Nationwide Arena Seeks $100M in State Grants for $400M Renovation

The 26-year-old arena aims to keep the Blue Jackets and major events in Ohio's capital city.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:05pm

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The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority is requesting a $100 million grant from the state of Ohio to kickstart a $400 million renovation of Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The upgrades would modernize the arena's infrastructure, fan experience, and footprint to ensure it remains competitive and capable of hosting premier events through 2030 and beyond.

Why it matters

Nationwide Arena is considered the heart of Columbus' Arena District, hosting over 1 million guests annually and generating an estimated $1.5 billion in taxes over the next 30 years. The proposed renovations aim to prevent the arena from becoming obsolete and ensure it can continue driving economic activity in the city.

The details

The renovation plan includes a $31 million overhaul of the arena's elevators, escalators, and other critical infrastructure, as well as $27 million in technology upgrades like a new scoreboard, sound system, and digital wayfinding. The FCCFA also wants to acquire an adjacent office building to repurpose arena space for fans, build a pedestrian bridge to a nearby parking garage, and add outdoor amenities like a plaza bar and large video screen.

  • The FCCFA submitted the $400 million renovation proposal in 2026.
  • If the $100 million state grant is approved, the authority plans to begin engineering and design work later this year, with heavy construction starting in 2027.

The players

Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA)

The organization that manages and operates Nationwide Arena, and is requesting the $100 million state grant to fund the renovation project.

Ken Paul

Executive director of the FCCFA, who says the goal of the renovation is to ensure Nationwide Arena remains "competitive, safe, and capable" of hosting premier events through 2030 and beyond.

Marc Dann

Former Ohio Attorney General who has filed a lawsuit to stop the state from using "unclaimed funds" to pay for stadium upgrades, arguing it is an "unconstitutional taking" of private property.

Nathaniel Fouch

Assistant law professor at Capital University who specializes in Ohio constitutional law, and anticipates a "bumpy road" before Nationwide Arena receives any state funding due to the pending litigation.

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What’s next

A Franklin County judge has halted the transfer of the "unclaimed funds" that the FCCFA is counting on for its $100 million grant request, leaving the arena's renovation plans in limbo until the pending litigation is resolved.

The takeaway

The proposed $400 million renovation of Nationwide Arena is a critical investment to ensure Columbus' premier sports and entertainment venue remains competitive and can continue driving economic activity in the city. However, the project faces a significant legal hurdle that must be cleared before any state funding can be secured.