ESPN NHL

HISTORY:

Nationwide Arena, named after the Columbus-based insurance company that owns it, opened in September 2000 and has a distinct brick look. The arena has two 80-foot towers containing party suites that anchor the west end of the arena bowl, a 70-foot glass-enclosed atrium, and open lobbies and concourses. It also features a 1,500-pound Civil War era cannon that rests above the lower bowl seating area and fires when the team takes the ice and after every Blue Jackets goal and victory. The facility was the first in the NHL to have an attached practice rink -- the OhioHealth Ice Haus -- and is the centerpiece of the Arena District, a 75-acre dynamic mixed-use development located in downtown Columbus. This entertainment district features a variety of restaurants, office space, entertainment venues, condominiums, apartments and acres of parks and green space. Before Nationwide Arena was built, the site was home to the Ohio Penitentiary for 150 years until its closing in 1984.

SEATING NOTES:

• Glass seating includes Lower Bowl, Row 1 only.
• Center Ice Lounge seating is located in the first 12 rows behind the penalty boxes.
• Tickets not specified by the seller as Glass or Center Ice Lounge may map to a less premium section.

General:

Recording devices and video cameras are not permitted at the Nationwide Arena, but non-professional cameras are generally allowed. The doors open one hour prior to the start of events. Assisted listening devices and sign language interpretation are available by making arrangements in advance with guest services.

Additional Information:

Will Call window located at southwest corner of Nationwide Arena at the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and McConnell Boulevard, next to the CorComm Ice Haus, the Blue Jackets practice facility. Customer must present actual credit card, confirmation number and photo ID. Children ages 2 and older require a ticket for all Columbus Blue Jackets hockey games. Children younger than 2 years may enter without a ticket, but must sit on the lap of a parent/guardian. Rules for children vary for other events at the Nationwide Arena. Check individual show for more information.

Address:

200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43215

Directions:

From the north: Take I-71 South to Spring Street (left hand exit, exit #109C). Turn right onto Spring Street (West) to Neil Avenue, take a right to designated parking areas. I-315 South to Goodale Boulevard and Neil Avenue exit. Turn right at the Neil Avenue intersection. Proceed to designated parking areas.

From the south: Take I-71 North merging with I-70 East to the Front Street exit. Turn left at the Front St. intersections and proceed to designated parking areas.

From the east: Take I-70 West to the Fourth Street exit (US 23 North, exit #100B), continue to Fulton Street (West). When Fulton ends, turn right onto Front Street (North) and proceed to designated parking areas. I-670 West to Third Street exit (South). Proceed south to Chestnut Street, turn right and at the High Street intersection, turn right and proceed to Nationwide Boulevard. Take a left and proceed to designated parking areas.

From the west Take I-70 East to West Broad Street exit (US 40, exit #97), turn left and continue to Front Street. Turn left on Front Street and proceed to designated parking areas.

Parking:

More than 15,000 parking spaces are available within a 10-minute walk of the arena. All of the parking lots and garages are accessible for patrons with disabilities. There is also a drop-off site for special needs guests on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and John H. McConnell Boulevard. The lots and garages are all pre-pay.

Transportation:

Nationwide Arena is served by bus by the Central Ohio Transit Authority. For schedules and more information, visit the Central Ohio Transit Authority Web site.