Nationwide Arena Project Advances with RFQ and New Website

One of Central Ohio’s most prominent sports and entertainment venues is moving closer to a new era, with the Nationwide Arena Renovation and Modernization Project reaching two key milestones that will help shape its future for decades to come.

A new project website creates a central hub for transparent communication, giving the public, stakeholders and arena visitors a direct window to progress, milestones and future impacts while the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural design and engineering services.

The RFQ invites experienced design teams to submit their qualifications for the multi-year, phased renovation of the publicly owned arena. Responses are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 7, 2026, with selection of a design team anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year.

The selected team will help refine the project’s scope, phasing, schedule and costs through schematic design. Later design phases will proceed as the project’s financing plan is completed and additional authorization is provided by the FCCFA.

The estimated $400 million project is intended to address aging infrastructure while improving safety, security, accessibility, technology, arena operations and the guest experience. Preliminary concepts include an expanded Front Street entrance, upgraded concourses, concessions and restrooms, new elevators and replacement escalators, improved digital signage and wayfinding, refreshed seating and premium spaces, and a pedestrian connection to the McConnell Garage. Plans also envision new social and event spaces, including an upper-concourse food hall and an enhanced outdoor plaza.

Because work will be completed in phases, Nationwide Arena is expected to remain operational for Columbus Blue Jackets games, concerts and other events throughout construction.

As the transformation takes shape over the coming years, community members will be able to follow every step of the journey through a new project website, nationwidearenafuture.com.  The public can explore the need for reinvestment, learn about the proposed improvements, view conceptual renderings and follow progress as planning and design advance.

Together, the RFQ and website represent the next steps in protecting a major public asset and preparing Nationwide Arena to continue serving Central Ohio for decades to come.