Nationwide Arena Photos
You might also consider
More like Nationwide Arena
Recommended Reviews - Nationwide Arena
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
I've been to Columbus Fury and Columbus Blue Jackets games here, with the ladder obviously being way busier. The Blue Jackets game was completely sold out and felt chaotic and claustrophobic before we found our seats. One elevator was out of service and everyone was packed around the same one. It was hard to move around. Once the rush died down during the game, it was easier to walk around, but the concession lines were still super long and the prices were what you expect at a stadium. I paid $14 for a White Claw and got a small popcorn. Tickets were pricey too but fair for the NHL. That said, the arena itself is nice and there is a lot going on. Vendors on every level, multiple merch stands, face painting, and plenty of food options. It definitely feels like a big event when it's packed. Overall fun experience, just absolutely insane when busy so prepare for that.
Amazing arena! One of the very best. I would say this is number three with MSG as top and Centre Bell as number 2. A lot of energy here even in preseason. Staff are friendly and food and drink options are quite good as well. Only been on lower level for hockey games, once with my wife for regular season and twice with my dad for preseason.
I attended a hockey game at the arena this week. Our seats were great and comfortable. The prices and variety of food and beverages was fantastic. The arena was very clean and people working at the arena were friendly and efficient.
Went for a Weezer concert as my first time to Nationwide and it didn't disappoint! We had seats (surprisingly comfy) and the view was really good. Restrooms were clean and easy to find. Beer prices weren't extortionate either, all things considered. Overall, I liked the venue for a concert!
This was my first time at Nationwide for a concert and though the security was ample and friendly, I was disappointed by the lack of food choices in the arena. I went with my mother from Chicago to see Mary J Blige and common sense would let you know that with all of the middle aged aunties and mothers that will be in that place for a concert that started during their dinner time 7pm, that you need to have more to offer ESPECIALLY to those who paid over $500 for 2 floor seats then chips and Slim Jims. How dare you!?!?! There was nothing but extensive liquor selections but nothing to soak this up. Thus all the high sodium choices that could have been bought from Costco and were now on a 150% mark up. For example, a bottle of water (which you could not hold) was $5!!! A vodka and tonic was $14?!?! I mean I can get a better drink at a real restaurant or bar. This showed me that I will eat and drink before getting there if ever and I suggest all to do the same until the Nationwide folks realize that packing people on the floor like sardines to get a large profit is not the move. The only reason I went here is because the tickets were cheaper than other markets. I will never pay that much to be squished next to large women again in my life. Such a bad business practice!
What an amazing hockey Arena. It's beautifully built and so many great options for eating and drinking. My personal favorites of course Tim Hortons and Lebatts beer. Beware when the Blue Jackets score there is a Cannon that goes off. The first time you hear it it is really loud but exciting. Such a well-maintained stadium. If you get the chance, be sure to visit you will not be disappointed in the friendliness of Columbus.
Wow, what an experience! It was my first time visiting Nationwide Arena for a Hans Zimmer concert, and it did not disappoint. The venue is massive, and the seats were comfortable. The acoustics were phenomenal, making the concert even more immersive. The restrooms were spacious and spotless. While the arena looks big from the outside, stepping inside was a whole new level--it felt enormous! Plus, there were plenty of food options to choose from.
Nationwide Arena (and the CBJ) is arguably one of the best NHL venues in the country... It's a super nice arena with outstanding food (Schmidt's, Skyline, Montgomery Inn, etc.) and endless drink options, namely multiple CBUS craft beers. The best part though is the venue itself... CBJ puts on an exciting and thrilling hockey game experience, which keeps the energy and intensity high and the crowd engaged - Seeing the CBJ @ Nationwide Arena when in CBUS is an absolute must.
My husband and I were at Nationwide Arena for the Deftones Vip+. We arrived and upon going to the ticket office we were told where to stand in line for the early entry. We checked in, and got our laminates and free gifts. This was an organized and speedy process. Waited in line for 30 min. From there we were escorted to a line to meet Deftones. The staff was great. Particularly a gentleman named Chris that had a great sense of humor and explained the process to each of us in directly. After this amazing experience of meeting our favorite musicians, we were directed to a line where vip would enter. Once again the staff was great. Don't want to leave out Marquis and Benjamin who helped us w a concern we had. This was an unforgettable experience. The band did great, security maintained the crowd well. I was stage front and at no point was I worried. The exit was easy. Will be back for our next concert. Thank you. Oh yes lots of food choices. I only wish you had an area for people that smoke. 7.5 hours w out is needed, but it would be nice.
Nice concert venue, multiple points of entry, very nice suites. The experience was amazing! the suite had food and spirits. I wish I had known prior as I went ahead and had dinner. The food was nice finger foods and had good flavor. As with items setting in a chafing dish, the quality tended to diminish as time went on. Cookies and brownies were amazing! Overall, a nice venue with good organization!
Came for a sold-out Olivia Rodrigo + Chappell Roan concert. Being that it was sold out, I feared waiting in lines and lines while it was raining outside. It was far from that and I was actually inside and at my seat within 5 minutes. Very, very quick and efficient check in and security. The one interesting thing: there were only two men's restrooms on the main floor. I get it, the audience as 95% female, but something to note. Prices for a water bottle were $5. Lots of food and beverage options. Clean and good views. All you can ask for!
Always a great time watching the Blue Jackets !! The atmosphere is always charged . If you are in the area grab some tickets take your family & friends and enjoy.
3 months ago
5 months ago
With just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, the NHl's Columbus Blue Jackets had a chance to make the playoffs. Long story short, they snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. I went to one of those games at Nationwide Arena and this is my story. I was able to get a level 200 ticket from a third party and with a $20 coupon the total cost was $45. See my photo for the view from my seat. There are several parking garages around the arena. The farther the garage is away from the arena the higher the cost. Figure $10 to $25 to park, I lucked out at $10 that night and it was only a 5 minute walk. There is street parking but you have to be really lucky. Uber drivers are not permitted near the arena so you will end up walking anyway Hockey has 3 periods with an intermission between periods 1 & 2, and 2 & 3. Nationwide arena has numerous and diversified concession stands. They have concessions that cater to dietary choices. Get out is is also easy. Streets are blocked off to create one way traffic. Traffic is flowing out is directed one way so that cars are not cutting lanes. I'm still proud to be a member of the Fifth line. read more
Came here for a concert and it was so confusing. There were multiple parking structures near by that we maneuvered through. When we arrived we got into the multiple lines out the front but they were moving so slowly we were almost standing in the street. When we got to the front the ticket scanner said our tickets were invalid. He advised us to go around the side of the building to the box office. So we walked around for a while until we found one door leading to the box office where we found others in our same situation. Turns out our tickets were valid but we needed to be in a different line to get in. I was upset by this because 1. We couldn't see that distinction from the start of the long lines 2. The ticket scanner was unaware this would be a common problem and we wasted time walking around when we could have gone over to the correct area with no line. The lack of signs and knowledge by the staff was a common theme all night when we couldn't figure out how to get down to the GA area. The arena itself was nice but I wish I had time to explore it more. We weren't able to get food or stop for a bathroom break because we had to go straight to the GA area. I'd go back but hopefully next time the staff is more knowledgeable and quicker so we don't have to stand in lines almost to the street or have to walk all over for answers read more
I've been to Columbus Fury and Columbus Blue Jackets games here, with the ladder obviously being way busier. The Blue Jackets game was completely sold out and felt chaotic and claustrophobic before we found our seats. One elevator was out of service and everyone was packed around the same one. It was hard to move around. Once the rush died down during the game, it was easier to walk around, but the concession lines were still super long and the prices were what you expect at a stadium. I paid $14 for a White Claw and got a small popcorn. Tickets were pricey too but fair for the NHL. That said, the arena itself is nice and there is a lot going on. Vendors on every level, multiple merch stands, face painting, and plenty of food options. It definitely feels like a big event when it's packed. Overall fun experience, just absolutely insane when busy so prepare for that. read more
9 months ago
Amazing arena! One of the very best. I would say this is number three with MSG as top and Centre Bell as number 2. A lot of energy here even in preseason. Staff are friendly and food and drink options are quite good as well. Only been on lower level for hockey games, once with my wife for regular season and twice with my dad for preseason. read more
11 months ago
I attended a hockey game at the arena this week. Our seats were great and comfortable. The prices and variety of food and beverages was fantastic. The arena was very clean and people working at the arena were friendly and efficient. read more
Went for a Weezer concert as my first time to Nationwide and it didn't disappoint! We had seats (surprisingly comfy) and the view was really good. Restrooms were clean and easy to find. Beer prices weren't extortionate either, all things considered. Overall, I liked the venue for a concert! read more
10 months ago
This was my first time at Nationwide for a concert and though the security was ample and friendly, I was disappointed by the lack of food choices in the arena. I went with my mother from Chicago to see Mary J Blige and common sense would let you know that with all of the middle aged aunties and mothers that will be in that place for a concert that started during their dinner time 7pm, that you need to have more to offer ESPECIALLY to those who paid over $500 for 2 floor seats then chips and Slim Jims. How dare you!?!?! There was nothing but extensive liquor selections but nothing to soak this up. Thus all the high sodium choices that could have been bought from Costco and were now on a 150% mark up. For example, a bottle of water (which you could not hold) was $5!!! A vodka and tonic was $14?!?! I mean I can get a better drink at a real restaurant or bar. This showed me that I will eat and drink before getting there if ever and I suggest all to do the same until the Nationwide folks realize that packing people on the floor like sardines to get a large profit is not the move. The only reason I went here is because the tickets were cheaper than other markets. I will never pay that much to be squished next to large women again in my life. Such a bad business practice! read more
What an amazing hockey Arena. It's beautifully built and so many great options for eating and drinking. My personal favorites of course Tim Hortons and Lebatts beer. Beware when the Blue Jackets score there is a Cannon that goes off. The first time you hear it it is really loud but exciting. Such a well-maintained stadium. If you get the chance, be sure to visit you will not be disappointed in the friendliness of Columbus. read more
Wow, what an experience! It was my first time visiting Nationwide Arena for a Hans Zimmer concert, and it did not disappoint. The venue is massive, and the seats were comfortable. The acoustics were phenomenal, making the concert even more immersive. The restrooms were spacious and spotless. While the arena looks big from the outside, stepping inside was a whole new level--it felt enormous! Plus, there were plenty of food options to choose from. read more
Nationwide Arena (and the CBJ) is arguably one of the best NHL venues in the country... It's a super nice arena with outstanding food (Schmidt's, Skyline, Montgomery Inn, etc.) and endless drink options, namely multiple CBUS craft beers. The best part though is the venue itself... CBJ puts on an exciting and thrilling hockey game experience, which keeps the energy and intensity high and the crowd engaged - Seeing the CBJ @ Nationwide Arena when in CBUS is an absolute must. read more
8 months ago
7 months ago
Nice arena with a good atmosphere, blue jackets games are always fun! Went vs the oilers and the jackets won 6-1! Overall 8/10 (4.0 stars) (my review from Google maps) read more
2 years ago
My husband and I were at Nationwide Arena for the Deftones Vip+. We arrived and upon going to the ticket office we were told where to stand in line for the early entry. We checked in, and got our laminates and free gifts. This was an organized and speedy process. Waited in line for 30 min. From there we were escorted to a line to meet Deftones. The staff was great. Particularly a gentleman named Chris that had a great sense of humor and explained the process to each of us in directly. After this amazing experience of meeting our favorite musicians, we were directed to a line where vip would enter. Once again the staff was great. Don't want to leave out Marquis and Benjamin who helped us w a concern we had. This was an unforgettable experience. The band did great, security maintained the crowd well. I was stage front and at no point was I worried. The exit was easy. Will be back for our next concert. Thank you. Oh yes lots of food choices. I only wish you had an area for people that smoke. 7.5 hours w out is needed, but it would be nice. read more
Nice concert venue, multiple points of entry, very nice suites. The experience was amazing! the suite had food and spirits. I wish I had known prior as I went ahead and had dinner. The food was nice finger foods and had good flavor. As with items setting in a chafing dish, the quality tended to diminish as time went on. Cookies and brownies were amazing! Overall, a nice venue with good organization! read more
Came for a sold-out Olivia Rodrigo + Chappell Roan concert. Being that it was sold out, I feared waiting in lines and lines while it was raining outside. It was far from that and I was actually inside and at my seat within 5 minutes. Very, very quick and efficient check in and security. The one interesting thing: there were only two men's restrooms on the main floor. I get it, the audience as 95% female, but something to note. Prices for a water bottle were $5. Lots of food and beverage options. Clean and good views. All you can ask for! read more
2 years ago
I ventured to Columbus not too long ago for a Captain Tootsie meet and greet, so I figured I could also stop here to brush up on the local sports. My buddy Pasi showed me around the arena as his buddy Patrik had the displeasure of being traded here by Winnipeg in 2021. Pasi tried to arrange a time to meet up with him, but he thinks Patrik had enough of the repeating misfortune and flew back to Tampere to break in his new Puma golf shoes. Nationwide Arena is very large and even has its own parking garage attached to the building. The lady in the gift shop looked quite bored as no one was in a hurry to buy a $250 Gaudreau jersey. I'll be back when the Blue Jackets win the cup in 2092 or when the franchise moves to Houston next year. read more
Nationwide Arena is beautiful venue. We were very happy that the local fans do not harass visitors. We had seats in club box. Great view of the ice. A down check was that we never saw our server. She never made it to row A. I know we had one as we saw her and her empty tray while we were walking back to our seat during the first intermission. Apparently she was continually bombarded by the upper few rows for service. Happened the last time we were there in club box. They need to sort that out. We pay extra for those seats and the service that is supposed to be included. read more
Nationwide rocks! The seats are comfortable and the staff are extremely friendly. They have pretty decent lighting and sound effects. There is plenty of parking with a large garage right next to the arena. I've been to a few different events here and I've never felt like I've had a bad seat, even when in the cheap seats. The photos are the view from section 225. We were able to drive away extremely efficiently and quickly despite the large number of people there. If you're there for your first Blue Jackets game, be prepared for the cannon to go off! read more
3 years ago
For reference, we were seated in section 201, around row M. We were here for the Olivia Rodrigo concert and had a fantastic experience. Although we were in an upper section, the acoustics were fantastic. I've been to several other concerts here and have sat in different sections, but I always can hear and see perfectly. I find with most concert venues when you aren't in the first row of your section, you can barely see, but this isn't the case with Nationwide! The rows are separated enough by height that even in the last row, you can see above the people in front of you. I'm around 5'3" (so pretty short) and had no problems! My only complaint is that the seats are extremely close together. There's one armrest that's split between two seats, so it feels awkward using it because then you would be in another person's space. The seats themselves are also pretty small, so you sometimes have to press yourself together to avoid hitting the person next to you. This wasn't as big a problem once we stood up, but if you're seated the whole time, I could see it getting uncomfortable, especially if you don't know the person next to you. read more
Nationwide Arena looks nice from the outside and I like the whole neighborhood around there that supports the various sports venues on that street. Went to a Blue Jackets game and getting in with tickets on the Ticketmaster app was very smooth. Before the game, I got multiple emails saying there was a mask mandate which made me feel somewhat comfortable because I was a little apprehensive about going to an arena packed with people in a state where only 61% of people are fully vaccinated and Covid cases are on the rise. Once inside, we looked for some food and if there's any unique or interesting options, we couldn't find it. We walked about 3/4 the way around the arena but didn't see anything other than the regular hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers. I had a burger and it was okay. Getting to our seats was easy but we noticed that nobody around us was wearing a mask. Literally everyone beside, in front and behind us wasn't wearing a mask. I had mine on so even though I was a little uncomfortable, I focused on enjoying the game. Until the guy behind us decided to start yelling and spitting. I don't know what his deal was but he couldn't stop yelling "C-B-J" and every time he yelled his spit was going everywhere. Maybe he had some kind of cognitive disability but 1) that's the stupidest chant I've ever heard and 2) in the middle of a pandemic, I don't want to be covered with some random idiot's spit. If Nationwide Arena doesn't require masks, that's fine. But I don't think they should position the arena as requiring masks when there is zero enforcement of it. If you're not going to enforce your policies, then it's simple enough just to change the policies to reflect the reality of the situation. Other than the lack of good food options, the arena is decent enough and has fairly roomy concourses. The seats were tight but not much different from others. read more
We were here as a family to see Transiberian Orchestra. I love this arena. Be forewarned , it is totally cashless now. If you try to pay in cash, you are nicely directed to a no fee debit card kiosk. We always arrive early to walk laps. It's a family tradition. Park nearby early , walk five or six laps , then find our seats. The ushers are always helpful and there's not a bad seat in the house. Restrooms and concessions are also nearby no matter where you sit. read more
I really don't have many criticisms. My youngest son and I went to the Bluejacket vs. Pittsburgh Penguins game in late February. Staff was extremely friendly. Sight lines were great. Prices were fair. Food offerings lacked somewhat. Lines weren't overwhelming. I would return. read more
Our group went for the Eric Church concert and we had a great time. The entry process was seamless as long as you adhere to the rules provided in the "know before you go" email that they send out. It's a little annoying to not be able to bring a purse in, but we dealt with it fine. The seats were great, the concert was amazing, and the large screens provided additional viewing. 5-star night! read more
My friend and I went here yesterday for the Trampled by Turtles and Caamp concert. We can from Buffalo, NY, 4.5 hours away. It's a great venue in a fun area. The ushers were nice and I like the vibe there. The only disappointing thing was the lack of leg room in the 100 section. I'm 5'10" and my knees were hitting the seat in front of me. read more
We saw a Blue Jackets game last week at Nationwide Arena and had a great time! It was a fairly crowded game, but they had plenty of gates open and plenty of lines. Security was quick and we were in the door within a couple of minutes. There are plenty of food booths and places to buy drinks. It can get crowded on the lower level, but the upper levels thin out. There aren't as many places to get food up there, but you won't have to wait in lines. The prices are pretty high, but that's to be expected at any sporting event. They had fun light shows and entertainment during the game. The whole place was very clean and well kept. The bathrooms were taken care of and well stocked. The staff was friendly and were knowledgeable. read more
3 years ago
Great arena for hockey games. The staff are all helpful and friendly. Bathrooms get overcrowded if you wait for intermission. Plenty of food and drink options. The arena is kept clean and organized. read more
My friend got two tickets for Blue Jackets game...and I was quite impressed with the Nationwide Arena facility. There are no obstructed views at this modern facility...and really not a bad seat in the house. The usher staff and workers at the concession/food areas were very friendly and helpful. Entry is handled efficiently (electronic tickets) and there is plenty of space to move large crowds of people. Most seating is in the lower bowl, but there is a little more leg room in the upper sections. Food is priced decent popcorn tub about $5 so is hotdog and warm pretzel. $14 for large beer was a bit steep, but it was available for purchase so +1. Special shout out to the ushers and other workers who were extra friendly and knowledgeable about upcoming events and the box office. Wouldn't hesitate to come back and watch Blue Jacket hockey! read more
Nationwide Arena is a gem within the NHL. It has held up so well through the years. We love entering the arena and being greeted by the entrance workers / ushers. They make it so much easier now to enter the arena with the scanners. Basically the only thing they ask (sometimes) is for me to remove my winter cap. Though FYI ladies, purses are basically not allowed now. I know they allow diaper bags, but just do not even bother taking your purse. It just becomes a hassle, where it seems to be which worker you get at to what they will allow in. I'm not a huge fan of the food options or the beer prices, but I'll leave that for you to decide. I just want to let you know that the venue is top notch. There is not a bad seat in the house. The show on the ice by the Blue Jackets is typically great at home. They are a hard working team with a lot of pride. For example, this may not be our best season, but these guys do not give up. I love a good competition. This arena has held up so well over the years. I am really proud to call it our home of the Columbus Blue Jackets. I enjoy going to games at NWA and if you have not checked it out yet, well, you should. read more
3 years ago
The best night happened here. We found easy parking that was just steps away from the arena for only ten dollars. When we walked up to the stadium, we were surprised to see how beautiful the surrounding area is. They've really taken advantage of public spaces to make the area really pretty, clean and safe. The roads were all brick and there were cute surrounding bars, including a Dueling pianos bar. It was a pedestrian area, like a little fun town. The venue itself had quick security and ticket scanning, and the employees were really nice. They sold local beers, as well as white claws and a lot of snacks. We went to a concert and the sound quality was great and the place was packed out. We'll be back for more shows! read more
2 years ago
We recently went to Nationwide Arena to see Disney on Ice. This was our first time going here. We were hesitant going during Covid but when we saw that they were requiring mask, I felt a little comfortable. The place was packed. We went inside the building and showed our tickets, the guard scanned them and we went toward finding our seats. Getting to our seats was simple enough. However, we realized pretty quickly that nobody around us was wearing a mask. Literally everyone beside our row, and we were a party of 12, in front and behind of us weren't wearing a mask. People behind us was coughing and screaming. I understand its a Disney on Ice show and there will be little kids that cannot or will not wear the mask, but what about the adults? They should wear it. However, there was absolutely no enforcement on that department. Nationwide Arena should not indicate that they require mask if they cannot enforce the mask policy at all. Also, when it came to the food options, there were several options, like hotdogs, burgers, nachos, donuts, cotton candy and etc. but the problem was that within minutes they were sold out of most of the items. So if you were the unfortunate ones that was end of the line, you weren't able to buy any food, because they were sold out. read more
This was my first time in Columbus and my first time at Nationwide Arena. I was here for the second round of March Madness and I really enjoyed this venue. Lots of great food options! My friend and I enjoyed the pulled pork nachos and Coldstone Creamery ice cream. Both were delicious! They seemed to have more dining options than a lot of venues that I've been to in the past. Everything seemed clean including the bathrooms which is always a plus. My only complaint is how close the seats were. This seems to be an issue in most arenas because they're trying to put as many seats in as possible. We parked in the garage right across the street and it was super easy to get in and out before and after the event. read more
Nationwide Arena for the Genesis concert was awesome super easy to get in and through security. at the time of the show masks were required, but most people were eating and drinking so saw about half the folks had them on. Easy in and easy out easy parking throughout Columbus is nearby, plenty of concessions quick friendly service. Great concert venue! read more
Page 1 of 6
More info about Nationwide Arena
Ask the Community - Nationwide Arena
Review Highlights - Nationwide Arena
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
20 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
10 years ago
10 years ago
2 years ago
10 years ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
15 years ago
7 years ago
13 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
10 years ago
8 years ago
12 years ago
13 years ago
12 years ago
