Ever wondered just how much space it takes to host a thrilling NHL game, a sold-out concert, or a high-stakes basketball match? If you're like me, you've probably watched events at massive venues and thought, "Wow, this place is huge!" But what do those numbers really mean? Today, we're diving deep into the specifics of Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, to truly understand its scale.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey of discovery with me? Let's peel back the layers and uncover the impressive dimensions of this multi-purpose marvel!
Unveiling the Grandeur: How Big is Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena, located in the vibrant Arena District of downtown Columbus, isn't just a building; it's a colossal hub of entertainment, sports, and major events. Its size is truly remarkable, designed to accommodate a wide array of gatherings, from intimate corporate functions to electrifying performances that draw tens of thousands.
Step 1: Grasping the Total Footprint – It's More Than Just Seats!
Let's start with the sheer physical presence of the arena. When we talk about "how big" Nationwide Arena is, we're not just considering the seating area. We're talking about the entire facility, from its sprawling concourses to its back-of-house operations.
Square Footage: A Vast Expanse
Nationwide Arena boasts an impressive 748,000 square feet of space. Imagine that! That's a massive area, encompassing everything from the main arena bowl to various meeting rooms, luxury suites, and administrative offices. This vast footprint allows for immense versatility in hosting different types of events simultaneously or in varying configurations.
Think of it this way: If you were to lay out 748,000 square feet of carpet, you'd cover an area roughly equivalent to 13 football fields! That gives you a sense of the sheer scale we're dealing with.
Step 2: Decoding the Capacity – How Many People Can It Hold?
While the overall square footage is impressive, what most people want to know is: how many spectators can actually fit inside? This number varies significantly depending on the event, as the arena can be reconfigured for optimal viewing and experience.
Seating Capacity by Event Type: A Flexible Giant
Nationwide Arena is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to transform for various events. Here's a breakdown of its primary capacities:
- For Hockey (Columbus Blue Jackets Games): The arena typically seats around 18,500 fans for NHL ice hockey games. This configuration focuses on providing excellent sightlines for the ice rink.
- For Basketball: When the court is set up for basketball, the capacity expands slightly to approximately 19,500 spectators.
- For Concerts and Other Events: This is where Nationwide Arena truly shines in terms of maximizing attendance. For concerts, conventions, and other large-scale events, the capacity can reach an astounding 20,000 to 21,000 guests. This often involves utilizing floor seating in addition to the tiered stands.
- For Smaller Configurations: The lower arena bowl can even be configured for capacities ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 guests, making it ideal for ceremonies or smaller meetings that don't require the entire venue.
It's important to note: These numbers highlight the arena's adaptability. The physical structure remains the same, but the arrangement of seating, stage placement, and other elements dictate the final capacity for any given event.
Step 3: Beyond the Numbers – What Makes Up Its Size?
The "bigness" of Nationwide Arena isn't just about raw numbers; it's also about the thoughtful design and inclusion of various features that contribute to its overall grandeur and functionality.
Key Features Contributing to Its Scale:
- Multi-tiered Seating: The arena features multiple levels of seating, including a lower bowl, club level, and upper concourse. This tiered design maximizes seating capacity while offering diverse viewing experiences.
- Luxury Suites and Club Seating: Nationwide Arena boasts a significant number of luxury suites and club-level seating options. These premium areas offer enhanced amenities, private viewing, and often include food and beverage services, contributing to the overall spaciousness and exclusive feel.
- Fun Fact: There are 16 Founders Suites, 36 Executive Suites, 39 Club Terrace Tables, and 6 Party Suites.
- Expansive Concourse Areas: Unlike some older arenas, Nationwide Arena features wide and open concourses, allowing for easy movement of large crowds, access to numerous concession stands, and merchandise areas. This adds to the feeling of spaciousness even when the arena is packed.
- The OhioHealth Ice Haus: Intriguingly, Nationwide Arena is home to the OhioHealth Ice Haus, a separate 110,000 square foot practice facility attached to the main arena. This makes Nationwide Arena unique as one of the first NHL arenas with an integrated practice rink, further expanding its overall footprint and functionality beyond just game-day events.
- Versatile Floor Space: The arena floor itself is incredibly versatile. It can be transformed from an NHL regulation ice rink (200' x 85') to a basketball court, or even artificial turf for other events. A portable stage, measuring 80' x 60', can be set up for concerts and performances. The ceiling height reaches an impressive 95 feet to the rigging steel, allowing for complex staging and impressive aerial displays.
Step 4: The Surrounding Arena District – A Holistic View of "Big"
To truly appreciate the scale of Nationwide Arena, it's essential to consider its placement within the larger Arena District. This 95-acre development in downtown Columbus amplifies the arena's "bigness" by providing an entire ecosystem of entertainment and amenities.
A District Built Around the Arena:
The Arena District is a planned development that includes:
- Numerous Restaurants and Bars: A wide variety of dining and nightlife options cater to pre- and post-event crowds.
- Hotels: Several hotels are conveniently located within walking distance, making it easy for out-of-town visitors to attend events.
- Parking Garages: The district boasts over 15,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk, crucial for accommodating large event attendance.
- Outdoor Plazas and Parks: These spaces provide additional areas for gathering and can even serve as event venues themselves.
In essence, Nationwide Arena isn't just a standalone structure; it's the anchor of a massive, thoughtfully designed entertainment hub. This integrated approach makes the entire experience of attending an event feel grander and more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nationwide Arena
How to get to Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena is located at 200 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio. You can reach it via various modes of transportation including personal car (with ample parking in the Arena District), public transportation (bus stops nearby), or rideshare services with designated drop-off/pick-up points on West Street.
How to find the best seats at Nationwide Arena for a concert?
The "best" seats depend on your preference! For a direct view of the stage, front-and-center seats in the lower bowl are ideal. If you prefer an elevated view, consider club level or even upper-level seats that still offer a good perspective of the entire production. Check out interactive seating charts on ticket vendor websites for specific event layouts.
How to purchase tickets for events at Nationwide Arena?
Tickets can be purchased through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, the Nationwide Arena box office, or reputable secondary ticket marketplaces. Always check the official Nationwide Arena website for links to authorized sellers.
How to navigate Nationwide Arena's bag policy?
Nationwide Arena has a strict bag policy. Typically, only small clutches (up to 8" x 5" x 1") and medical/diaper bags are permitted, subject to X-ray screening. Larger bags are generally prohibited. It's always best to check the arena's official A-Z guide before attending an event.
How to find food and beverages at Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena offers a wide array of concession stands and bars throughout its concourses. They provide various food options, including gluten-friendly and vegan choices. The arena operates on a cashless system, accepting debit/credit cards and mobile payments.
How to access accessible seating and services at Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena is committed to accessibility. Accessible seating is available for all events. For specific information on accessible parking, entry, wheelchair companion seating, and other services, visit the "Accessibility" section on the official Nationwide Arena website or contact guest services.
How to find lost and found items at Nationwide Arena?
During an event, lost items can be dropped off or inquired about at the Guest Services Desk (typically located across from Section 112 on the main concourse). After an event, you can contact Nationwide Arena Security Lost & Found at 614-246-4632.
How to find restrooms and family amenities at Nationwide Arena?
Restrooms, including family/all-gender restrooms, are conveniently located throughout both the main (100) and upper (200) concourses. Nursing rooms and universal changing tables are also available. Consult the arena's A-Z guide or ask a staff member for directions.
How to get to the OhioHealth Ice Haus from Nationwide Arena?
The OhioHealth Ice Haus is an attached practice facility. Access points will be clearly marked within the arena or from the exterior. If attending a public skate or specific event at the Ice Haus, check its independent entrance details.
How to learn more about the history of Nationwide Arena?
You can explore the fascinating history of Nationwide Arena, including its construction on the site of the former Ohio State Penitentiary and its opening with sold-out concerts, on the "History" section of the official Nationwide Arena website.
