Columbus Blue Jacket/Arena District
Backgrounder
History:
1997
John H. McConnell leads private investors to bring the National Hockey League to Columbus;
Nationwide finances the $150 million arena.
2000
Team kicks off inaugural season.
Blue Jackets Foundation founded. Since its inception, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has
donated more than $2.5 million to Central Ohio non-profit organizations.
2004
ESPN The Magazine rates Nationwide Arena the No. 1 "Stadium Experience" in
professional sports. The Arena also hosts the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball
First and Second Round games.
2004 - 2009
Arena hosts major entertainment events featuring world class acts such as the Rolling Stones, U2,
Elton John, Billy Joel, Tim McGraw, Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, Ringling Bros. Barnum &
Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice and more.
Arena also hosts:
• Two public rallies for President George W. Bush during his 2004 re-election campaign
• Two pre-tournament games for 2004 World Cup of Hockey featuring Team Russia, Team USA and
Team Canada. In preparation, Team USA conducted their 10-day training camp at Nationwide Arena.
• 2004 NCAA Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds
• 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft
• 2007 NCAA Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds
• 2009 NCAA Women's Basketball First and Second Rounds
1998 - 2008
Arena "District" developed with commercial real estate, restaurants and retail, increasing property value
by more than 200 percent.
Summary:
Acquisition of the Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) team was critical to the development of
Nationwide Arena and the Arena District, which has significant positive economic impact on the
Columbus region. In addition, the presence of the team enhances Columbus' image nationally,
and attracts tourism revenue.
Economic Impact
• More than 5,500 workers were employed with annual wages of more than $350 million
• The district generated $30 million in state and local tax revenue annually. (Additional planned
investments of $400 million could double this revenue.)
a. 50 percent or $15 million allocated to State
b. 25 percent or $7.5 million to the City of Columbus
c. 25 percent or $7.5 million to school districts and Franklin County
• Over a 10-year period (1998 to 2008), property values increased by 267% ($21 per square foot to $76
per square foot).
• The Arena hosts more than 60 non-hockey events each year
Useful Links
The Arena District's Media Room: http://www.arenadistrict.com/media/
The Arena District's Website: http://www.arenadistrict.com/
Huntington Park's Website: http://www.huntingtonparkcolumbus.com/
Columbus Bluejackets Website: http://bluejackets.nhl.com/