Whether they're filled with die-hard OSU loyalists, anxious hockey enthusiasts in search of a title or curious first-time attendees with no real knowledge of the games, these renowned venues in Ohio's capital city offer a fun and communal experience for fans and non-fans alike.
Nationwide Arena
The Columbus sports scene scored a real victory in 2000 when it welcomed its first NHL team to the city, the Columbus Blue Jackets The resplendent downtown-based Nationwide Arena is famous for its towering 70-foot glass atrium. It can accommodate up to 18,500 ardent hockey fans. When the players aren't chasing the puck, the arena is often home to major concerts, ice shows and other sporting events like rodeos and volleyball matches. Professional athletes aren't the only ones hitting the ice here, either—the attached OhioHealth Ice Haus serves as the pro team’s practice rink, but it’s also open for public skating sessions.
Mapfre Stadium
Opened in 1999, Mapfre Stadium has the honor of being the country's first soccer-specific stadium. Soccer fanatics—of which Columbus has plenty—pour into the stadium every year from March through October to cheer on their beloved Columbus Crew SC. Whether they're playing a "friendly" game or fighting for a spot in the playoffs, this popular Major League Soccer club elicits a passionate following. A permanent stage sits at the north end of the stadium and is used throughout the year for concerts and other special events.
Huntington Park
It's always a beautiful day for a ball game at Huntington Park, home to the Columbus Clippers, the Cleveland Indians' Triple-A minor league affiliate. It's easy to relax in this laid-back 10,100-seat stadium. Hang out in the outfield bar's spacious patio, load up on hot dogs in the picnic terrace or catch some rays on the rooftop bleachers. See if you can spot any future baseball superstars as you root, root, root for the home team!
Ohio Stadium
No college football lover's life is complete until they've visited the legendary Ohio Stadium, the historic home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. It's hard to give justice to the magnitude of game day fervor on display at this 1922 horseshoe-shaped stadium, regularly filled with upwards of 104,000 screaming football fans. Make sure you arrive hours before kickoff if you want to score a decent tailgating spot—the stadium parking lot is an absolute madhouse on game day.
Value City Arena
While OSU's basketball teams don't enjoy quite the same popularity of the school's football team, the Value City Arena at The Jerome Schottenstein Center has hosted more than its fair share of successful seasons. It also offers major concerts throughout the year. The immaculate arena with its famed terrazzo floors and 20,000-seat capacity is also home to Ohio State's men's ice hockey team. Make sure you check out the on-site Hall of Fame with its cherished sports memorabilia, such as Archie Griffin’s Heisman Trophy and Jesse Owens' bronzed shoes.
St. John Arena
Before being replaced in 1998 by Value City Arena, St. John Arena reigned as Ohio State’s preeminent indoor sports venue. Although the basketball and hockey teams have moved on to larger pastures, the school's volleyball teams, gymnastics teams and wrestling squad still call St. John Arena home. This 1956 arena seats 3,000-plus. This may seem quaint by today's standards, but the sounds of boisterous crowds still fill the rafters and can intimidate visiting teams.
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