How Much Is Parking at Nationwide Arena?
Parking at Nationwide Arena ranges from roughly $10 to $35 depending on the lot, garage, and whether you prepay.
For Columbus Blue Jackets games, surface lots typically run $25 and garages closer to the arena run $35. ParkMobile lists prepaid rates starting at $10 to $20 for many Arena District locations, with prices rising during major events. The Arena Garage and McConnell Garage, being the closest covered options, sit at the top of the price range. More affordable garages such as the Front Street Garage, Neil Avenue Garage, and Marconi Garage offer rates that generally stay under $20.
Surface lot and garage prices vary by location, and all lots accept both prepaid purchases and day-of payment. Booking ahead through ParkMobile, SpotHero, or ParkWhiz is the most reliable way to secure a lower rate and skip the search on game day.
Nationwide Arena Parking Lots and Maps
There are over 15,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk of Nationwide Arena spread across surface lots and parking garages throughout the Arena District.
The Arena Garage and McConnell Garage are the closest covered garages to the arena, located directly across the street — but they are also the most expensive options. The Front Street Garage sits just 0.10 miles from the arena and is one of the more affordable garage choices, with rates beginning under $20 and special event rates available for prepurchase. The Neil Avenue Garage is located just 300 yards from Nationwide Arena’s main entrance, offers a tiered rate structure starting at $3 for 30 minutes, and has an especially affordable flat evening rate of $3 if you enter after 5 p.m. The Chestnut Street Garage is 0.25 miles away, stays under $20, and includes electric vehicle charging stations. The Marconi Garage at 245 Marconi Boulevard is a budget-friendly option with validated dining discounts (see Free Parking section below).
The Arena District Parking Map is available on the official Nationwide Arena website as a downloadable PDF. All lot and garage passes can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event using cash or credit. Arena District parking facilities are staffed to help direct traffic in and out of lots and garages on event days.
Preferred/Premium Parking at Nationwide Arena
The Arena Garage and McConnell Garage are the premium parking choices at Nationwide Arena, offering the shortest walks and covered protection from the elements.
These two garages sit directly across from the arena, making them the fastest option for getting in and out on game nights. Because they are the most in-demand, they are also the most expensive, and availability fills up first on busy nights like Blue Jackets playoff games and major concerts. Fans who want guaranteed close-in parking should prepurchase through ParkMobile at arenadistrict.parkmobile.io, where prepaid passes are made available up to a month before events.
Group rate parking and monthly parking packages are also available through LAZ Parking, which manages Arena District facilities. Contact LAZ Parking at (614) 469-5030 for group or special needs parking arrangements.
Free Parking Near Nationwide Arena
Truly free parking near Nationwide Arena is limited, but the Marconi Garage offers an effective low-cost option for fans who dine in the district before the game.
Dine at select Arena District restaurants including Boston’s, Ted’s Montana Grill, or Sunny Street Cafe, and they will validate your Marconi Garage ticket, reducing your cost to just $3 for the first two hours. The Marconi Garage is located at 245 Marconi Boulevard. The Buggworks Lot, about 0.48 miles from the arena, has no height restrictions, accepts cash, and offers weekend rates as low as $5 to $10 — one of the lowest-priced options near the venue.
Street parking exists in neighborhoods surrounding the Arena District, but metered spots are enforced until 10 p.m. seven days a week, fill quickly on event nights, and may carry event restrictions. Fans looking to save money should target the Neil Avenue Garage’s $3 flat rate for arrivals after 5 p.m., or the Buggworks Lot on weekends. Walking 10 to 15 minutes from a cheaper peripheral lot is a reliable strategy for budget-minded fans, particularly on mild weather nights.
Can You Tailgate at Nationwide Arena?
Tailgating is not permitted at Nationwide Arena — the parking company controlling the lots west of the arena has prohibited it, and Ohio state law bars open flames and open alcohol in those areas.
There are no designated tailgating zones in the downtown Arena District. Fans who want to gather before the game are encouraged to meet up at the many bars and restaurants within and surrounding the Arena District instead. The neighborhood offers a wide range of food and drink options within easy walking distance of the arena, making a pre-game bar stop the practical alternative to a traditional parking lot tailgate.
Fans arriving early for a Blue Jackets game will find no shortage of spots to socialize before puck drop, and the Arena District itself has a strong pre-game atmosphere on hockey nights.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena meets or exceeds ADA standards, and all surrounding lots and garages offer accessible parking spaces with a valid state-issued disability parking hangtag.
The two most recommended accessible parking entry points are the north entrance of the McConnell Garage and the northeast entrance to the Front Street Garage. A section along McConnell Boulevard is also maintained as a designated drop-off site for guests with special needs. Note that demand for accessible parking can exceed supply at heavily attended events, so arriving early is strongly advised.
Inside the arena, elevators serve all public levels. Northeast elevators are located across from section 106, southeast elevators across from section 112, and southwest elevators across from section 117 — all providing access to the Club, Suites, and Upper Concourse. Guests who need assistance reaching their seat can call Guest Services in advance at 614-246-2000 or email information@bluejackets.com.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Nationwide Arena
All rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs at Nationwide Arena take place on West Street, per the arena’s official directions and parking page.
Designated rideshare zones are also located near McConnell Boulevard and John H. McConnell Boulevard, just steps from the arena entrances. All vehicles must be attended at all times in these zones — unattended vehicles may be towed. After Blue Jackets games, rideshare demand spikes sharply, leading to surge pricing and longer wait times in the immediate vicinity of the arena.
To avoid post-game surge pricing, fans can walk a few blocks away from the arena or wait at a nearby bar or restaurant in the Arena District before requesting a ride. This simple step can meaningfully reduce your fare and wait time after a sold-out game.
Public Transit to Nationwide Arena
COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus service is the primary public transit option for reaching Nationwide Arena, and the arena officially encourages riders to use it to save on parking and rideshare costs.
From the north or south, take COTA Lines 1, 2, or 5 to the N. High St. and Ohio Center Way stop, then walk one block west to the arena. From the west, take COTA Lines 3 or 8 to the Neil Ave. and Vine St. stop, then walk south to Nationwide Blvd. and turn left to the arena. From the east, take COTA Lines 6 or 9 to the West Nationwide Blvd. and N. Front St. stop, then walk one block west. Use the Transit app to view real-time arrival and departure times and pay your fare from your phone.
The C-Bus is a free downtown circulator that runs a north-south route along High Street, two blocks east of the arena. Get off at Nationwide Boulevard to reach the arena on foot. The C-Bus also connects fans to nearby neighborhoods including Short North, Italian Village, and the Brewery District. CoGo bike share is another option, with rental bikes available throughout Columbus for fans who prefer to ride.
Nationwide Arena Parking Tips
Arriving at least 60 to 90 minutes before puck drop is the single best move you can make for stress-free Blue Jackets game parking in the Arena District.
Prepurchase your parking spot through ParkMobile (arenadistrict.parkmobile.io), SpotHero, or ParkWhiz. Pre-booked spots lock in lower rates and eliminate the need to search on arrival. The Neil Avenue Garage is a top value pick — just 300 yards from the main entrance with a flat $3 evening rate for arrivals after 5 p.m. If you are driving a truck or SUV, target the Buggworks Lot, which has no height restrictions and is one of the few lots with no size limitations. Fans entering from the south via I-71 should take I-70 East to the Front St. exit and then head north to Nationwide Blvd. for easy access to the Front Street Garage. Fans coming west on I-670 should exit at Neil Avenue and turn left onto Nationwide Blvd. for direct access to the Neil Avenue Garage and Arena Garage.
For the most affordable covered parking, target the Chestnut Street Garage (0.25 miles away, under $20) or the Front Street Garage (0.10 miles, under $20 prepaid). On cold or snowy Columbus nights, spending the extra few dollars on a garage over a surface lot keeps you dry and speeds up your post-game exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at Nationwide Arena for a Blue Jackets game?
Parking for Columbus Blue Jackets games runs approximately $25 for surface lots and $35 for garages at event-day rates. Prepaid rates through apps like ParkMobile and SpotHero can start as low as $10 to $20 depending on the location and how far in advance you book.
Where is the closest parking garage to Nationwide Arena?
The Arena Garage and McConnell Garage are the closest covered parking options, located directly across the street from the arena. The Front Street Garage is also very close at just 0.10 miles away and is considered one of the more affordable garage options.
Can I buy Nationwide Arena parking in advance?
Yes. Parking is available for advance purchase through ParkMobile at arenadistrict.parkmobile.io, as well as through SpotHero and ParkWhiz. Prepaid passes are typically made available up to a month before each event.
Is tailgating allowed at Nationwide Arena?
No. Tailgating is prohibited in the lots west of the arena, and Ohio state law bans open flames and open alcohol in those areas. Fans typically pre-game at the many bars and restaurants in the Arena District instead.
Where do Uber and Lyft drop off at Nationwide Arena?
The official rideshare pick-up and drop-off location is on West Street. Rideshare zones are also available near McConnell Boulevard and John H. McConnell Boulevard. After games, walking a few blocks before requesting your ride can help you avoid surge pricing.
What bus routes serve Nationwide Arena?
COTA bus lines 1, 2, and 5 serve the N. High St. and Ohio Center Way stop (one block east of the arena) from the north and south. Lines 3 and 8 serve the Neil Ave. and Vine St. stop from the west, and lines 6 and 9 serve the W. Nationwide Blvd. and N. Front St. stop from the east. The C-Bus free downtown circulator stops at Nationwide Boulevard, two blocks from High Street.
Where is ADA parking at Nationwide Arena?
All surrounding lots and garages offer accessible parking spaces with a valid state-issued disability hangtag. The most recommended entry points are the north entrance of the McConnell Garage and the northeast entrance of the Front Street Garage. A section of McConnell Boulevard serves as the designated accessible drop-off zone.
Is there free parking near Nationwide Arena?
There is no truly free parking near the arena on event days, but the Marconi Garage at 245 Marconi Boulevard offers validated parking for just $3 for the first two hours when you dine at participating restaurants including Boston’s or Ted’s Montana Grill. The Buggworks Lot offers some of the lowest event rates in the area, with weekend pricing as low as $5 to $10.
