THE ARENA CHRONICLES: PART IV - COLUMBUS UNIQUE IN ARENA STRUCTURE

Read this article by The Hockey Writers Posted by Jeff Little on February 19th, 2010 to learn more
about the unique situation Columbus is in compared to the rest of the NHL:

http://thehockeywriters.com/the-arena-chronicles-part-iv-columbus-unique-in-arena-structure/

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT HOCKEY.

"It's amazing when you consider the economic impact of the team, the district and the momentum
we have here. As a business owner in the Arena District, my success is due in large part to the hundreds
of thousands of people that come to the arena each year for hockey games and other events."

Tim Hobart
Owner, BDs Mongolian Barbeque


"As an elementary school principal I have seen firsthand the impact that the Blue Jackets educational
initiatives have had on my students. Reluctant readers inspired to read nightly because of the Book
Jackets program, students taking part in #61Club healthy lifestyle activities, and teachers engaging
students in Ohio Standards based lesson plans from the Blue Jackets at School website."

Jan Wilson
Principal, Buckeye Woods Elementary


"The presence of an NHL team in Columbus, not to mention the unprecedented support the Blue Jackets provide
to not only our program, but to all the youth players and hockey programs in town has had an overwhelmingly
positive impact on the growth of youth hockey in the area. Central Ohio is now home to the largest youth
hockey association in the state and offers hockey development and personal enrichment opportunities at the
recreational, special needs, girls and competitive levels."

Mike Rose
President, CCYHA

www.ccyha.org

SIGN OUR PETITION, GET INVOLVED

Think back to 1997, a time when the Arena District didn't exist and the Ohio Penitentiary had sat
vacant for more than a decade; yet another example of blight in downtown Columbus.

Fast forward to 2010 and the remarkable transformation that has occurred. Property values have
skyrocketed, thousands of jobs have been created and the Arena District is the bustling pride of
our city.

Forward Together is a group of citizens celebrating this transformation while reminding each of us
just how far we've come over the past twelve years as a city.

It is also a reminder that, without a solution to the current problems facing Nationwide Arena and
the Columbus Blue Jackets, a shadow is being cast on the future of the Arena District and its
continued success.

You can help. Sign our petition and get involved.

Sincerely,


John Bentine, Brian Garvine, Tim Hobart, Mike Rose, and Jan Wilson
Co-Chairs, Forward Together

The Arena District has attracted $630+ million
in investment, 170+ businesses and 5,500+
jobs, generating $30 million in state and local
taxes annually.