About Nationwide Arena in OH
Nationwide Arena opened in 2000 ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ inaugural season. The arena was built near the grounds of the former Ohio Penitentiary, with the parking lot and an Arena District apartment complex located where the prison used to be.
Since opening, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company has held the naming rights to the venue. It has also since become a majority owner of the facility. Nationwide’s world headquarters are also located adjacent to the arena.
Fans going to Blue Jackets games will want to be aware of the cannon the team fires inside the arena after Columbus goals and during the pregame festivities. Speaking from personal experience, you won’t just hear the shot, you’ll feel it in your chest, too.
Aside from NHL games, Nationwide Arena has hosted Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament games, WWE and MMA events, bull riding competitions, gymnastics meets, esports competitions, concerts, and more.
The arena is a cashless facility, so any concessions or team store purchases must be made with a debit or credit card. Some stands may also accept Google Pay or Apple Pay. Tickets are also 100% digital.
Is sports betting available at Nationwide Arena in Ohio?
Yes, OH sports betting is available at Nationwide Arena. Visitors are able to make their bets with Fanatics’ retail sportsbook that is located across the street from the arena.
Additionally, if your cell signal is strong enough, you’ll be able to make wagers with a mobile sports betting app from inside the Arena.
The Nationwide Arena partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook
In August 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook OH opened a retail location across the street from Nationwide Arena. The retail sportsbook was actually available to the public before Fanatics’ online platform was available in the state.
Fanatics’ brick-and-mortar gambling site is one of 14 in-person sports betting facilities in the state.
Through the partnership with Nationwide Arena, Fanatics is hoping to drive Blue Jackets fans and other arena guests so wager with its online platform. As of December 2023, Fanatics ranks seventh among Ohio’s 19 sportsbooks in online betting handle.
Does Nationwide Arena have other types of gambling for patrons?
No, Nationwide Arena does not have other types of gambling for patrons. Nationwide Arena does not hold a gambling license, so the only way to gamble at the venue is to place a sports wager or bet on horse racing through a mobile app. Otherwise, head across the street to Fanatics Sportsbook to place a bet.
Online casino gambling is illegal in Ohio.
The history of Nationwide Arena
Here is a timeline covering a few of the important events in the history of Nationwide Arena.
