Blue Jackets seek ‘blue’-ribbon home upgrades

Article posted by Coliseum, July 1^st, 2025

Image: Nationwide Arena, Eric, CC BY-SA 2.0

The owner of the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio (US), home to the National Hockey League (NHL) team Columbus Blue Jackets, is seeking $400 million in upgrades.

‘Reuters’ stated that in addition to the repairs and renovations to the roof and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning(HVAC) system the improvements sought by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (Operator of the Nationwide Arena) include a new entrance, a team store, concessions, bar, and a rooftop terrace.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio (US). The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The franchise began play as an expansion team in 2000.

The 20,000-capacity Nationwide Arena is a multipurpose arena in the Arena District of Columbus, Ohio, United States. Since completion in 2000 the arena has served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Commented Ken Paul, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority Executive Director, “This will essentially position us for the next 25 years. In essence, it will be a new arena for the next 25 years.”

‘Reuters’ further stated that the Nationwide Arena opened in 2000 at a cost of $175 million. The facility holds 18,500 spectators for hockey and up to 20,000 for concerts.

Part of the cost estimate involves the purchase of an adjacent four-story building which would house the offices of the Blue Jackets and, therefore, free up space in the arena.

Added Paul, “That space is the first domino.”

Paul said the financing plans are still being worked out although the authority has had preliminary talks with the team, its private partners and the City and the Franklin County and State officials.

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