The Birth of a Sportstown
In the heart of Ohio, a transformative moment unfolded that would forever reshape the landscape of Columbus. Dimon McFerson, the former CEO of Nationwide Insurance, found himself at the center of a high-stakes mission to bring the National Hockey League (NHL) to the city. With the fate of a potential franchise hanging in the balance, McFerson knew he had to act fast and decisively.
The journey began in 1997, when Franklin County voters had, for the fifth time in two decades, rejected an arena tax issue. This setback was crushing, as the NHL had planned to add four new clubs, including one in Columbus, if the voters had approved a publicly funded venue. With no arena and the league’s potential lead investor, Lamar Hunt, in concession mode, the city’s dreams of joining the NHL seemed to be slipping away.
Undeterred, McFerson made a bold move. He convinced the Nationwide board to privately finance the construction of an arena, provided an ownership group for the hockey team was willing to pay an $80 million expansion fee and agree to the terms of the lease. This gutsy decision, as described by Brian Ellis, the president and COO of Nationwide Realty Investors, set the stage for a remarkable transformation.
The arena site, a former penitentiary that had become an eyesore, presented its own set of challenges. Preservationists had hoped to keep the southern portion of the complex standing, with its striking Gothic facade. Others, like former mayor Buck Rinehart, were eager to demolish the entire structure. Ultimately, the prison was gone, and the site was cleared, paving the way for the Arena District to take shape.
Designing an Architectural Gem
As the project gained momentum, Brian Ellis embarked on a nationwide search for inspiration. He found it in the most unlikely of places – baseball parks. Visits to Cleveland’s then-Jackets Field and Baltimore’s Camden Yards spoke to him more than any tours of hockey and basketball facilities.
Ellis, an unconventional and uncompromising developer, was undaunted by his lack of experience with stadiums or arenas. He wanted to create an experience that would captivate fans from the moment they stepped through the doors. Working with the architectural firm Heinlein Schrock Sterns and their partner, NBBJ, Ellis set out to design a venue that would redefine the concept of an arena.
One of the standout features of Nationwide Arena was its connection to the city. The Nationwide Boulevard side of the venue is covered in glass, offering fans a window to the bustling urban landscape. With 60,000 square feet of glass, the arena became one of the first to crack open the “bowl” and seamlessly integrate the inside and outside experiences.
NBBJ, the architectural firm involved in the project, described the innovative approach. “It connects the inside and the outside of the building. It connects what’s going on inside the building with what’s going on in the street, and that hadn’t been done before.”
The arena also introduced a variety of seating options, including terrace tables and a party tower for large groups. The structural framing of the tower reduced the roof span at one end of the building, making it one of the first NHL arenas to incorporate such a design element.
But perhaps the most transformative feature was the inclusion of a practice rink – the brainchild of John P. McConnell, the son of the steel magnate who became the majority owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets. This innovative concept allowed players to use only one locker room for both practices and game days, providing a significant competitive advantage.
Overcoming Challenges and Preserving History
The Arena District project was not without its challenges. One of the most audacious undertakings was the relocation of the iconic Union Station arch, designed by the legendary architect Daniel H. Burnham. Architect Keith Myers understood the massive risks involved, as any mistake or damage to the 489-ton structure could have been disastrous.
Myers, with the help of the Dingey Movers from Zanesville, successfully orchestrated the 2,000-foot move of the arch, which had been part of the North High Street arcade that formed the grand entrance to Union Station. This achievement not only saved a piece of Columbus’ history but also became a symbol of the district’s commitment to preserving the city’s past while embracing its future.
The project manager, Jeff Beitel, was instrumental in ensuring the arena’s timely completion. Beitel, a big personality with a competitive streak, led a team of 50 to 60 subcontractors, coordinating their schedules and strategies to deliver the 18,144-seat building on time. His tireless efforts and meticulous planning were crucial in meeting the NHL’s deadline, with the league threatening a $10 million fine if the arena wasn’t ready for the start of the 2000-01 season.
Beitel’s dedication extended beyond the construction site. He was known for his involvement in the community, coaching youth basketball for his three daughters and rarely missing a game during the project. His untimely passing in 2009 at the age of 50 due to kidney cancer was a profound loss for the Columbus community, which had come to see Nationwide Arena as a source of civic pride.
Embracing the Blue Jackets and the Community
The opening of Nationwide Arena in 2000 marked the beginning of a new era for Columbus. The venue not only became the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets but also a hub for a thriving entertainment district, attracting an estimated 6 million visitors annually.
The arena’s design and amenities quickly earned it a reputation as one of the NHL’s best-preserved venues. Mark Greiner, the assistant general manager of operations, takes great pride in maintaining the arena’s pristine appearance, with a team of dedicated workers constantly tending to the facility.
The Blue Jackets have had their share of ups and downs over the years, but the arena has remained a source of excitement and community pride. Fans like Sandy Doyle-Ahern, a diehard since the team’s inception, have shared in the team’s journey, witnessing both the highs and lows.
One of the most memorable moments in Nationwide Arena’s history came on April 23, 2014, when Nick Foligno scored the overtime winner in Game 4 of the team’s playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brian Ellis, the developer who spearheaded the Arena District project, recalled the electric atmosphere, with fans reluctant to leave even after the game had ended.
The arena’s impact has extended beyond the sports realm, serving as a hub for various events, from concerts to NCAA basketball tournaments and UFC fights. The surrounding Arena District has also evolved into a thriving mixed-use development, with $1 billion in investment over the past two decades, transforming the once-blighted area into a vibrant destination.
Passing the Torch and Looking Ahead
As the years have passed, Nationwide Arena has continued to be a source of pride for the Columbus community. The facility’s current assistant general manager of operations, Mark Greiner, has taken great pride in maintaining the arena’s pristine appearance, ensuring it remains one of the NHL’s best-preserved venues.
The arena’s impact has extended beyond just the Blue Jackets, serving as a hub for a variety of events, from concerts to NCAA basketball tournaments and UFC fights. The surrounding Arena District has also evolved into a thriving mixed-use development, with over $1 billion in investment over the past two decades, transforming the once-blighted area into a vibrant destination.
Looking ahead, the future of Nationwide Arena and the Arena District remains bright. With the recent approval of a 5% ticket tax to generate $24 million for arena repairs, the city is committed to maintaining the facility’s excellence. Additionally, the Stadium Journey project has recognized Nationwide Arena as a must-visit destination for sports fans, further cementing its place as a premier venue in the NHL and beyond.
As the city of Columbus continues to grow and evolve, Nationwide Arena stands as a testament to the power of vision, determination, and community collaboration. From the bold leadership of Dimon McFerson to the tireless efforts of Jeff Beitel and his team, this iconic venue has become a symbol of the city’s transformation, inspiring future generations to dream big and leave an indelible mark on their community.
