#nationwidearena

[photoshoot55]

Sports Lovers’ Paradise: Where to Catch the Best Games in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, is a city where passion for sports runs deep. Whether you’re a fan of college football, professional soccer, hockey, or basketball, Columbus offers a variety of venues and experiences that cater to every kind of sports enthusiast. The city’s lively atmosphere and strong community support make it a prime destination for those who love the thrill of the game. In this post, we’ll explore the best places in Columbus to catch a game, from the roaring crowds at Ohio Stadium to intimate sports bars filled with local pride.

1. Ohio Stadium – The Home of Buckeye Football

No sports fan's experience in Columbus is complete without attending an Ohio State Buckeyes football game at the iconic Ohio Stadium. Known as "The Horseshoe," this massive 100,000-seat stadium is home to one of the most celebrated college football teams in the nation. The excitement in the air is palpable as fans don scarlet and gray to cheer on their beloved team. Game days in Columbus are nothing short of legendary, with tailgating, live music, and the spirit of the Buckeyes taking over the city. Even if you’re not an Ohio State alumni, the sheer energy of the stadium is something that every sports fan should experience at least once.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the full game-day experience, head to the tailgate parties on Lane Avenue before kickoff. You’ll find passionate fans grilling, playing cornhole, and celebrating their love for the Buckeyes.

2. Lower.com Field – The Heart of Major League Soccer

Columbus Crew SC, the city’s Major League Soccer team, has a dedicated following, and their home games are nothing short of electric. The newly built Lower.com Field in the downtown area offers a modern and exciting venue for soccer fans. This state-of-the-art stadium provides excellent sightlines and an immersive experience, with fans often engaging in chants, songs, and displays of support that make soccer matches in Columbus a unique experience.

The team’s history is woven into the city’s identity, as Columbus Crew SC was one of the founding clubs of MLS. Games at Lower.com Field are fast-paced, energetic, and filled with the passion of local supporters. For families, soccer enthusiasts, and casual sports fans alike, attending a Columbus Crew game offers a chance to be part of something special.

Pro Tip: Make sure to sit near the Nordecke, the passionate supporters' section, for an intense and lively experience that will keep you cheering the entire match.

3. Nationwide Arena – Home of the Columbus Blue Jackets

Hockey fans need look no further than Nationwide Arena, where the Columbus Blue Jackets, the city’s NHL team, hit the ice. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or new to the sport, Blue Jackets games are a thrilling experience. The fast-paced action on the ice combined with the roaring crowd creates an electric atmosphere. Nationwide Arena, located in the heart of the Arena District, is a top-tier venue known for its passionate fans, lively pre-game festivities, and post-game entertainment.

Hockey games in Columbus offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the sport, with chants, goal celebrations, and an intimate setting that puts you close to the action. The Blue Jackets' cannon, fired after every home team goal, adds a signature touch to the game day experience.

Pro Tip: Before heading to the game, explore the Arena District, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars that are perfect for pre-game drinks and snacks.

4. Huntington Park – The Columbus Clippers Experience

For baseball fans, a trip to Huntington Park to watch the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, is a must. Huntington Park is a gem of a ballpark, offering a family-friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed day out. Located in the Arena District, this minor league venue offers an intimate experience where fans can get closer to the players and enjoy a day of America’s favorite pastime.

Clippers games are ideal for those who love the slower pace of baseball while still enjoying a lively and fun atmosphere. The ballpark’s design ensures that no seat is far from the action, and the food options—from classic ballpark hot dogs to more gourmet offerings—make Huntington Park a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Pro Tip: Look out for special promotions like Dime-A-Dog nights, where hot dogs are just ten cents, making it a great, affordable way to enjoy a game.

5. Schottenstein Center – Buckeye Basketball and More

Basketball fans can catch Ohio State University’s men’s and women’s teams at the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes basketball program has a rich history, and attending a game here offers the same collegiate pride and energy as the football games at Ohio Stadium. The Schottenstein Center, or “The Schott,” also hosts other major events such as concerts and ice shows, making it a versatile venue for entertainment.

Ohio State basketball games are fast-paced and action-packed, with the students and alumni bringing the same passion they show for football to the hardwood. If you’re a fan of college basketball, a visit to the Schottenstein Center is a must.

Pro Tip: Check out the center’s event calendar for games against top-ranked teams, where the atmosphere becomes even more intense and unforgettable.

6. Sports Bars – Local Hangouts for Game Day Vibes

If you can’t make it to the stadium or arena, Columbus has an abundance of sports bars that provide an excellent atmosphere to catch the game. Here are a few favorites:

Gallo’s Tap Room: This laid-back bar is perfect for catching a variety of sports, from Buckeyes football to Blue Jackets hockey. With numerous TVs and a great beer selection, it’s a go-to spot for many locals.

Buffalo Wild Wings (Bethel Road): A classic spot for sports fans, BWW offers multiple screens, wings, and plenty of seating for large groups. The Bethel Road location is known for its dedicated sports crowd.

Bier Stube: A local dive bar with a great mix of fans, Bier Stube is a hidden gem. The friendly, no-frills atmosphere makes it perfect for watching any sport while chatting with fellow fans.

Land-Grant Brewing Company: While it’s known for its craft beer, Land-Grant has a large outdoor space with big screens to watch live sports, especially during soccer season. It’s a popular spot for both Crew and Buckeye fans.

Final Thoughts

Columbus is a sports lover’s paradise, offering a rich variety of venues and experiences for fans of all sports. Whether you’re cheering on the Buckeyes, joining in the chants at a Crew game, or enjoying a Clippers baseball outing with the family, the city offers something for every type of sports enthusiast. Add in the numerous sports bars and lively game-day traditions, and it’s clear why Columbus is a top destination for those who live and breathe sports. So grab your jersey, and get ready to catch the best games the city has to offer .

[carrie-underwoods]

carrieunderwood: Good times in #Columbus last night at the @nationwidearena !!! Gotta love those weekend crowds! Thanks for coming out and bringing all your #DenimAndRhinestones !!! 📸: @jeffjohnsonimages

[marcosilveira18]

@amylee & @troymclawhorn1 by @nationwidearena 💜💙😄🌷🌹🌸🍀😘🎹🎧🎤🎺🎻🎷🎸🎵🎼🎶😉💞😍💚💛😃❤😎🖤💜💙😚🤘❣🇧🇷❌❌ 📷: @amylee & @troymclawhorn1 & @evanescenceofficial & @nationwidearena 🔁: @marcosilveiraa18 on Instagram #Evanescence #Amylee #EmmaAnzai #Synthesis #Metal #Rock #Rocknroll #FallenEra #TheOpenDoorEra #EvanescenceEra #Band #Guitarist #Evanescencetour #Live #Fallensweet20 #TheChain #TheBitterTruth #WastedOnYou #StreamWastedOnYou #TheGameIsOver #StreamTheGameIsOver #UseMyVoice #StreamUseMyVoice #YeahRight #StreamYeahRight #BetterWithoutYou #StreamBetterWithoutYou Posted @withregram • @nationwidearena @OneOKRockOfficial and @EvanescenceOfficial have the crowd warmed up for @Muse at @NationwideArena during the #WillOfThePeopleTour! 🔥 (em Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/CphNJNSuVxp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[cgoddardmd]

@adamsandler & His Special Guest @iamrobschneider Put On An Awesome Show At @nationwidearena 2/7/23! Rob Schneider Has An Amazing Singing Voice & Adam Sandler Can Shred On Guitar! 🤘❤️ (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoY0Uw4tl5s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sylphmarketing]

*Repeat Repeat, Oct 2, 2019 Nationwide Arena Sometimes a live performance looks like a studio shot. #guitar #musicphotography #blackandwhitephotography #rock #livemusic #concertphotography #ohiophotographer #columbusphotographer #guitarist #glasses #ohiophotographer #columbusphotographer #repeatx2 #nationwidearena #atrillionsouls copyright Harry Acosta (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/B94mCCvgbuQ/?igshid=sr40s75y7bex

[strangeandspookyworld]

3 years ago tonight: I took Courtney to her first Queen concert. Amazing to think I was around her age when I first got into Queen. Never would have guessed that decades later, my daughter would be (willingly) sitting beside me at a Queen show, proudly sporting her VIP badge. #queenwillrock #queenadamlambert #brianmay #rogertaylor #nationwidearena #fatherswithdaughters https://www.instagram.com/p/ChNGSEzOSVD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fueledbytori]

You voted, and everyone agreed that I needed to post more photos from @panicatthedisco! [201/465] • • #panicatthedisco #patd #brendonurie #ohiophotography #ohiophotographer #concert #live #show #concertphotographer #concertphotography #music #performance #columbus #prayforthewickedtour #prayforthewickedtour2018 #photography #photographer #nikon #nikonusa #nikond750 #clevelandphotographer #latergram #nationwidearena #nationwidearenacolumbus #livephotography #musicphotography #musicphotographer (at Nationwide Arena)

[jemclemons]

I love this!! #cbj #dailypic #dailytweet #dailyphoto I got this at #nationwidearena (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWM9VXZMyRA/?utm_medium=tumblr

[metal-aeon]

So today is not the best day I had a ticket for twenty One pilots for the concert tomorrow after I purchased it a health check was issued and my money from my associate's degree never came through so I have no money to travel or get around so if anybody is interested in purchasing this ticket I haven't listed on Ticketmaster for $125 however that was just what I paid for it so that's all I was asking for back but considering the circumstances I will drop the price if anyone is truly interested it's one ticket to twenty One pilots tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. you have to have a covid shot and proof of it or you have to have a clean covid screening within 72 hours of going to the venue. This really pains me because I bought this ticket in July as a birthday present to myself and I was really excited to go this is my favorite band and the best thing about it is they're from here so it's like they see literally everything we see I'm from Columbus that's where I live and they deal with the same stuff you know so the real people too and it's interesting to find out that somebody you admire or think highly of literally could live right around the corner from you you never know so if anybody's interested please let me know you can post on my Instagram or you can DM me it sucks but I just hope somebody can use the ticket rather than wasting it twenty One pilots is an amazing band so I hope somebody is able to enjoy it. #twentyonepilots #twentyønepiløts #concert #nationwidearena #letmeknow #enjoy https://www.instagram.com/p/CVlvZNpsN2K/?utm_medium=tumblr

[stadiumhelp-blog]

(via Nationwide Arena Guide: Amenities, Attractions, Parking)

[all-elite-photography-blog]

Home state vibes 
(at Columbus, Ohio)


[dungareesinjapan]

1-18-2020: Last night watching the Columbus Blue Jackets destroy the New Jersey Devils 5-0. Early birthday present! #nhl #nhlhockey #columbus #bluejackets #newjersey #devils #nationwidearena #arenadistrict (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gLLljgez9/?igshid=v802l1uzy1s

[adorejoseph]

This happened again last night & I’m so grateful I was able to meet the two people I look up to most in the world with my best friend.

Thank you for everything @twentyonepilots, you’ve changed my life & I can’t thank you enough! { #twentyønepiløts #twentyonepilots #tylerjoseph #joshdun #roadtrip #bestfriend #bestfriends #fave #concert #columbus #ohio #artopia #nationwide #nationwidearena } (at Nationwide Arena)

[thegoreydetails]

Made a late night #roadtrip with Machine Gun @kaylakelly13 and the rest of the S³ Squad (@lone009wolf and @polopopo27) down to the @nationwidearena in @onlyincbus to see the @bluejacketsnhl defend the house and bring home a W in #overtime against the talented @buffalosabres for my first @nhl #hockey game in years. . . . #nationwidearena #columbusohio #stuckinohio #lifeisgood #wemustprotectthishouse #bluejackets #letsgojackets #forthiseabouttorock #wesaluteyou #fire #buffalosabres #nhl #cbj (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Xluc8p2Ih/?igshid=183cpby9dzxxp

[cgoddardmd]

This Awesome Tribute To His Friend, The Late Chris Farley By @adamsandler At His @nationwidearena Show 2/7/23 Actually Made Me Cry! Rest In Peace Chris Farley!🙏😢 (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYzzXetb7E/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sylphmarketing]

Modest Mouse, Oct 10, 2019 #nationwidearena #livemusic #modestmouse #music #concert #concertphotography #photography #ohiophotographer #columbusphotographer #harryacostaphotography #photooftheday #instagood #atrillionsouls copyright Harry Acosta (at Nationwide Arena) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUTo2CJoREc/?utm_medium=tumblr