Columbus's Premier Sports, Concert & High-Energy Entertainment Nexus
The Arena District is a sleek, brick-paved 75-acre sports, entertainment, and residential powerhouse situated immediately northwest of Downtown Columbus. Developed on the historic grounds of the former Ohio Penitentiary, the district represents one of the most successful sports-anchored urban developments in the United States.
At the heart of the district sits Nationwide Arena, the state-of-the-art 18,500-seat home of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, where a real replica 1857 Napoleon cannon fires deafening blasts after every home goal. Directly adjacent is Huntington Park—consistently named America's best minor league ballpark—home to the Cleveland Guardians' Triple-A affiliate Columbus Clippers.
Anchoring the music scene is KEMBA Live! (formerly Express LIVE!), a unique indoor/outdoor concert amphitheater hosting top national touring rock and pop artists. Lined with bustling sports pubs, craft biergartens, and modern brick condominiums, the Arena District pulses with game-day electricity.
Key Highlights
- Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and host to major national concert tours and WWE events.
- Huntington Park, a classic brick-and-steel 10,000-seat ballpark named the best minor league stadium in America.
- KEMBA Live!, featuring a unique reversible stage allowing indoor winter shows and 5,000-capacity outdoor summer concerts.
- Bustling sports taverns, craft burger bars, and outdoor patios lining Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue.
From the Infamous Ohio Penitentiary to Sports Renaissance
For over 150 years, this land was occupied by the brooding stone walls of the Ohio Penitentiary (1834-1984), where famous inmates like Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and writer O. Henry were incarcerated.
Following the prison's demolition in the late 1990s, Nationwide Insurance partnered with civic leaders to design a master-planned entertainment district. When Columbus was awarded an NHL expansion franchise in 1997, Nationwide Arena opened in 2000, triggering an extraordinary urban transformation that established the Arena District as a national model.
Milestone Timeline
Ohio Penitentiary opens, operating as a maximum-security prison for 150 years.
Columbus awarded NHL expansion franchise; ground broken on Nationwide Arena.
Nationwide Arena opens as the Columbus Blue Jackets play their inaugural NHL season.
Huntington Park opens, bringing the Columbus Clippers to the heart of the Arena District.
Famous Places in Bishop Arts District
Nationwide Arena
Home of the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets18,500-seat sports palace featuring the famous goal cannon, open concourses, sports bars, and the OhioHealth Ice Haus practice rink.
Huntington Park
America's Best Minor League BallparkAward-winning 10,000-seat ballpark home to the Columbus Clippers, featuring rooftop bleachers, left field lawn, and skyline views.
KEMBA Live!
Indoor/Outdoor Concert AmphitheaterPioneering music pavilion with a reversible stage serving both a 2,200-seat indoor club and a 5,200-capacity outdoor lawn amphitheater.
North Market (Bordering District)
Columbus's Historic 1876 Public MarketLocated just two blocks east, featuring 30+ independent culinary merchants, spice vendors, ethnic food counters, and Jeni's Ice Creams.
Top Things to Do in Bishop Arts
Hear the Cannon Fire at a Blue Jackets NHL Game
Join 18,000 roaring hockey fans chanting 'CBJ' as the 1857 Napoleon cannon shakes the arena rafters after every home goal.
Enjoy $0.50 Dime-A-Dog Night at Huntington Park
Catch a Columbus Clippers baseball game on the left-field grassy lawn while enjoying traditional ballpark food and sunset views.
Catch a Summer Concert on the Lawn at KEMBA Live!
Spread out a blanket on the grassy festival hill to hear national indie rock and hip-hop headliners perform under the stars.
Tour the Food Stalls of Historic North Market
Sample Somali sambusas, Polish pierogies, fresh sushi, and Jeni's ice cream in the 148-year-old historic public market hall.
Sports Pubs, Classic Steakhouses & Craft Breweries
The Arena District is packed with vibrant pre-game dining, craft beer pubs, and fine chophouses:
Pre-Game Sports Pubs & Grills
R Bar Arena (official hockey headquarters with hockey decor & craft beers), Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar, and Whistle & Keg.
Steakhouses & Modern American
Ted's Montana Grill (bison steaks & classic burgers), Rodizio Grill (Brazilian steakhouse churrascaria), and Nada (upscale modern Mexican).
Craft Breweries & Biergartens
Hofbräuhaus Columbus (nearby authentic Bavarian biergarten with live oompah bands and giant pretzels), and local craft taprooms.
North Market Artisanal Stalls
Hubert's Polish Kitchen, Momo Ghar (authentic Tibetan dumplings), Black Radish Creamery, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
Living in the Arena District: Modern Brick Lofts & Game-Day Energy
Living in the Arena District offers an exciting, high-energy urban experience tailored to sports fans, concert-goers, and downtown professionals. Housing consists of handsome red-brick mid-rise condominiums, luxury apartment communities (such as Arena Crossing and Flats on Vine), and industrial-style lofts with private parking and fitness centers.
Residents can walk to Blue Jackets hockey games, Clippers baseball, concerts at KEMBA Live!, and the historic North Market without ever needing a car. With immediate access to the Olentangy Trail for bicycling and downtown offices just three blocks away, it combines urban excitement with master-planned cleanliness.
Contemporary red-brick mid-rise apartments, luxury condominiums, and urban lofts.
Energetic, sports-focused, entertainment-driven, walkable, and social.
Walk directly to Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, KEMBA Live!, and North Market.
Direct access to Olentangy River Trail connecting north to Ohio State campus.
Best Time to Visit the Arena District
October through April brings the electric indoor atmosphere of NHL hockey, while May through September offers outdoor baseball at Huntington Park and lawn concerts.
Blue Jackets Opening Night & Playoff Watch Parties
Massive outdoor plaza celebrations outside Nationwide Arena with red carpet arrivals, live bands, and food trucks.
Clippers Dime-A-Dog Nights
Legendary Tuesday night baseball promotion at Huntington Park with 50-cent hot dogs and packed stadium crowds.
Breakaway Music Festival
Massive multi-day electronic dance music and hip-hop festival held on the concert grounds.
Getting Around & Parking in the Arena District
Ride the Free Dallas Streetcar
100% Free Public Transit • Every 20 MinutesNationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue are the main thoroughfares; COTA bus lines serve the district, and the Olentangy Trail provides bicycle commuting.
McConnell Garage
Covered garage adjacent to Nationwide Arena and the OhioHealth Ice Haus.
Front Street Garage
Centrally located multi-level public parking deck on North Front Street.
Arena Surface Lots
Large event surface parking lots along Neil Avenue and Nationwide Boulevard.
Top 6 Local Businesses in Arena District
Featured
Columbus Prestige Residential Architecture
Custom luxury home design, modern architectural renovations, and interior blueprints.
Featured
Apex Master Plumbing & Rooter (Columbus)
24/7 Emergency plumbing, sewer camera inspection, and tankless water heaters in Columbus.
Featured
Joe's Craft Smokehouse & BBQ (Columbus)
Award-winning hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and handcrafted Southern sides in Columbus.
Featured
Columbus Vanguard Precision Dental Care
Modern cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, pain-free cleanings, and emergency care.
Featured
Columbus Peak Fitness & Performance Lab
Strength conditioning, personal athletic coaching, recovery suites, and hot sauna.
Featured
Columbus The Botanical Bookshop & Cafe
Independently curated novels, rare editions, local pour-over coffee, and bakery goods.
Events & Exclusive Deals in Arena District
Event
Columbus Farmers & Makers Weekend Open Market
Over 50 organic produce stalls, artisan sourdough, handcrafted soaps, and live acoustic music.
Event
Live Backyard Blues & Smoked Brisket Night
Join us under the string lights for live Delta blues, craft local brews on tap, and fresh pit carving straight from our outdoor smoker.
Event
Columbus Local Tech Founders & Business Growth Mixer
Connect with leading regional founders, angel investors, and executives for networking and drinks.
$100 OFF
$100 OFF Ceramic Coating or Full Auto Detail
BOGO 50%
Buy 1 Cocktail, Get 1 at 50% OFF at Rooftop
FREE CONSULT
Free Initial 30-Minute Legal Strategy Session
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Frequently Asked Questions about Arena District
Explore Nearby Columbus Neighborhoods
Short North
Lit steel arches, Gallery Hop & High Street dining
Downtown Columbus
Scioto Mile riverfront, Ohio Statehouse & theaters
Victorian Village
Historic Victorian homes, tree canopies & Goodale Park
Franklinton
Creative makers, 400 West Rich & Land-Grant Brewing
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