Nationwide Arena could be looking a bit different.
Last June, we wrote about potential plans for what the renovated Arena could look like. On Tuesday, The Columbus Dispatch included more about the proposed $400 million plan to bring upgrades and modernize the 25-year-old arena, and home to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In addition to updated sound and visuals, a new food hall at 375 N. Front St. is also planned, according to the @DispatchAlerts story.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 24, 2026
Thats the building with Starbucks, Dr. Gum, and multiple consulting films, amongst other tenants. #CBJ https://t.co/Ln2Joesxdd
Project renovations include roughly $323 million on elevators, fire suppression upgrades and replacement, restrooms, and concessions.
An estimated $51 million is planned for a new entrance to the arena and a new garage. There are also aesthetic features like replacement of all existing LED signs, including the scoreboard ($12.5 million); a new sound system ($2 million), Wi-Fi system ($2.5 million) and LED lighting above the main entrance ($4 million).
There would also be upgrades to hockey offices as well as a food hall located inside 375 N. Front St. by the arena.
As it pertains to who is funding the project? In addition to the $400 million unclaimed grant funds, if approved, the rest would come from bond funding, municipal and county funds, Blue Jackets owners, and donations.
"I think that it's important that we reinvest in something that is our own," Ken Paul, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, said about Nationwide Arena. "It's a public asset. It's what a lot of people know Columbus to be."
