# Columbus Blue Jackets: Nationwide Arena Game Day Guide > Prices, parking, seating and transit for NHL games at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. All figures are for the 2025-26 and were last updated 2026-03-21. Source: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/blue-jackets League: NHL | Division: Metropolitan Data source: VisitYourTeam editorial ## Venue | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Name | Nationwide Arena | | Location | Columbus, OH | | Capacity | 18,500 | | Surface | Ice | | Roof | Indoor | | Opened | 2000 | | Coordinates | 39.9692, -83.0061 | | Official site | https://www.nationwidearena.com | ## Game Day Cost Cheapest realistic single-person game day at Nationwide Arena: **$33** ($20 ticket + $2 parking + $6 food + $5 drink). | Category | Lowest price | | --- | --- | | Ticket | $20 | | Parking | $2 | | Food item | $6 | | Drink | $5 | ### Ticket tiers | Tier | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Upper Level (200-Level) | $20 | Affordable upper deck seats with full-rink views, great value in a hockey-passionate market | | Lower Level End Zone | $55 | Behind the goal with excellent views of shots on net and power play setups | | Lower Level Sideline | $95 | Center-ice lower bowl with premium sightlines of the full playing surface | | Club Seats | $155 | Padded seats with dedicated lounge, in-seat service, and premium food options | | Ice-Level / Glass Seats | $275 | Behind the glass. Feel every hit, hear the skates, and experience hockey inches from the action | ### Concession prices | Item | Category | Price | | --- | --- | --- | | Hot Dog | Classic | $6 | | Buckeye Brat | Regional | $11 | | Pierogi Plate | Regional | $10 | | Chicken Tenders Basket | Classic | $12 | | Cheeseburger | Classic | $11 | | Loaded Nachos | Classic | $11 | | Pizza Slice | Classic | $7 | | Skyline Chili Dog | Regional | $9 | | Domestic Beer | Beer | $10 | | Columbus Craft Beer (Land-Grant, Hoof Hearted) | Beer | $13 | | Hard Seltzer | Cocktail | $12 | | Soft Drink | Non-Alcoholic | $6 | | Water Bottle | Non-Alcoholic | $5 | ## Parking Nationwide Arena is in Columbus's Arena District, adjacent to the Short North arts neighborhood. COTA buses serve downtown. Arena District has excellent pregame bars and restaurants. Garages $10-20. | Lot | Price | Distance | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Nationwide Arena Garages | $20 | 0.1-0.2 miles | Official garages at Nationwide Arena in the Arena District of downtown Columbus. | | Arena District / Short North Lots | $10 | 0.2-0.4 miles | Lots in the Arena District and nearby Short North arts neighborhood. | | COTA Bus | $2 | 0.2 miles from stop | COTA bus routes serve downtown Columbus and the Arena District. $2 fare. | ### Parking tips - The Arena District is compact. Even the cheapest lots are only a 5-minute walk from the arena. - Pre-purchase via ParkMobile or SpotHero for guaranteed spots on big game nights. - The main garage exit onto Nationwide Boulevard backs up after games. Use the Neil Avenue exit instead. - Rideshare pickup is along Front Street. Follow the signs after the game. - Street parking is available on metered streets after 6 PM but fills fast on game nights. ## Seating Nationwide Arena is an intimate arena with 18,500 seats in hockey configuration. The two-level bowl keeps fans close to the ice, and the upper deck has a steep rake that provides surprisingly good views. The lower bowl wraps tight around the rink. The famous cannon sits behind one of the goals, nearby sections feel it when it fires. The arena is well-designed for hockey with clear sightlines from almost every seat. | Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Ice-Level / Glass Seats | $200 - $450+ | Behind the glass with the closest possible view of the ice. Hear every hit and feel the speed. | Most immersive experience; Premium lounge access; Incredible proximity to the players | Low angle limits full-rink visibility; Glass can obstruct during board play; Near the cannon can be startling | | Lower Level Sideline | $70 - $150 | Center-ice lower bowl with excellent puck-tracking sightlines. The best balance of proximity and perspective. | Best overall view of the game; Close to the ice; Easy concourse access | Most expensive lower-bowl seats; End sections have angled views of far goal | | Lower Level End Zone | $40 - $80 | Behind the goal with close-up views of offensive zone play and shots on net. | Affordable lower-bowl access; Electric for power plays and breakaways; Near the cannon for goal celebrations | Far-end plays are harder to track; Seats near the cannon are LOUD | | Club Seats | $130 - $225 | Elevated sideline seats with padded chairs, extra legroom, and exclusive club lounge access. | Most comfortable seats; In-seat service available; Private lounge with premium food | Removed from the lower-bowl atmosphere; Premium pricing | | Upper Level (200-Level) | $20 - $55 | Steep upper deck with clear bird's-eye views of the full ice surface. | Most affordable seats in the NHL; Steep rake means unobstructed views; Full-rink perspective for following plays | Far from the ice; Steep stairs; Limited premium concessions | Official seat map: https://www.nationwidearena.com/seating ## Getting There Nationwide Arena is in the Arena District of downtown Columbus, easily accessible from I-670, I-70, and I-71. Columbus is a car-centric city but the Arena District's central location means most downtown hotels are within walking distance. Parking is plentiful and affordable. COTA bus service is available but limited on game nights. Rideshare is reliable and quick from surrounding neighborhoods. **Driving.** From I-670: Take the Neil Avenue exit and head south to Nationwide Boulevard. From I-70/I-71: Take the Fourth Street exit and head north to Nationwide Boulevard. Follow arena signs to the parking garages along Neil Avenue and Front Street. **Public transit.** COTA bus routes serve downtown Columbus and the Arena District. $2 fare. The arena is walkable from most downtown hotels and the Convention Center. Short North neighborhood is adjacent for pregame. **Rideshare.** Uber/Lyft drop-off is on Nationwide Boulevard near the main entrance. Post-game pickup is along Front Street. Rides from the Short North or campus area take about 5 minutes. ### Transit options | Option | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | COTA Bus | $2 | Central Ohio Transit Authority serves downtown Columbus with stops near the Arena District | | Rideshare (from Short North) | $10 | Uber/Lyft from the Short North or campus area, about 5 minutes to the arena | | COGO Bikeshare | $4 | Bike-share stations throughout downtown Columbus. Ride to the Arena District in minutes | ## Tailgating There's no traditional parking-lot tailgating at Nationwide Arena, the arena is in an urban setting without dedicated tailgating lots. Blue Jackets fans gather at R Bar and surrounding bars and restaurants for the pregame scene. The energy builds as game time approaches, with fans filling the streets and plazas near the arena. Check the team's website for recommended pregame spots and any official fan events. ### Rules - No grills, coolers, or tailgating setups are permitted in parking garages or structures near Nationwide Arena. - Outside alcohol is not allowed in public plazas or the arena grounds. - The arena's clear bag policy applies at all entry gates. - No re-entry. Once you leave Nationwide Arena, you cannot return. - Follow all posted rules in parking garages; they are for vehicle parking only. ### Best areas | Area | Description | | --- | --- | | R Bar | The official Blue Jackets bar, steps from the arena. Packed with CBJ fans, Jackets memorabilia on the walls, and draft beers flowing on game nights. | | Arena District Restaurants | Nationwide Boulevard has several restaurants and bars within walking distance of the arena. A full pregame dining scene. | | Short North Arts District | A 10-minute walk north on High Street. Columbus's trendiest neighborhood with galleries, restaurants, and bars. | ## Food & Drink Nationwide Arena reflects Columbus's growing food scene with Midwest comfort fare, Buckeye brats, and pierogis alongside standard concessions. The Arena District surrounding the arena offers dozens of dining options within walking distance. Columbus has one of the best food scenes in the Midwest, the Short North and Arena District deliver. Arena pricing is among the most affordable in the NHL. ### Nearby restaurants | Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Brassica in the Short North | Mediterranean Restaurant | $$ | 4.8 | | Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse | Steak House | $$$$ | 4.8 | | Wario's Beef and Pork | Sandwich Shop | $$ | 4.7 | | Land-Grant Brewing Company | Brewery | $$ | 4.7 | | The Lox Bagel Shop | Breakfast Restaurant | $$ | 4.7 | | Butcher & Rose | Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 | | Haveli Bistro | Indian Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 | | Forno Kitchen + Bar | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.5 | ## Game Day Timeline Nationwide Arena anchors the Arena District in downtown Columbus, a purpose-built entertainment neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and a park surrounding the arena. The Blue Jackets' cannon fires after every goal and the building shakes. Columbus is a passionate hockey town that's earned its place in the NHL. The Arena District bars fill early on game nights, and the Short North Arts District is a 10-minute walk for more dining options. Games run about 2.5 hours in regulation. | Time | What happens | Detail | | --- | --- | --- | | 3 hours before puck drop | Arrive in the Arena District | Park in the nearby garages and explore the Arena District. R Bar and Nationwide Boulevard restaurants start filling with Blue Jackets fans. | | 2 hours before puck drop | Pregame at R Bar | R Bar is the official Blue Jackets bar, packed, loud, and walking distance to the arena entrance. Local craft beer on tap. | | 1 hour before puck drop | Doors open | Enter Nationwide Arena and catch warm-ups. The arena has excellent sightlines from every level. | | 30 minutes before puck drop | Find your seat | Settle in and watch the pregame video. The cannon sits behind the goal, you'll hear it before you see it. | | Puck drop | Game time | Three 20-minute periods. When the Jackets score, the cannon fires and the building erupts. It's loud, embrace it. | | First intermission | Concourse run | Grab a Buckeye Brat or pierogi plate. The main concourse is wide and easy to navigate. | | Post-game | Arena District nightlife | Walk to the bars and restaurants along Nationwide Boulevard or head north to the Short North for more options. | ## Lodging | Hotel | Per night | Distance | | --- | --- | --- | | Hilton Columbus Downtown | $180 | 0.3 miles | | Hyatt Regency Columbus | $180 | 0.3 miles | | Sonesta Columbus Downtown | $180 | 0.3 miles | | Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Downtown | $180 | 0.3 miles | | Drury Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown | $180 | 0.4 miles | ## Typical Weather | Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | October | 66 | 43 | 3.2 inches | | November | 52 | 33 | 3.0 inches | | January | 37 | 21 | 3.1 inches | | March | 51 | 31 | 3.9 inches | | April | 64 | 41 | 4.0 inches | ## FAQ ### What is the bag policy at Nationwide Arena? Nationwide Arena enforces a clear bag policy. Fans may bring one clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". All bags are subject to inspection at entry gates. Diaper bags and medically necessary items are permitted after inspection. Leave prohibited bags in your vehicle to avoid delays at the gates. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### How early can I enter Nationwide Arena? Gates at Nationwide Arena typically open 1 hour before the scheduled game time. Arriving early gives you time to explore the arena, find your seats, and enjoy pre-game activities. Check the team's official website or app for specific gate times on game day, as times may vary for special events. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### Can I bring outside food or drinks into Nationwide Arena? Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside Nationwide Arena. Exceptions typically include one sealed, clear water bottle (up to 20 oz) and medically necessary items. There are a wide variety of food and beverage options available inside the arena. Check the venue's A-to-Z guide for the most current policy. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### How much does parking cost at Nationwide Arena? Parking at Nationwide Arena starts at $10 for arena district lots. Prices vary by lot location and proximity to the arena. Pre-purchasing parking passes through the team's official app or website is strongly recommended, as many lots sell out on game day. Arrive early for the best selection. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### Is Nationwide Arena a cashless venue? Nationwide Arena operates as a cashless venue. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted at all points of sale. Cash-to-card conversion kiosks are typically available inside the arena for fans without cards. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### Can I leave and re-enter Nationwide Arena during a game? Nationwide Arena does not allow re-entry once you have exited the arena. Make sure you have everything you need before entering. If you need to visit your vehicle, plan to do so before going through the gates. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies at the discretion of arena management. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### What accessibility services are available at Nationwide Arena? Nationwide Arena is fully ADA-compliant and offers wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seats, accessible restrooms, and elevators throughout the arena. Assistive listening devices are available at the guest services desk. Service animals are welcome. Contact the arena's accessibility services or guest relations in advance to arrange any special accommodations. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### Does Nationwide Arena require mobile tickets? Nationwide Arena uses mobile-only ticketing for most events. Tickets are managed through the team's official app or authorized ticketing partner. Download your tickets to your mobile wallet before arriving, cellular service can be limited near the arena on game day. Screenshots of tickets are typically not accepted for entry. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### What items are prohibited at Nationwide Arena? Prohibited items at Nationwide Arena include weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, large bags or backpacks, umbrellas, noisemakers (air horns, vuvuzelas), laser pointers, professional cameras with detachable lenses, drones, and any items that could be used as projectiles. Strollers may need to be checked at guest services. Review the full prohibited items list on the team's official website before attending. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### Is smoking or vaping allowed at Nationwide Arena? Nationwide Arena is a smoke-free facility. Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited throughout the arena, including seating areas, concourses, restrooms, and clubs. Some venues have designated smoking areas outside the gates, but re-entry is not permitted. Plan accordingly. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ### Is tailgating available at Nationwide Arena? Traditional tailgating is not available at Nationwide Arena. The arena is located in an area without dedicated tailgating lots. Fans typically enjoy the pregame scene at nearby bars, restaurants, and entertainment districts before heading inside. Check the team's website for recommended pregame spots and official watch parties. Source: https://www.nationwidearena.com ## Provenance - Season: 2025-26 - Last updated: 2026-03-21 - Last verified: 2026-03-25 - Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nhl/blue-jackets - Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.