Winter Events in the Arena District

February 27, 2013

Squash the winter blues with these upcoming events in the Arena District. It may be cold outside, but Downtown Columbus has just what you need, from arena-sized concerts to sports and more. Check out our list of can’t-miss events and don’t forget to check our Events and Venues for even more fun.

DJ Tiësto, February 28

DJ Tiësto’s legendary club beats are coming to rock Nationwide Arena.

Highly regarded by DJ Magazine and electronic dance music fans alike, the Netherlands native has remained at the forefront of trance music since he appeared on the scene in the ’90s. Now, he’s bringing his dance anthems and crossover hits to the Arena District with his Club Life College Invasion Tour. With his relentless global touring and famed six-hour sets, DJ Tiësto is at the top of his game.
He’s remixed everyone from Gotye and Coldplay to Nelly Furtado and Sarah McLaughlin, breaking into the pop and rock scenes to transcend genres. Not to mention his Grammy nomination, numerous MTV awards and a performance at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. He’ll have you out of your seat and raging all night. For a show you’ll never forget, don’t miss DJ Tiësto in Downtown Columbus. Get your tickets here. Grab dinner or drinks at one of the Arena District’s popular restaurants and bars, like The Three-Legged Mare or Gordon Biersch.

Arnold Sports Festival, February 28-March 3

The Arnold Sports Festival is hitting the Arena District once more for its 25th Anniversary.

This year featuring everything from Zumba and archery to USA Power Lifting and Jiu Jitsu, you won’t want to miss this legendary festival. The largest multi-sport event in the nation as well as the greatest sports and fitness experience of your life, the Arnold Sports Festival is the athlete and sport-enthusiast’s dream. Downtown Columbus welcomes over 18,000 athletes each year to compete in more than 45 sports and events, including 12 Olympic sports.
You’ll be one of over 175,000 fans to attend the event and experience thrilling moments of sports competition and fitness entertainment. Fitness shoppers can peruse the 700-booth Arnold Fitness EXPO offering the biggest names in health and fitness presenting the latest trends in fitness apparel, supplements and training equipment. Click to find a hotel, food and drink, directions or parking in the Arena District. Get your advance tickets now.

Tenacious D, March 6

The hysterical musical duo Tenacious D is bringing its blend of rock and comedy to the Arena District this winter.

Rocking out Old School Acoustic Style, Tenacious D’s Jack Black and Kyle Gass will play their original tunes on the LC stage. Fresh off of their Best Comedy Album Grammy nod for their 2012 comeback effort, Rize of the Fenix, the two are leaving the metal behind and going acoustic for their upcoming show. Black told Rolling Stone, “As good as our band is, there is a magic to just me and Kage. When me and Kage melt your faces off without any electric guitars and no drums, it’s almost, like, more impressive?”
With sheer charisma and inspired songwriting, in the 1990s the cult favorite went from underground comedy acoustic/metal duo to their own record deal and HBO series. Now, get ready to have your face melted in Downtown Columbus when Tenacious D hits the stage. Grab your tickets here and have dinner before the show at an Arena District favorite like Ted’s Montana Grill or Max and Erma’s.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings, March 9

Don’t miss a moment of the action as the Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Detroit Red Wings in Nationwide Arena.

Don’t forget to check out the Dispatch Family Value Pack, available every Saturday and Sunday. You get a ticket, hot dog, Pepsi, popcorn, free Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream voucher and an Ohio Health Ice Haus skating pass starting at just $25 per person–that’s a 50% savings. You can join the battle and be part of the excitement when the Blue Jackets take the ice in Nationwide Arena. Before and after the game grab food and drinks at R Bar in Downtown Columbus, the official bar of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Tegan and Sara, March 9

Sister duo, Tegan and Sara, are bringing their indie pop tunes to The LC stage in Downtown Columbus.

Hailing from Calgary, the Canadian twins have toured with the Killers and Neil Young, collaborated with Tiësto and have even been covered by the White Stripes. And with music ranging from acoustic to indy rock to punk, Tegan and Sara have become a force to be reckoned with since they came onto the scene back in 1995.
Their recent hit “Closer” has earned them even more legions of followers with its synth-pop sounds and urgent yet catchy hook. Now on tour promoting their latest album, Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara are making their way to the Arena District. If you have tickets to this sold out show,  RSVP on Facebook. Before the show, grab food downtown at Boston’s the Gourmet Pizza or drinks at A&R Music Bar.

Bon Jovi Nationwide, March 10

One of the biggest American rock bands in the world is set to bring down the house at Nationwide Arena–Bon Jovi.

Now on the road for Because We Can Tour – The Tour, the superstars are spanning North America, South Africa and Europe. But first, they’re stopping in the Arena District for one unbelievable night of rock, ballads and anthems you’ll never forget.
Bon Jovi needs no introduction. Born in New Jersey, the band quickly took over the pop-metal scene with classics like “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Wanted Dead or Alive” and the anthemic, “Living on a Prayer.” They have managed to stay relevant decades past the days of ’80s hair metal by morphing and collaborating with artists like Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, LeAnn Rimes and Big ‘N Rich.
Now roaring into 2013 with the Because We Can Tour, don’t miss Bon Jovi in Downtown Columbus. Have drinks and dinner in one of the Arena District’s popular spots like Gordon Biersch or The Three-Legged Mare before the show. Grab your tickets now.