When it comes to premier entertainment venues in Columbus, Ohio, Value City Arena consistently tops the list. As the crown jewel of the larger Jerome Schottenstein Center complex, this multi-purpose arena has become a beloved destination for sports enthusiasts and music lovers alike. What makes this venue truly special is its remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning from thunderous basketball games to intimate concert experiences.
While Value City Arena is best known as the electric home of Ohio State Buckeyes basketball, its entertainment portfolio extends far beyond the hardwood. The venue has established itself as one of the Midwest's premier concert destinations, attracting legendary performers across every genre imaginable. Music icons like Elton John, Beyonc©, and Billy Joel have delivered unforgettable performances here, while contemporary stars continue to choose this arena for their tour stops. This diverse booking strategy ensures that whether you're a die-hard sports fan or a concert enthusiast, Value City Arena has something extraordinary to offer.
Value City Arena Capacity: Room for Everyone and Then Some
Understanding Value City Arena capacity goes beyond simple numbers, it's about grasping the scale of excitement that 19,049 passionate fans can generate under one roof. This impressive capacity makes it one of the largest collegiate basketball venues in the nation, creating an atmosphere that visiting teams often describe as intimidating and home fans consider their secret weapon. The sheer volume of cheering Buckeyes supporters transforms each game into an unforgettable sensory experience.
What sets Value City Arena apart from other Columbus venues like Nationwide Arena, which primarily serves as a hockey facility, is its intentional design for basketball and large-scale concerts. The arena's flexible seating configurations adapt brilliantly to different event types, ensuring optimal sightlines whether you're watching a crucial three-pointer or catching every guitar solo. When nearly 20,000 fans unite in celebration, the collective energy becomes almost tangible, elevating ordinary moments into extraordinary memories that last long after the final buzzer or encore.
Get Ready to Jam: Value City Arena Concert Capacity
The concert capacity at Value City Arena showcases the venue's remarkable acoustic engineering and staging versatility. From thunderous rock performances by Metallica to hip-hop spectacles featuring Drake, and even elegant classical concerts with Andrea Bocelli, this arena has proven it can deliver exceptional experiences across the entire musical spectrum. The venue's technical capabilities rival those of dedicated concert halls, with state-of-the-art sound systems and lighting rigs that complement each artist's unique vision.
Concert promoters appreciate the arena's ability to accommodate various stage configurations, from intimate theater-style setups to massive 360-degree productions. The venue's design team works meticulously to ensure that whether you're sitting courtside or in the upper bowl, you'll enjoy clear sightlines and immersive sound quality. This attention to detail means that when your favorite artist hits that climactic note or launches into their biggest hit, you're not just watching a performance, you're participating in a communal experience that only a venue of this caliber can provide.
How to Snag the Best Value City Arena Tickets
Securing tickets to Value City Arena events has never been easier, thanks to modern ticketing platforms. SeatGeek stands out as a particularly user-friendly option, offering an intuitive interface that lets you compare prices across multiple sellers in real-time. The platform's innovative ” view from seat” feature is invaluable, allowing you to preview exactly what you'll see from any section before committing to a purchase. Whether you're looking for premium floor seats to be close to the action or budget-conscious upper-level options that still deliver great views, SeatGeek's transparency helps you make informed decisions. For the best selection, particularly for high-demand games and concerts, purchasing tickets as soon as they're released is always your smartest strategy.
Where to Stay: Top 3 Hotels Near Value City Arena
- The Blackwell Inn: This upscale hotel delivers boutique luxury just minutes from the arena. With contemporary design, exceptional service, and proximity to campus attractions, it's perfect for visitors who appreciate refined comfort. The on-site restaurant and conference facilities make it popular with both leisure and business travelers.
- Varsity Inn: Don't let the budget-friendly rates fool you, this reliable option maintains high standards for cleanliness and comfort. It's an excellent choice for fans who'd rather spend their money on premium seats than premium accommodations, offering straightforward amenities without unnecessary frills.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Families particularly appreciate this welcoming hotel's combination of convenience and value. The complimentary hot breakfast gets everyone fueled for game day, while the indoor pool provides entertainment for younger guests. Spacious suites accommodate larger groups comfortably, making post-event discussions easy and relaxed.
Parking Made Easy Near Value City Arena
One of the pleasant surprises for first-time visitors is how manageable parking actually is around Value City Arena. The venue offers extensive on-site parking lots that can accommodate thousands of vehicles, with clearly marked entrances and attendants directing traffic on event days. Beyond the official arena lots, Ohio State University's surrounding parking facilities provide additional options, many within easy walking distance. Savvy attendees who arrive 60-90 minutes before events often discover available street parking in nearby residential areas, just be sure to carefully read posted signage regarding time limits and permit requirements. For those who prefer guaranteed spots without the search, pre-purchasing parking passes through the arena's website or third-party apps can provide peace of mind and sometimes cost savings compared to gate rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the quickest route to Value City Arena?
For most visitors, the fastest route is via OH-315, taking the Lane Avenue exit which leads directly toward campus and the arena. However, traffic conditions can vary dramatically on game days and during major concerts, so checking real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze before departing is highly recommended. These apps can route you around accidents or congestion, potentially saving significant time.
Is public transportation available to Value City Arena?
Yes, Columbus's COTA bus system provides convenient service to the arena area, with several routes stopping within short walking distance of the venue. On major event days, COTA often adds extra buses to accommodate increased ridership. Public transit eliminates parking hassles entirely and is an environmentally friendly option that many local fans prefer, especially for evening events.
Where exactly is Value City Arena located?
Value City Arena is located at 555 Borror Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, on the Ohio State University campus. Saving this address in your smartphone's GPS or mapping app ensures stress-free navigation. The arena is situated in the northwest section of campus, easily identifiable by its distinctive architecture and the surrounding Schottenstein Center complex.
What's the deal with Value City Arena's bag policy?
Value City Arena enforces a clear bag policy designed to enhance security and expedite entry for all guests. Approved clear bags must not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, while small clutches under 4.5″ x 6.5″ are also permitted. This policy mirrors those at many major venues nationwide and significantly reduces wait times at security checkpoints. Before attending any event, it's wise to review the most current bag policy details on the official Schottenstein Center website, as requirements can occasionally be updated or modified for specific events.