Unveiling the Capacity: A Deep Dive into Nationwide Arena's Seating
Have you ever wondered how many people can pack into Nationwide Arena for a thrilling hockey game, a pulsating concert, or a high-stakes basketball match? If you're planning a visit, curious about event logistics, or just a fan of impressive venue statistics, you've come to the right place! Nationwide Arena, a cornerstone of the Columbus, Ohio entertainment scene, is a remarkably versatile facility with seating capacities that flex to fit the event. Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to understand its full potential.
Step 1: Let's Start with the Basics – What Are You Looking For?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's consider why you're asking this question. Are you curious about:
- A specific event type? (e.g., hockey, concert, basketball)
- The absolute maximum capacity Nationwide Arena can hold?
- How seating changes for different configurations?
Understanding your primary interest will help you navigate the details more efficiently!
Step 2: The General Seating Capacity – A Multi-Purpose Marvel
Nationwide Arena is designed as a multi-purpose arena, meaning its seating can be significantly reconfigured depending on the event. This flexibility is key to its success in hosting a wide array of entertainment and sporting events.
Sub-heading: The "Up To" Factor
The general capacity often cited for Nationwide Arena is up to 20,000 guests. This figure represents its maximum potential for large-scale events, particularly concerts where stage placement allows for seating around most or all of the arena.
Step 3: Sporting Event Capacities – Where the Action Happens
For specific sporting events, the seating capacity is tailored to the playing surface and the optimal viewing experience.
Sub-heading: Ice Hockey – Home of the Blue Jackets
As the proud home of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena is primarily configured for ice hockey. For a standard hockey game, the seating capacity is approximately 18,500. This ensures fantastic sightlines for every slap shot and save.
Sub-heading: Basketball – Slam Dunks and Full Houses
When the basketball court is laid down, Nationwide Arena can accommodate approximately 19,500 fans. This slightly higher capacity compared to hockey is due to the different court dimensions and seating arrangements around the perimeter.
Sub-heading: Arena Football and Other Sports
While less common now, Nationwide Arena has also hosted arena football, with a capacity around 17,171 for those events. Its versatility allows for various other sports, each with its own optimized seating.
Step 4: Concert Capacities – Rocking the House
Concerts are where Nationwide Arena truly showcases its adaptable nature. The seating can be dramatically altered based on the stage setup.
Sub-heading: End-Stage Configurations
- End-Stage 180 Degrees: For concerts with a stage at one end of the arena, selling seats in a 180-degree arc, the capacity is typically around 13,000.
- End-Stage 270 Degrees: Expanding the seating to a 270-degree view (meaning seats are sold on three sides of the stage), the capacity increases to approximately 16,000.
- End-Stage 360 Degrees: When the stage is at one end but seats are sold almost entirely around it, the capacity can reach around 18,000.
Sub-heading: Center Stage – The Full Spectacle
For events with a center stage, where the performance is in the middle of the arena and seating surrounds it on all sides, Nationwide Arena can truly maximize its capacity, accommodating up to 20,000 guests. This configuration offers an immersive experience for the audience.
Sub-heading: Theater Setup – Intimate Performances
For more intimate performances, or events requiring a smaller, more focused setting, the arena can be configured into a "theater setup," ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 seats. This allows for a more personal connection between the audience and the performers.
Step 5: Beyond the Numbers – Factors Influencing Capacity
It's important to remember that these numbers are approximate and can vary slightly based on several factors:
- Production Set-Up: The size and complexity of the stage, lighting rigs, sound equipment, and other production elements can impact available seating.
- Event Type: The specific nature of the event, whether it's a sporting contest, a musical performance, a convention, or a family show, dictates the best seating arrangement.
- ADA Seating Requirements: Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines ensures accessible seating, which is always accounted for within the total capacity.
- Luxury Suites and Club Levels: Nationwide Arena features numerous luxury suites and a club level concourse, which are included in the overall capacity but offer a premium experience.
Step 6: Finding Specific Event Seating Charts
If you're attending a particular event, the best way to determine the exact seating configuration and available seats is to:
- Visit the Official Nationwide Arena Website: They often have event-specific seating charts.
- Check Ticketing Platforms: Websites like Ticketmaster or other authorized sellers will display the exact seating map for the event you're interested in purchasing tickets for.
Step 7: A Quick Recap of Key Capacities
To summarize the main points:
- General Maximum Capacity: Up to 20,000 (often for center-stage concerts)
- Ice Hockey (Columbus Blue Jackets): Approximately 18,500
- Basketball: Approximately 19,500
- Concerts (End-Stage): Ranging from 13,000 to 18,000
- Concerts (Center-Stage): Up to 20,000
- Theater Setup: 2,000 to 7,000
Nationwide Arena truly is a dynamic venue, capable of transforming its interior to accommodate a vast spectrum of events, from roaring hockey crowds to intimate theatrical performances.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the best seats for a concert at Nationwide Arena?
The best seats for a concert often depend on the stage configuration. For end-stage shows, consider seats in the lower bowl directly facing the stage. For center-stage shows, any lower bowl seat can offer a great view. Always check the specific event's seating chart on the ticketing platform.
How to get to Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena is located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, at 200 W Nationwide Blvd. It's easily accessible by car, public transit (bus lines), and is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions in the Arena District.
How to park at Nationwide Arena?
The Arena District boasts over 15,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk, including an attached garage to Nationwide Arena. Pre-purchasing parking online through services like ParkMobile or checking the arena's official website for parking information is highly recommended.
How to purchase tickets for events at Nationwide Arena?
Tickets for events at Nationwide Arena can be purchased through authorized ticketing agents like Ticketmaster, the official Nationwide Arena box office, or the team's official websites (e.g., Columbus Blue Jackets). Always buy from reputable sources to avoid scalping.
How to know what events are happening at Nationwide Arena?
The official Nationwide Arena website (
How to rent a luxury suite at Nationwide Arena?
Information on luxury suite rentals can typically be found on the Nationwide Arena website under a "Premium Seating" or "Suites" section. You can usually contact their premium seating sales team for availability and pricing.
How to access ADA-compliant seating at Nationwide Arena?
Accessible seating options are available throughout Nationwide Arena for patrons with disabilities. These tickets can be purchased through the same channels as standard tickets, but it's often advisable to specify your need for accessible seating when purchasing.
How to find food and beverage options inside Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena offers a wide variety of food and beverage options, including classic arena fare, local favorites, and premium offerings. Concession stands are located throughout the concourses on all levels.
How to bring bags into Nationwide Arena?
Nationwide Arena typically has a clear bag policy for most events. It's crucial to check the specific event's bag policy on the arena's website before attending to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
How to get a job at Nationwide Arena?
Job openings at Nationwide Arena are often posted on their official website's "Careers" or "Employment" section, or on job search platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. You can also check with Columbus Arena Management, the operator of the arena.