The Arena District is home to the Blue Jackets, the Columbus Clippers, and live music that brings in visitors from all over Ohio. With that in mind, these are the top 10 things to do in the Arena District before and after the concert or game, including sharing a bike with CoGo, bar hopping at R Bar or Half Pint, and grabbing lunch at Veranico.
Continue reading for more:
1. Take in a Hockey Game with the Blue Jackets
Catch some NHL action at Nationwide Arena with the Columbus Blue Jackets, a four-time Stanley Cup playoff contender and one of two major league sports teams in Columbus. If you’re in town, the NHL season typically runs from October to April. And the team’s on-site practice rink has public and private skating events for some added fun.
For more info about open skate days and tickets for the next season, visit nhl.com/bluejackets.
2. Take in a Baseball Game at Huntington Park
Huntington Park is the home of the Columbus Clippers, Columbus’ minor league baseball team (and a Cleveland Indians affiliate). Their season runs from April to September, which is perfect for those long summer nights and breathtaking views of the Downtown skyline.
Visit huntingtonparkcolumbus.com for more info.
3. Check out a Concert at Express Live or Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena and Express Live! host a variety of events, including championship boxing, MMA events, and local festivals and conventions. But if you’re looking to catch a popular act in Columbus, you’ll probably be headed to one of these venues.
Express Live! is indoor as well as outdoor, making for fun, scenic, summer concerts complete with draft beer and Mikey’s Late Night Slice. And Nationwide Arena is the Arena District’s focal point as the venue for stadium tour stops, but the arena also hosts huge events like the Arnold Classic, NCAA tournaments, and more.
For more info, visit promowestlive.com and nationwidearena.com.
4. Watch a Show at The Basement or A&R Music Bar
For a more underground scene, The Basement and A&R Music Bar are your places to go. Located in the same plaza as Express Live, The Basement and A&R Bar feature local and national acts, but with an intimate, authentic setting.
A&R Music Bar’s patio is also open ahead of shows at Express Live and other Arena District events for a chill spot amongst all the action. Find more information here.
5. Dine Al Fresco on a Patio
There are plenty of patios to stop by on the way to a concert or Blue Jackets game, but not too many have a unique take on Mexican food like Nada or gourmet pizza pies like Boston’s. Add to the list Gordon Biersch for brews and bratwurst, and your pre or post-game meal is covered.