ArenaColumbus, OHColumbus Blue Jackets games, concerts and other Nationwide Arena events
Nationwide Arena Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Cameras
Checked Source: Nationwide Arena A to Z guide (nationwidearena.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
Nationwide Arena does not generally allow bags. The exceptions are medical bags, diaper bags and clutches up to 8 by 5 by 1 inches, which are x-rayed. Food and drinks, laptops, tablets and standard strollers are banned, and golf umbrellas are not allowed. Binbox lockers outside the McConnell Boulevard entrances store oversized bags, and there is no re-entry for smokers.
Every rule at Nationwide Arena
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Bags are generally not permitted. Exceptions are medical bags, diaper bags and clutches no larger than 8 x 5 x 1 inches, which are x-rayed in dedicated screening lines. Bags are generally not permitted, so backpacks are out. An oversized bag can be stored in a Binbox locker after secondary screening. A purse has to be a clutch of 8 x 5 x 1 inches or smaller, and it is x-rayed.
- Clutch up to 8 x 5 x 1 inches
- Medical and diaper bags are x-rayed
- Binbox lockers on McConnell Blvd
- No outside food or drinks
Food and drink
Food and beverages are on the prohibited items list. Food and beverages are on the prohibited items list. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Point-and-shoot cameras with a non-detachable lens are typically permitted. Video cameras, professional cameras with detachable or zoom lenses, GoPros, selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited. Professional cameras with detachable or zoom lenses are prohibited. Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks and extended battery packs are prohibited. Drones and model aircraft are prohibited. Laptops or tablets are on the prohibited items list. Laptops or tablets are on the prohibited items list. The pages do not mention power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers or wagons not designated to assist a guest with a medical condition are prohibited. Medical bags and diaper bags are permitted and x-rayed in dedicated screening lines at each entry.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
Small collapsible umbrellas are permitted. Golf-style umbrellas and ones with a pointed tip are prohibited. The pages do not mention blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
The guide does not give a sign rule. Sticks and poles are prohibited. The pages do not mention flags and binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
Medical bags and diaper bags are permitted and are x-rayed in dedicated screening lines identified at each entry, in place of a manual search. Strollers that help a guest with a medical condition are allowed.
Security screening and arrival
The x-ray screening is a contactless step that replaces a manual search. If a prohibited item is found, guests may return it to their vehicle or surrender it to security without return. Fans who exit the venue to smoke are not permitted re-entry.
Bag storage and lockers
Binbox lockers inside the entrances at McConnell Boulevard let guests store select items, such as an oversized bag after a secondary screening. They are rented during the event and cannot be booked in advance, and glass, perishable food, weapons and similar items are not accepted.
Blue Jackets games, concerts and other events
The guide says the arena follows contractual obligations from event promoters on camera policy and other rules, so check the event page for your date.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Backpacks
- Water bottles
- Outside food
- Camera lenses
- Tripods
- Drones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Strollers
- Most bags, other than medical bags, diaper bags and a small clutch
- Food and beverages
- Inflatables such as balls and balloons
- Laser pointers
- Markers, paint and stickers
- Noisemaking devices of any kind
- Sticks, poles and pipes
- Wrapped gifts and packages
- Weapons or items that mimic weapons
Questions about Nationwide Arena
Bags are generally not permitted. Exceptions are medical bags, diaper bags and clutches no larger than 8 x 5 x 1 inches, which are x-rayed in dedicated screening lines.
Bags are generally not permitted, so backpacks are out. An oversized bag can be stored in a Binbox locker after secondary screening.
Food and beverages are on the prohibited items list.
Food and beverages are on the prohibited items list.
Strollers or wagons not designated to assist a guest with a medical condition are prohibited.
Small collapsible umbrellas are permitted. Golf-style umbrellas and ones with a pointed tip are prohibited.
Sources
- A to Z Guide | Nationwide Arena (opens in a new tab)
nationwidearena.com, read
Checked on October 4, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 18, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the Nationwide Arena A to Z guide.
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