Nationwide Arena Bag Policy

Last updated on October 19th, 2023 at 08:45 pm

Nationwide Arena is home to the NHL team Columbus Blue Jackets at 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The bag policy at Nationwide Arena only allows fans to bring medical bags, diaper bags, and clutches that don’t exceed 8” x 5” x 1” into the arena. Otherwise, traditional backpacks and similar bags can’t enter the arena for any hockey game or event.

 

Here is the complete Nationwide Arena bag policy guide for your next event.

 

Approved Bags

Below are the types of bags fans can bring into the Columbus Blue Jackets venue.

 

• Medical bags
• Diaper bag
• Clutches that don’t exceed 8” x 5” x 1”
• Any ADA-specific bag

 

How Does the Nationwide Arena Security Team Review Bags?

Fans entering Nationwide Arena for a hockey game, concert, or other events will go through a contactless walk-through security screening checkpoint at the entrance. Fans with a bag will undergo an additional security inspection at the gate, where the staff will review the bag. As a note, the bag policy at Nationwide Arena is strict, and they advise you not to bring bags into the venue unless it is for a medical reason. Assuming there is no issue with your bag or the items inside, you will return it to the stadium for your event.

 

What are the Prohibited Items that Fans Can’t Bring into Nationwide Arena?

Fans attending Nationwide Arena for a game or event should know that certain items can’t enter the stadium. Below are some things the stadium security staff won’t allow inside the arena. If you want the complete list of prohibited items that can’t come in for a CBJ game, click this link.

 

• Bags that don’t fall in the medical, ADA, small clutch, or diaper category. The bags the security team won’t allow you to enter include backpacks, clear bags, binocular cases, camera bags, duffle bags, laptop bags, etc.
• Animals not for ADA purposes
• Coolers and similar types of containers
• Drones
• Weapons of any kind
• Laptops and tablets
• Outside food and drinks
• Noisemaking devices
• Selfie sticks
• Umbrellas

 

Is There a Bag Check or Locker Storage Area at Nationwide Arena?

Nationwide Arena has a strict no-bag policy that only allows bags for childcare needs or something similar to enter with fans. Therefore, leave any bag in your car before walking to the venue’s entrance if possible. As a heads up, this national hockey league stadium has no official locker storage unit for fans to leave their bags in.

 

If you took public transportation to Nationwide Arena and didn’t have a car to leave your laptop bag (or something similar) in, see if a nearby hotel or restaurant in the Arena District can hold onto your stuff. Plenty of hotels and bars are within walking distance of the hockey venue, so you can see if they can hold onto your bag for the game. As a heads up, most of these places tend to charge a small holding bag fee.

 

Additional Helpful Links

Visit the Nationwide Arena parking guide for more information. 

 

Visit the Nationwide Arena Food guide to see what the concourse concession stands have to offer fans on matchday.