Columbus is a sports city. It's been home to professional teams in several leagues and college programs at all three NCAA divisions. Additionally, Ohio's capital city has hosted hundreds of events spanning dozens of sports. From the big ones like hockey, baseball, soccer, college football, and basketball to Olympic sports to growing sports like pickleball and lacrosse. Here's a short history of several sports with a long history in Columbus.

Basketball

Columbus is hooked on hoops. The city has hosted NCAA Women's Championships in all divisions and several Men's March Madness First & Second rounds,

Volleyball

Nearly 20 national tournaments have been held here since 2000, including the 2021 NCAA DI Women's Volleyball Championship. The Columbus Fury are a founding member of the Pro…

Golf

Jack Nicklaus was born here. The Memorial Tournament, in Dublin, is a top stop on the PGA Tour. Three local courses made GOLF's top 100 list in 2022.

Soccer

"The spiritual home of the USMNT." The city that saved the Crew. Home of the first soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. Columbus is a soccer city.

Baseball

Pro ball was first played here in 1877 and the Clippers have called Columbus home since 1977. Huntington Park welcomes the Savannah Bananas in May 2024.

Running / Track & Field

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon has been held annually in October since 1980 and the Cap City Half-Marathon is celebrating its 20th anniversary in May 2023.

Football

The Ohio State Buckeyes reign supreme, but football’s history runs much deeper here. Did you know the first NFL game was played in Columbus?

Hockey

Home of the NHL's Blue Jackets and the 2021-22 NCAA Women's Hockey champion Buckeyes, Columbus is a hockey town.

Pickleball

The sport is growing fast and Columbus is at the forefront, with two permanent venues and another opening in 2023. Major League Pickleball hosted its championship here in 2022.

Lacrosse

Columbus has been home to pro lacrosse events & teams, HS state championships and NCAA Quarterfinals.

Softball

Berliner Sports Park is the largest ball diamond complex in the country with 31 fields. Columbus is the only three-time host of the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series.

Figure Skating

Columbus hosted the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The sport has history in Columbus that dates back to the 1960s.