Nationwide Arena

• Driving & Parking
  From I-71, take the Nationwide Boulevard exit. From I-70, take the Fourth Street exit north. Arena District garages and surface lots are around the stadium. The neighborhood is well-served by structured parking.
• Public Transit
  • Bus COTA & CMAX
    High-frequency COTA lines including the CMAX Rapid Transit, Line 1, Line 2, and Line 5 drop off at High St & Ohio Center Way. From Neil Avenue Immediate West Line 8 runs directly along Neil Avenue and drops off steps from the arena's west side.
• Rideshare
  All general guest drop-offs, pick-ups, must utilize West Street, located on the southwest side of the stadium property.

The Arena District and surrounding downtown neighborhoods provide a concentrated, walkable pregame experience.

Bars & Restaurants

• R Bar Arena
  The go-to pregame bar for Blue Jackets fans, located steps from the arena in the Arena District. A hockey-focused atmosphere with CBJ memorabilia, cold beer, and a game-night crowd that builds early.
• Boston's Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar
  A sports bar in the Arena District offering pizza, pub fare, and plenty of screens for pregame warmup viewing.
• Whistle & Keg
  A self-pour taproom in the Arena District where you pour your own beer from a curated wall of taps. A fun, social pregame concept.
• Hofbräuhaus Columbus
  An authentic German beer hall in the Arena District — a nod to Columbus's deep German heritage. Massive steins of German lager, pretzels, schnitzel, and communal tables. A unique and festive pregame experience.
• Moran's Bar and Grill
  A neighborhood bar near the Arena District with affordable drinks and a straightforward game-night vibe.
• North Market Downtown
  A public market on Spruce Street operating since 1876, with dozens of independent vendors selling everything from Somali food to handmade pasta to craft donuts. About a 10-minute walk from the arena — an excellent pregame stop.
• Barley's Brewing Company
  A brewpub in the Arena District area serving house-brewed ales and pub fare. One of Columbus's original craft breweries.
• Ted's Montana Grill
  A restaurant near the Arena District known for bison burgers and an upscale casual dining experience. A solid pregame dinner option.

Neighborhood Attractions

• Scioto Mile Promenade
  A stretch of parks, fountains, and pathways along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. The promenade connects several riverfront parks and provides views of the downtown skyline. About 10 minutes from the arena.
• Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
  One of the top science museums in the country, located on the Scioto Mile along the riverfront. Interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant-screen theater. About 15 minutes on foot from the arena.
• German Village
  A beautifully preserved 19th-century neighborhood south of downtown with brick streets, restored homes, the Book Loft (a 32-room bookstore), and German-influenced restaurants and bakeries. About 15 minutes from the arena.
• Short North Arts District
  The vibrant corridor along North High Street between downtown and the Ohio State campus, packed with galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The monthly Gallery Hop draws thousands. About 10 minutes from the arena.
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum
  A striking circular building on the Scioto riverfront honoring the service and sacrifice of American veterans. About 15 minutes from the arena.

Nationwide Arena and downtown Columbus highlight the city's diverse neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and the Blue Jackets' growing traditions.

• The Cannon
  After every Blue Jackets goal, a replica 1857 Napoleon cannon fires a blast so loud it shakes the arena and startles visiting fans. The cannon is operated by a crew in Civil War-era uniforms and has become the franchise's defining tradition. Located near the corner of the lower bowl.
• Retired Numbers
  • #61 Rick Nash
  • #80 Matiss Kivlenieks
  • #13 Johnny Gaudreau
• The Gaudreau Memorial Site
  The massive collection of hockey sticks, jerseys, and fan tributes originally left on the Front Street plaza has been permanently preserved and carefully curated into an indoor memorial wall located on the main concourse outside the COSI Kids Zone/Fan Zone.

• Lexus Lounge Seats
  This is the most prestigious individual ticket zone inside Nationwide Arena. It does not encompass all lower bowl glass seats; rather, it specifically covers rows B through M in center-ice Sections 114 and 115, situated directly behind the player penalty boxes.
• The Ice Box
  An exclusive, single game premium package containing just 4 pristine, ice-level seats located directly on the glass between the home and visiting team benches.
• Loge Boxes & Terrace Tables
  Private, intimate open-air semi-suites built into the Club Level, accommodating small corporate or social outings without the massive footprint of an executive suite.
• Luxury Suites & Party Towers
  Nationwide Arena houses over 60 private, climate-controlled Executive Suites flanking the sides of the bowl, alongside massive Party Towers positioned at the ends of the rink designed for larger groups.

• Signature Items
  Bratwurst and German-influenced fare reflect the city's heritage. Buckeye candies and peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate are a local treat.
• Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  Section 115 & 122, serving their famous Bahama Mama jalapeño smoked sausages and Jumbo Cream Puffs.
• Jet’s Pizza
  Serves as the official pizza vendor, featuring a game-day special CBJ Pizza chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and ranch.