25 Years Strong: Nationwide Arena’s Impact – and What’s Next

At 25, Nationwide Arena remains a powerful public asset – driving jobs, tax revenue, and visitor spending. An independent economic impact study underscores its value and the investment needed to keep it competitive for decades to come

An independent, third-party economic impact study conducted by Vista Site Selection confirms the Arena’s long-standing contribution to Franklin County and the State of Ohio. The analysis found that Nationwide Arena serves as both a catalyst and an anchor for the Arena District, driving sustained economic activity through arena operations, professional sports and visitor spending. Together, these activities contribute approximately $150 million annually to the Franklin County economy. To protect this economic impact and remain competitive with peer cities, FCCFA is advancing plans for a modernization that will sustain revenue generation and long-term public value.

Each year, Nationwide Arena welcomes nearly one million event attendees, including more than 350,000 overnight visitors, generating significant spending at local hotels, restaurants and businesses across Central Ohio. The Arena directly supports nearly 1,000 full- and part-time jobs, with additional employment created through supplier activity and household spending.

The study also highlights the Arena’s broader influence on downtown Columbus. Since opening, the Arena District has experienced substantial growth, including thousands of new jobs, more than $2.2 billion in private investment and property value increases that significantly outpace citywide averages.

Looking ahead, the public value remains strong. Over the next 30 years, activity associated with Nationwide Arena is projected to generate approximately $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue, while the broader Arena District is expected to generate more than $10 billion to support schools, transportation, public safety and other essential services.

As the public owner of Nationwide Arena, the FCCFA is focused on protecting the Arena’s economic value through thoughtful, long-term planning. Recent actions by Columbus City Council and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners represent important early steps toward funding a comprehensive modernization, complemented by a pending request for state support through the Ohio Sports Facility Performance Grant. These actions. when combined with private contributions, will provide a coordinated public-private approach that is intended to sustain competitiveness, protect revenue, and ensure this publicly owned asset continues delivering economic value for Columbus and Ohio for decades to come.

Together, this coordinated public-private approach is intended to sustain competitiveness, protect revenue, and ensure this publicly owned asset continues delivering economic value for Columbus and Ohio for decades to come.

By the Numbers

• $150 million
  Annual economic contribution to Franklin County
• 1 million
  Event attendees each year, including 350,000+ overnight visitors
• $10+ billion
  Projected state and local tax revenue generated by Arena District activity over 30 years

Photo credit Columbus Arena Management.

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