Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio

Best known as the home of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena opened in 2000 at a cost of $150 million. It required a monumental construction effort – over 1.5 million hours of labor – and 1.3 million bricks and 60,000 sf of glass for the exterior, 9,400 tons of steel, 40,000 cubic yards of concrete, and 6,600 light fixtures. NBBJ was project architect and Turner/Barton Malow construction manager.

In addition to hockey, the 685,000 sf, 20,000-seat arena is the setting for basketball, lacrosse, freestyle motocross, figure skating, concerts, plays, conventions, trade exhibitions, and charity receptions. The minimum area of this event floor is 17,000 gross square feet, with the ability to expand by use of retractable seating sections. The event floor is sealed concrete, with a refrigerated, indirect system for ice making. It includes stores, restaurants, its own practice rink – open for public skating – and a 560-car parking deck.

The arena is asymmetrical, following the irregular convergence of city streets.

To heighten the sense of openness and fun, the building uses glass throughout. Among its signature features are two 80-foot towers anchoring the western interior of the seating bowl that house party suites; a 70-foot, glass-enclosed atrium; open lobbies and concourses that allow fans a great view of the action as soon as they walk through the door; elegant design featuring terrazzo floors, brick pillars and marble details. With great drama, a 135-foot light tower signals an event at the arena.