because Nationwide Arena operates a limited-bag policy.
- Consider COTA if you want to avoid event-night parking congestion.
- For accessible parking, the arena recommends the north entrance of the McConnell Garage or the northeast entrance of the Front Street Garage.
- Keep your mobile ticket ready before reaching security.
FAQ
What is the capacity of Nationwide Arena?
Capacity varies according to the event and seating configuration. Hockey and concert layouts do not use the same setup.
Where is Nationwide Arena?
It is at 200 W Nationwide Blvd in Columbus’s Arena District.
What is the bag policy?
Bags are generally prohibited. Medical bags, diaper bags and clutches no larger than 8 x 5 x 1 inches are permitted under the venue’s current policy.
Is Nationwide Arena accessible?
Yes. Accessible seating is available throughout multiple seating levels, with elevators, accessible restrooms, and other guest services.
What are the best concert seats?
For most end-stage layouts, center-facing lower-bowl seats are a strong all-around option. Always compare the event-specific map before buying.
More Venues:
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