Nationwide Arena Parking Lot

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It's not just a $150 million ad for an insurance company. It's a whole new section of town.. A Red Light District of Our Own
Columbus has stepped out of the Chill and now basks in the warmth of a NHL franchise. Nationwide Arena is home to the Blue Jackets, a red, white and blue team full of guys with unpronounceable names. And while opponents light the lamp more than the home team, early returns are good. The team is at least competing on the ice and excelling at the box office.

The Star Attraction?
Currently, the building is a bigger draw than the players. And with several striking features, including a 135-foot light tower, it has met the objective of the site's backer, Nationwide Insurance Co. As executive Robert Woodward said, "we wanted something far more than four walls in a field."

Sideshows
Although the Blue Jackets are its principal tenant, Nationwide hosts events ranging from rock concerts to rodeos. It's sparked renewed development in the area in hopes that Columbusites can grasp a strange new concept--going downtown after dark.