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NCAA just part of the larger picture of big events coming to the District

February 11, 2015

Many people already know this but Nationwide Arena is really the anchor to Columbus’ $1B Arena District, which turns 15 this year. It is one of the best urban and entertainment districts in the country, bench-marked by other cities looking at building the same concept, including Pittsburgh.
Nationwide Arena and the Arena District continue to raise Columbus’ national profile by being able to land more sporting and entertainment events. The Arena District just hosted the NHL All-Star Weekend Jan. 23-25  with Columbus given a high grade as host. Within the next three years, Nationwide Arena and the Arena District will host the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four and NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. The city is also a finalist for the 2016 Democratic National Convention, with a decision coming soon. The proximity of Nationwide Arena in relation to all of the surrounding hotels and the Convention Center make Columbus a strong option for this bid.
Here are just a few of the large  events that are planned for the Arena District in the next several years:
– NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament (All 2nd & 3rd Round Games) at Nationwide Arena 2004, 2007, 2012, 2015 (4 times in 11 years)
– NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championships (2016)
– NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four (2018)
– Finalist with Philadelphia and New York for the 2016 Democratic National Convention
About Columbus
Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, the Columbus Region is one of the fastest growing areas in the Midwest, home to one of the country’s largest universities, the nation’s foremost research organization, 15 Fortune 1000 companies, the No. 1 zoo, No. 1 science center and even the No. 1 ice cream. Ohio’s capital and the 15th largest city in the U.S. is known for its impressive and diverse arts, culinary and shopping scenes, urban nightlife, sporting events and family-friendly attractions. Learn more about Columbus and find visitor information at www.ExperienceColumbus.com.