Nationwide Arena is a multipurpose Indoor Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. It is the largest venue in the United States and can accommodate approximately 19500 visitors for basketball games. The seating capacity for hockey games is 18500 and it can accommodate approximately 19500 visitors, including standing room. Nationwide Arena seating chart with seat numbers and rows helps in finding the seats. It regularly hosts entertainment events and concerts. With temporary floor arrangements, Nationwide Arena can accommodate more than 20,000 visitors.
The construction of the indoor Arena in Columbus started in 1998 and it was completed in 2000. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company purchased the naming rights while the stadium was being built. It opened as Nationwide Arena due to the naming rights. It is a regular venue in Ohio for hosting multipurpose indoor events like Ice Hockey, basketball, etc. It also hosts combat sports like MMA, professional wrestling, and boxing.
Nationwide Arena is the home stadium of the Columbus Blue Jackets, an NHL team since 2000. It has also hosted the Columbus Fury volleyball team since 2024. The tenants host home games there during the season. It is also popularly known as Blue Jackets Stadium. It has hosted many tenants, including lacrosse, indoor football, and ice hockey. Nationwide Arena is owned by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and operated by Columbus Arena Management. Ohio Stadium is the largest stadium in Ohio by seating capacity and can accommodate over 100,000 visitors. It is located about 3 miles from Nationwide Arena.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arena | Nationwide Arena |
| Address | 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Home Team | Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) |
| Hockey Capacity | 18500 |
| Basketball Capacity | 19500 |
| Concert Capacity | Up to 20,000 |
| Main Seating | Lower Bowl 100s, Upper Bowl 200s, Club Level |
| Arena Size | 684,000 sq. ft. main arena |
| Practice Facility | OhioHealth Ice Haus, attached to arena |
| Best Event Type | NHL hockey; also major concerts and college events |
| Official Address | 200 West Nationwide Boulevard |
Nationwide Arena Seating Chart
The seats of the stadium are spread across multiple levels, sections, and premium categories. The Nationwide Arena seating chart shows the general seating area and premium sections. The map shows the numbered section locations for easy identification. The location of clubs, suites, tower, and other premium categories are indicated on the map.
The location of the ice rink and other important amenities are shown on the map. This map helps in finding the seats during the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL games and other ice hockey tournaments.
Nationwide Arena offers accessible seats for visitors who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues. ADA seats and Stadium entrances are indicated on the seating layout. All facilities are available for visitors’ convenience, including companion seats for eligible visitors. Accessible seats are limited, and visitors can reserve them in advance.
Nationwide Arena Concert Seat Map
It is widely used to host concerts in Ohio. Nationwide Arena uses its floor to set up the performance stage in a mostly end-stage layout. Sometimes an additional stage is also set up on the field, as shown in the map.
The map shows the performance stage location, with temporary arrangements on the floor and in the arena seats.
The layout of the temporary arrangements may vary slightly based on the organizers’ needs. The location of accessible seats, floor seating, lower sections, upper sections, and premium areas are depicted on the color-coded map.
Seats behind the performance stage are generally not usable because of obstructed views. The map also indicates the location of Nationwide Arena for the Disney on Ice show. These maps are quite useful for locating seats and choosing the best sections at Nationwide Arena.
Nationwide Arena Best Sections
The color-coded map helps in choosing the best sections before booking Nationwide Arena tickets. Sections 103, 104, 114, and 115 are among the best sections during NHL games. Choose the middle rows for an elevated view. Lower-level seats are orange, while upper-level seats are blue. The premium sections are in light brown, lavender, light blue, and green.
Premium-category seats are among the most expensive, and they offer a good view, luxury services, and extra comfort.
The floor section in front of the performance stage is generally the most expensive and best area during concerts. The demand for the best tickets is always high at Nationwide Arena. The atmosphere is great at the arena floor temporary section. Sections 108-110 are good on the lower level, while sections 208-211 on the upper level are affordable with a good view. C2-C4, 102-103, 116-115 are good for a close-side view during the concerts.
| Seating Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Seats | Blue Jackets hockey | Sections 103, 104, 114, 115; excellent center-ice views and close to the action | Usually expensive, especially lower rows |
| Best Budget Seats | Value for money | Sections 203 and 217 around center ice; good view of both ends | Farther from the ice |
| Premium & VIP Seating | Luxury & exclusive experience | Lexus Lounge, Lexus Glass, Diamond Cellar Club, Club Level and suites | Premium pricing |
| Seats to Avoid | — | Extreme upper corners and very high rows offer the least desirable views | Farther from the action; poorer angle |
Nationwide Arena Parking Map
Multiple parking garages are within a 10-minute walk and can accommodate over 15000 vehicles. The Nationwide Arena parking map shows the location and names of these parking lots. McConnell Garage is the closest parking space near Nationwide Arena. Front Street Garage, Chestnut Street Garage, Arena Crossing Garage, Neil Avenue Garage, Marconi Garage, and Kilbourne Garage are other parking lots within a short walking distance. The parking map shows 16 parking garages and lots.
The location of nearby landmarks, sporting venues, streets and other important details is also shown on the parking map. Accessible parking for visitors with mobility issues is available in these parking lots, and pre-booking is highly recommended when available. Click this link to pre-purchase a parking space for accessible and general visitors. Choose the parking lot closest to Nationwide Arena.
It is well connected by COTA transit bus services and served by various numbers.
Bag Policy
Nationwide Arena has very strict back policy and a small bag of size maximum 8″ × 5″ × 1 is allowed. Visitors can bring diaper bags, medical bags and baby bags. These bags go through the dedicated x-ray screening. Binbox smart lockers are available at the McConnell Blvd. and Front St. entrances to store prohibited items and large bags for a fee. Visitors cannot pre-book a locker.
Nationwide Arena Events 2026
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Sep 9, 2026 | Shreya Ghoshal – The Unstoppable Tour | Concert |
| Mon, Sep 21, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings — Preseason | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Sep 22, 2026 | Phoebe Bridgers – The Lost Tour | Concert |
| Thu, Sep 24, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins — Preseason | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Sep 30, 2026 | Teddy Swims – The UGLY Tour | Concert |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Utah Mammoth | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Oct 6, 2026 | Weezer – The Gathering | Concert |
| Wed, Oct 7, 2026 | Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds – Mutiny for the Masses Tour | Concert |
| Fri, Oct 9, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Oct 13, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Oct 16, 2026 | Jonas Brothers – The Burning Up Tour All Over Again | Concert |
| Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Oct 20, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Oct 21, 2026 | Five Finger Death Punch with Cody Jinks & Eva Under Fire | Concert |
| Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Nov 3, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Nov 5, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Dallas Stars | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Nov 8, 2026 | SOMBR with Dove Cameron & Hannah Jadagu | Concert |
| Tue, Nov 10, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Nov 12, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Nov 25, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Nov 27, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Nov 29, 2026 | A10/American Showcase on ESPN — Memphis vs. Dayton & South Florida vs. Saint Louis | College Basketball |
| Sat, Dec 5, 2026 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra — two performances, 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM | Concert |
| Thu, Dec 10, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Dec 12, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Dec 17, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Seattle Kraken | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Dec 19, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Dec 22, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Dec 27, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Edmonton Oilers | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Dec 31, 2026 | Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals | NHL Hockey |
Nationwide Arena 2027 Events
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 2, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Boston Bruins | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Jan 5, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Jan 8, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Jan 21, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Jan 24, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Anaheim Ducks | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Jan 28, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Winnipeg Jets | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Jan 30, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Feb 11, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Ottawa Senators | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Feb 18, 2027 | TOBYMAC – Hits Deep Tour | Concert |
| Sat, Feb 20, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Nashville Predators | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Feb 22, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. New York Islanders | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Feb 26, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Feb 27, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. New York Islanders | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Mar 1, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Mar 11, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Mar 13, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Mar 16, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL Hockey |
| Sat-Sun, Mar 6-7, 2027 | 113th Big Ten Wrestling Championships | College Wrestling |
| Sat, Mar 20, 2027 | Niall Horan | Concert |
| Thu, Mar 25, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Mar 27, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Apr 6, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Apr 8, 2027 | Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers | NHL Hockey |
