Nationwide Arena Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Columbus.
Last updated: 3/4/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Bags are generally NOT permitted, with exceptions for medical bags, diaper bags, or clutches no larger than 8”x 5”x 1”. These permitted bags will be X-rayed via a designated screening line. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | For Columbus Blue Jackets games, doors typically open one hour prior to the start of the game, or 90 minutes for club levels. For other events, doors generally open 90 minutes to 2 hours before the event. |
| Cashless? | Nationwide Arena operates as a cashless venue for ticketing, concessions, and merchandise. Purchases can be made with debit/credit cards or mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Reverse ATMs are available in the Ticketmaster Box Office, Main Concourse, and Upper Concourse to exchange cash for no-fee debit VISA cards. |
| Rideshare zone | Guests can use West Street for ride-share drop-off and pick-up. |
| Re-entry | Nationwide Arena generally has a no re-entry policy. Fans who exit the venue, for example to smoke, will not be permitted re-entry. |
| Transit | The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs bus routes that stop near Nationwide Arena. |
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.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers or wagons not designated to assist a Guest with a medical condition are prohibited.
- Family perks: 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. For Blue Jackets games, Boomer's Landing (Section 218) is a family-friendly, alcohol-free zone with special activities and mascot visits.
Culture layer
- 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.
- Local 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.
Verified places nearby
Nearby institutions are still being verified for this venue.