Columbus Blue Jackets

Nationwide Arena holds about 18,500 for hockey and opened in 2000 as the anchor of the Arena District development in downtown Columbus. The cannon on the concourse fires after every Blue Jackets goal and after every victory - it's loud enough to startle first-time visitors and a point of pride for the regulars. The building is well-maintained and the sight lines throughout are good.

The Arena District surrounding Nationwide Arena has developed into a walkable entertainment neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and the Huntington Park baseball stadium (Columbus Clippers) nearby. North Market on Spruce Street is worth visiting before a game if you arrive early enough - it's a genuine public market with vendors worth exploring. Short North along High Street north of downtown is a separate destination with higher density dining and nightlife if you want to build a full evening around a game.

The Blue Jackets have had their best seasons in recent memory and the core is young and developing. Columbus is a genuinely good sports market that supports its teams through rough patches, and the hockey culture in central Ohio has grown significantly since the franchise arrived. The arena is walkable from most downtown hotels and the parking garages in the Arena District handle game-night crowds without major backup.

Find Blue Jackets tickets through Evil Tickets and see what home games are on the schedule at Nationwide Arena.