Visiting Nationwide Arena as an Away Fan: The Complete Guide
Nationwide Arena anchors the Arena District in downtown Columbus, a purpose-built entertainment area packed with bars and restaurants. Home to the Columbus Blue Jackets, it's walkable, easy, and one of the more convenient arena setups around. Here's how to do a Blue Jackets road trip right.
Getting There
Fly into Columbus (CMH), about 15 minutes from downtown — you'll drive or rideshare in.
The arena is downtown and walkable from downtown hotels and the Short North; most fans walk or rideshare.
Where to Stay
Downtown Columbus or the Short North puts you within walking distance of the arena and the city's dining and nightlife — the ideal base.
Staying central means you can walk to the game and to the bars and restaurants all around it.
Parking & When to Arrive
There are garages and lots in the Arena District, and prepaid is smart, but downtown is walkable if you're staying central.
Where Visiting Fans Sit
It's a comfortable arena with excellent sightlines and no obstructed views.
Lower-bowl seats are pricier while the upper deck is good value. Blue Jackets crowds are relaxed and easy for visiting fans.
Food & What to Bring
Expect Midwestern staples and local craft beer alongside the arena standards.
Check the bag policy, as arena clear-bag or small-bag rules usually apply. It's indoors, so weather isn't a factor inside.
The Pregame Scene
The Arena District, right around the arena, is the pregame — bars and restaurants within a walk.
The nearby Short North adds more dining and nightlife a short walk or rideshare away.
Insider Tips
Stay downtown and walk — the Arena District puts the pregame at your doorstep. Explore the Short North too.
Enjoy a relaxed crowd and a walkable setup. An easy, convenient away arena.
Build your Nationwide Arena trip
Choose each piece — flights into CMH, a hotel in downtown Columbus near the Arena District, Blue Jackets tickets, and a rental car only if you want it (downtown is walkable). It adds to your trip below. Nothing books until you're ready.