Chances are if you clicked onto this you are either visiting Columbus for a sports game or concert or live in the area and are looking to explore the arena district more… either way, WELCOME!
The Arena District in Columbus is steadily growing with a ton of future development plans in the works. Keep an eye on the Arena Districts website and social media (mine included!) for more updates on what is opening and being built in this awesome part of Columbus.
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What is the Arena District
Called the Arena District due to the Nationwide Arena (home of the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team) located in the middle of the area. The Arena District has so much more to offer than just Hockey games though! Nationwide Arena hosts concerts and shows multiple times a week, including some major concerts. Arena District is also home to Express LIVE! and Huntington Park (home of the Columbus Clippers AAA Baseball Team).
Construction has also started to build a soccer arena for the Columbus Crew in the Arena District as well. Hockey, baseball, soccer…. Arena District has something for everyone!
Favorite Places to Eat
Nada – “Snag guacamole and salsa to share, and dig into tacos and mac n’ cheese at Nada. Margaritas on draft and local craft brews fuel the party from the patio to the bar and private room. Get energized with Modern Mexican for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. ” The spicy mac n cheese is my favorite!
Rodizio Grill – “Rodizio Grill is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse offering over a dozen rotisserie grilled meats, perfectly seasoned and carved tableside by Brazilian Gauchos. ”
The Half Pint – “The Half Pint features a large outdoor patio and an expansive draft and bottled beer selection. Signature appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads as well as brunch offerings on Saturday and Sunday.”
Favorite Places to Drink
Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar – “Two grand pianos. Tons of comedy. Plenty of audience participation. This piano bar is for people who love to go out, enjoy live music, and have fun! ” This bar can be a whole night by itself – endless entertainment.
Whistle & Keg – “Whistle & Keg, based out of Youngstown, Ohio, is a taproom with a pour-your-own concept featuring 50 self-serve taps. The taproom has an open food policy allowing guests to bring their favorite food or get food delivered while enjoying a selection of local and regional craft beers, wines, ciders, mead, kombucha and more. Patrons can expect a fun and inviting atmosphere with live music, comedy, events and more.” They just opened this weekend and I had so much fun at their opening! Such a unique and fun concept.
Gordon Biersch Brewery – “Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant serves an American menu with bold flavors complemented by a variety of premium handcrafted German lagers brewed on-site”
Other Happenings
As you can probably tell the Arena District is so much more than just hockey games! There are so many awesome live concerts and shows (including fun family friendly ones) that I can’t really even begin to list them all. Even if you don’t want to go to a show or sports game there are still so many restaurants and bars that you can enjoy the Arena District without paying for a ticket!
Parking
Parking costs range anywhere from $10-20 per event depending on how close you park to Nationwide Arena and the demand of the event. Usually I end up paying $15 for the whole night which isn’t too bad!
There is even a Park and Dine option:
Dine at select Arena District restaurants & park for only $3 for the first two hours in the Marconi Garage!
- Park in the Marconi Garage located at 245 Marconi Boulevard.
- Park and take your ticket with you to nada, Boston’s, Ted’s Montana Grill, or Sunny Street Cafe and have them validate your ticket.
- Present your validated parking ticket upon exiting the garage and you will only pay $3 for the first two hours. If your stay exceeds two hours, don’t worry. You will simply be charged the hourly rate for the additional time.
Have you been to the Arena District in Columbus before? What did you see? Where did you eat? Let me know!
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