Columbus Predicts Dip in Ticket Tax Revenue for Arts, Nationwide Arena

Reduced funding could impact grants and investments in the city's arts and cultural scene.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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The City of Columbus is forecasting a decline in revenue from its 5% admissions tax in 2026, which provides funding for the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) and Nationwide Arena. The city auditor estimates GCAC will receive $11.9 million from the tax, down from $13.5 million in 2024 and $14 million predicted for 2025. Nationwide Arena is also expected to see a drop in its share of the tax revenue, from $4.4 million last year to an estimated $3.5 million. The dip in admissions tax comes as Franklin County also cut its annual funding for GCAC by about $4 million in 2025, leading the organization to pull back on some grant programs.

Why it matters

The admissions tax is a critical funding source for the arts and cultural scene in Columbus, supporting organizations, artists, and events that drive tourism and economic activity in the city. A decline in this revenue could impact the vibrancy of the local arts community and the city's ability to invest in public art and cultural initiatives.

The details

Columbus has collected a 5% admissions tax on tickets to museums, concerts, and sporting events (excluding Ohio State University sports) since 2019. This revenue is allocated to GCAC and the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, which operates Nationwide Arena. In 2025, the city collected $11.3 million from the tax, less than the $14 million predicted. For 2026, the city auditor is estimating $11.9 million for GCAC and $3.5 million for Nationwide Arena, down from previous years. This dip in revenue comes as Franklin County also cut its annual funding for GCAC by about $4 million in 2025, leading the organization to pull back on some grant programs.

  • In 2019, Columbus began collecting a 5% admissions tax on tickets.
  • In 2024, the city collected $13.5 million from the tax.
  • In 2025, the city collected $11.3 million, less than the $14 million predicted.
  • In 2026, the city is estimating $11.9 million for GCAC and $3.5 million for Nationwide Arena from the tax.

The players

Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC)

A nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the arts and cultural scene in Columbus, Ohio. GCAC receives a portion of the city's admissions tax revenue to fund grants and initiatives.

Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority

The organization that operates Nationwide Arena, the Hilton Hotel Downtown, and several parking facilities in Columbus. It receives a portion of the city's admissions tax revenue.

Nick Bankston

A Columbus City Councilmember who discussed the importance of the admissions tax as a funding source for the arts and cultural community.

Mitch Menchaca

The President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, who discussed the organization's conservative budgeting and the impact of reduced funding.

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What they’re saying

“(The admissions tax) is a volatile thing, but it is still a stable-ish funding source for them that they didn't have before having a ticket fee, other than the bed tax solely.”

— Nick Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember

“Funding to GCAC and to the arts and cultural sector drives a thriving arts scene which motivates people to visit, move here and stay in central Ohio.”

— Mitch Menchaca, President and CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council

What’s next

The Columbus City Council will continue to monitor the admissions tax revenue and make adjustments to funding allocations for GCAC and Nationwide Arena as needed.

The takeaway

The predicted decline in admissions tax revenue highlights the importance of diversifying funding sources for the arts and cultural sector in Columbus. The city and community stakeholders will need to explore alternative ways to support the thriving arts scene and ensure it continues to drive economic activity and quality of life in the region.