Nationwide Arena Purse Policy and Seating Chart 2023

Bags are usually not permitted at this arena. However, there are some exceptions for medical bags and diaper bags after thorough checking.

The rules are so strict that even clear bags are not allowed inside the facility. Other restricted bags include backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, fanny packs, camera bags, binocular cases, string or ‘cinch’ bags, grocery bags, crossbody bags, roll bags, duffles, and more.

Every bag must go through the X-ray screening machine available at each entry point. This is a contactless step and replaces a manual search.

Prohibited Items at Nationwide Arena

Concerning the safety of the guests and peace of the environment, the following items are restricted inside the arena.

• Animals (Service animals are allowed)
• Banners, flags, and posters
• Clothing featuring abusive or inappropriate language
• Containers such as hard or soft-sided coolers, cans, bottles
• Confetti or other projectiles
• Drones
• Firearms
• Food and beverages
• Illegal narcotics
• Inflatables such as balls and balloons
• Laptops or tablets
• Noisemaking devices of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Markers or paints
• Professional still or video camera
• Selfie sticks
• Poles, pipes, or other sticks
• Weapons of any kind and items that mimic weapons
• Fireworks or explosives
• Umbrellas with a pointed tip. Small foldable umbrellas are allowed.
• Wrapped gifts
• Strollers or wagons not purposed to assist a patron with a medical condition

Nationwide Arena Code of Conduct

The venue management has implemented enhanced health and safety measures to protect visitors and reduce the risk of any sort of disease.

Protocols will be evolved in accordance with changing standards and public health directives. The management requests the visitors to comply with local health and safety.

Every patron is expected to act responsibly inside the facility and be considerate of others. If a visitor comes up with clothing or garment that is deemed to be offensive by the discretion of management will be restricted from entering the facility.

Likewise, if anyone is involved in behavior such as abusive language or profane, fighting, intoxication, or throwing objects; they will be removed from the venue without refund and are subject to arrest.

The seating map at Nationwide may alter during different events. However, the following charts can be used as a general guide to the arena.

End Stage Seating Chart

Disney on Ice Seating Chart

Best Seats Available at Nationwide Arena

Some of the best seats available at this multi-purpose arena are described below.

1. Club Level Seats

The Club seats are available on the north and east sides of the seating tier from C1 to C13. Seating on the small sections is padded and extra-wide. The club seats provide access to an upscale Club Lounge.

You can consider the Club level seats for any events as they offer one of the best experiences. There are only 8 rows in the Club section. The seats provide elevated views from a comfortable distance.

During a concert, club sections are available on both the corner and head-on sides. If the concert has a traditional end-stage setup, you can get the closest views from C2-C4. But if you prefer head-on views, you can choose seating at C11-C13.

C3 and C4 are located at center ice for the Columbus Blue Jackets games. These sections offer the best views of the match with the height of the club level at both ends of the ice.

2. Glass Seats

Glass seats are one of the best places to enjoy ice hockey games with a close and personal view. The first row behind the glass in each lower-level section is Row A, known as the Glass seats.

Being close to the ice, you can enjoy every little moment of the action. Visitors holding the glass seat tickets have access to the club lounge. However, the Glass seats don't offer all the inclusive benefits of the lounge.

3. Lexus Lounge

This is a premium and exclusive seating area at Nationwide available in Sections 114 and 115. The seats are great places for the Blue Jackets games. With a center ice location near the glass, this place is just a  few rows from the penalty box area.

Fans will also receive exclusive amenities such as an all-you-can-eat pre-game buffet. Two complimentary drinks are also provided for the adults. The Lexus Lounge ticketholders are also offered in-seat beverage service, private restrooms, and VIP Coat Check.

Nationwide Arena Parking

Over 15,000 parking spaces are available in surface lots and parking garages within a 10-minute walk of the arena. Traffic and parking patterns may vary for different events.

You can purchase the parking in advance and on the day of the event. The charge for surface lots and garages may vary depending on location.

Here is the list of parking garages and lots available near the arena:

A. Parking Garages

• McConnell Garage
• Front St. Garage
• Chestnut St. Garage
• Marconi Garage
• Arena Crossing Garage
• Neil Ave. Garage
• Kilbourne Garage

B. Parking Lots

• Buggyworks Lot
• Vine Lot
• Fletcher Lot
• Flats On Vine
• Broadbelt Lot
• Arena Crossing Lot
• Northbank Lot
• Hocking Lot
• 600 Spring Lot

The upcoming events at the arena for 2023 are shown in the table below.

Columbus Blue Jackets Games

Blue Jackets will play all of their home games at Nationwide Arena for the 2023-24 season. Their preseason is yet to conclude and will play 2 preseason matches against the Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals.

The Jackets will play their first regular season game at their home on October 12 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Tickets for the Blue Jackets games are available on Ticketmaster.

Fantasia

Fantasia joined by special guest Joe will be performing at the arena on Oct 6, 8:00 PM. The doors for the events will be opened at 7:00 PM.

The guests are not allowed to bring professional cameras, GoPros, iPads, and selfie sticks. Audio and video recordings of the events are restricted to visitors. However, point-and-shoot cameras are allowed.

WWE Smackdown

Friday Night Smackdown returns to Nationwide on November 10. The United States champion Rey Mysterio will perform alongside LA Knights, Charlotte Flair, and more. Don't miss the Street Profits, Bianca Belair, Austin Theory, and more wrestlers.

Here are some of the hotels at a close distance from the arena:

• Hilton Columbus Downtown
  Location: 402 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2005
  (0.1 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 855-605-0316
  
  
• Drury Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown
  Location: 88 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215-2576
  (0.4 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 855-663-0975
  
  
• Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown
  Location: 501 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  (0.3 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 855-605-0317
  
  
• Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph
  Location: 620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215-2010
  (0.4 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 844-631-0595
  
  
• Red Roof PLUS+ Columbus Downtown-Convention Center
  Location: 111 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215-2500
  (0.4 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 877-843-7663
  
  
• Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
  Location: 50 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  (0.5 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 844-631-0595
  
  
• Graduate Columbus
  Location: 750 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
  (0.6 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 614-482-3211
  
  
• Sonesta Columbus Downtown
  Location: 33 East Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
  (0.3 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 614-482-3830
  
  
• Courtyard Columbus Downtown
  Location: 35 W Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
  (0.3 miles from the arena)
  Phone: 00 1 844-631-0595
  
  
• Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown
  Location: 36 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215-3108
  (0.5 miles from the arena)
  Phone:  00 1 614-222-2610

Hilton Columbus Downtown

At a very short distance from Nationwide, Hilton is a convenient hotel for your lodging needs. It features an indoor pool and a fitness center.

Additionally, an EV charging facility is also available at the hotel premises. You can access free Wi-Fi and streaming TV for your digital needs. Hilton provides on-site restaurants, pet-friendly rooms, meeting rooms, and more services.

Drury Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown

This hotel is also a short distance from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Port Columbus International Airport. Rooms are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV.

The guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool of the hotel and have some exercise at the fitness center. Parking should not be a problem as the hotel offers an on-site parking facility.

Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown

Hampton Inn is situated within walking distance of many popular attractions such as the Columbus Convention Center, Arena Grand Theatre, campus of Ohio State University, and more.

The guests can access a high-speed internet service, fitness service, indoor swimming pool, private parking, and other facilities in the hotel.