The Blue Jackets have had one home since they joined the NHL in 2000: Nationwide Arena in the Arena District of downtown Columbus, built on what was the Ohio Penitentiary’s parking lot.
Below is the arena’s place in Blue Jackets history and what is happening to it now. It links to our full guide.
The Blue Jackets’ Arena, 2000 to Today
- Columbus
- 2000–presentCurrent home
Opened in September 2000 in the Arena District, on the former Ohio Penitentiary's parking lot. It hosted the 2015 All-Star Game. Franklin County is planning a $400 million renovation to finish by 2031–32.
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Blue Jackets Arena FAQ
Have the Blue Jackets always played at Nationwide Arena?
Yes. The arena was completed in 2000 for the expansion Blue Jackets and has been their only home.
Why is it called Nationwide Arena?
It is named for Nationwide Mutual Insurance, the arena’s original majority owner, whose world headquarters is across the street. In 2012 Nationwide and the Dispatch Publishing Group sold the building to the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, and Nationwide kept the naming rights and bought a 30 percent stake in the team.
Why do NHL arenas have netting behind the goals?
Because of a death at Nationwide Arena. On March 16, 2002, 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil was struck by a deflected puck during a Blue Jackets game against the Calgary Flames and died two days later. The NHL then required safety netting in all its arenas.
Is Nationwide Arena being renovated?
It is being planned. In September 2026 Franklin County began planning a $400 million renovation with a bigger main entrance, an outdoor terrace and food hall, a new team store and LED screens, to be finished by 2031–32.
Where do the Blue Jackets play now?
At Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus, which seats 18,500 for hockey. It hosted the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.