Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority Secures Columbus City Council Support for Renovation and Modernization of Nationwide Arena

COLUMBUS, OHIO, Dec. 16, 2025 – The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) secured the support of Columbus City Council and has taken a critical first step toward funding the proposed $400 million renovation and modernization of Nationwide Arena. Columbus City Council unanimously approved two ordinances that establish the framework for local government support.

The first ordinance increases the admissions tax on Nationwide Arena events from 5% to 7% with the increase dedicated to the project. The admissions tax would remain the same at all other venues, and the existing arena ticket tax supporting cultural arts remains unchanged. The second ordinance adjusts the allocation of City casino tax receipts from 32% to 50% over four years.

The City of Columbus and Franklin County have dedicated a portion of casino tax revenue to the FCCFA since the public authority acquired the arena in 2012. The FCCFA has benefited from a portion of the ticket tax at Nationwide Arena since 2019. The two increases will have a minimal impact on the City and County’s operating budget but will support approximately $100 million in bonds the FCCFA intends to issue to help fund the project.

“We can reinvest in the building with no new taxes and with minimal impact on funding for other community priorities by increasing the cap on casino tax allocations and raising the admission tax at the Arena,” said Ken Paul, FCCFA Executive Director. “It also allows those who benefit most from the improvements to help pay for them while giving fans the world-class experience they deserve.”

The FCCFA will ask the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to adjust their allocation of casino tax revenue to match the City of Columbus. The Authority also requested $25 million in direct investment from both the City and the County and will apply for up to $100 million from a State of Ohio fund dedicated to sports facilities. The Authority will apply for state funds in early 2026.

“These ordinances are the building blocks that allow us to assemble the capital stack, layer public and private investment, and fully fund the renovation and modernization of Nationwide Arena,” Paul said. “City Council’s support signals local alignment, builds momentum, and positions the FCCFA to secure county and state funding and leverage significant private investment.”

Councilmember Nicholas J. Bankston, chair of the Economic Development & Small and Minority Business Committee, championed the ordinances while advancing amendments to safeguard the City’s investment and incorporate additional Council priorities. The amendments tie the release of city funds to state funding support and require that a Community Benefits Agreement be in place prior to construction. The agreement will reflect shared goals, including workforce participation, sustainability, public art, and youth engagement, highlighting a collaborative approach that aligns public investment with additional community outcomes.

“This legislation is stronger because it reflects shared Council priorities and a genuine commitment to aligning public investment with meaningful community benefits,” Paul said. “By moving forward together, we are taking an important step to secure the future of Nationwide Arena, ensuring it remains a competitive, modern venue that continues to serve Columbus and our community for decades to come.”

Project renderings can be found HERE. Credit: Columbus Arena Management

About The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority
The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) is an independent public entity established to finance, develop, and manage world-class facilities that drive the region’s travel economy. The FCCFA owns and oversees the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton Columbus Downtown, Nationwide Arena, and six parking facilities, and is the steward of $1.1 billion in public obligations. While FCCFA operations are largely self-sustaining, public resources, including hotel tax receipts, are reinvested into maintaining, modernizing, and expanding facilities that bring our community together and keep Columbus competitive on the national stage.