DestinationsTeamsStacksBlogWC26Index

Nationwide Arena Guide

NHL · Columbus

Last updated: 3/4/2026

Parking is simple at Nationwide Arena. The venue is surrounded by over 15,000 spots within a ten-minute walk, though you can also take a COTA bus or use the dedicated rideshare drop-off on West Street. You'll be right in the Arena District, which is full of hotels and has an open-container area (the DORA) that stays active for drinks until midnight on game days.

At a glance

Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 2h before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs bus routes that stop near Nationwide Arena.
Family friendly
Family and inclusive amenities include nursing rooms, baby changing tables in all restrooms, universal changing tables, family/all-gender restrooms, and sensory inclusion packs available at Guest Services Desks.

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Nationwide Arena on the calendar. See Columbus home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Nationwide Arena

The Arena District is ideal for hotels, offering high-rise condos and easy walking access to the arena. The German Village and Short North Arts District are also recommended for their character and amenities.

Arena District

This energetic and event-focused area is ideal for sports fans and concert-goers who want to be close to major venues and lively dining options.

The Arena District is well-served by COTA bus routes, including lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9, which provide access from various directions. COTA.com provides schedule information. Lyft and Uber are also available.

Downtown Columbus

Downtown is the city's vibrant heart, ideal for business and convention travelers due to its efficient access to meeting spaces, theaters, and riverfront parks.

COTA is the primary public transit provider for Central Ohio with 38 fixed-route lines. The Downtown C-pass program offers eligible workers free, unlimited access to the entire COTA bus system. Lyft, Uber, and CoGo bike share are also available.

See full Columbus stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs bus routes that stop near Nationwide Arena.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Guests can use West Street for ride-share drop-off and pick-up.

Parking: More than 15,000 parking spaces are available within a 10-minute walk, including garages, surface lots, and metered street parking. Recommended options include the Arena District Parking Garages, such as the Front Street Garage, which offers covered parking and direct access to the Arena District. It is advised to arrive 45 minutes early for best availability.

After the event

The DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) in the Arena District remains active until midnight on game days. The nearby Short North Arts District also offers many restaurants and bars for nightlife and entertainment.

Works well with these Columbus venues

Map context

Open in Google Maps →

The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Arena District
  • Signature food: Local food options include Hot Chicken Takeover (Nashville-style hot chicken), Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace (creative hot dogs), and Donatos Pizza (a Columbus staple). Craft beer from local breweries is also featured, alongside BrewDog's Cannon Blast, the official beer of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
  • Fan tradition: Fan traditions include the firing of an 1857 Napoleon replica cannon after every Blue Jackets goal, fans yelling 'LEO!' during the introduction of anthem singer Leo Welsh, 'CBJ' or 'Let's Go Jackets' chants, and the 'Chili Chant' when the Blue Jackets score their third goal of a game, entitling fans to free chili the next day at Roosters. The DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) also allows pre-game drinks in the Arena District.
  • Pregame institution: R Bar (415 N Front St, Columbus, OH 43215)