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Nationwide Arena turns 25 years old this year. Learn more about its history, marquee performances and ways to celebrate.
1998
May 1998: Groundbreaking
Construction of Nationwide Arena begins.
2000
September 2000: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw Open the Arena
Nationwide Arena officially opens with the back-to-back sellout shows.
September 2000: KISS Rocks Out NWA
KISS performs the first-ever rock concert at Nationwide Arena.
October 2000: First CBJ Regular-Season Game
The Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the Chicago Blackhawks.
2025
June 2007: NHL Draft
Hockey's future stars hear their names called and see their dreams come true.
2011
June 2011: Taylor Swift’s First Headlining Show at Nationwide Arena
Taylor Swift first headlined Nationwide Arena on her Speak Now Tour, later returning with The Red Tour (2013) and The 1989 World Tour (2015).
2014
April 2014: First Home Playoff Victory for CBJ
Nick Foligno scores in OT to secure Blue Jacket's first-ever home playoff win.
2015
January 2015: NWA Hosts NHL All-Star Weekend
The NHL All-Star Weekend draws over 140,000 fans to Nationwide Arena.
2017
June 2017: Twenty One Pilots’ Nationwide Arena Debut
Twenty One Pilots headlined Nationwide Arena for the first time, returning for The Bandito Tour (2019) and three hometown shows during The Clancy World Tour (2024).
2025
April 2018: NCAA Women's Final Four
An advanced sellout with 39,000 fans attending two sessions filled with buzzer beaters and overtimes.
December 2021: NCAA DI Women's Volleyball Championship
The final set a then-record for largest attendance with 18,755 fans in the building.
2022
March 2022: Rick Nash Jersey Number Retired
The Blue Jackets retired Rick Nash's No. 61 jersey in front of record-setting 19,434 fans.
November 2022: VetsAid
A spectacular all-Ohio rock benefit organized by Joe Walsh, featuring The Breeders, The Black Keys, Nine Inch Nails, a reunited James Gang and special guest Dave Grohl — all to raise funds for veterans’ causes.
2025
January 2024: U.S. Figure Skating Championships
More than 60,000 fans over all sessions make it the best attended National Championships since 2018.
August 2025: Matt Rife’s Record Breaking Hometown Show
With over 18,000 fans in attendance, Matt Rife set the record for the largest concert crowd ever at Nationwide Arena.
September 2025: Nationwide's 25th Anniversary
Nationwide Arena marked its 25th anniversary by celebrating its impact as a premier sports and entertainment destination. Looking ahead, the arena will welcome marquee NCAA events, including the 2027 Women’s Basketball Final Four, the 2027 Women’s Volleyball Championship, and the 2028 Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds.
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25 Years of CBJ Hockey
Learn more about various celebrations honoring 25 years of CBJ hockey!