Ohio's Best Arenas to Visit

This article takes you on a captivating journey through Ohio's best sports arenas and stadiums, packed with historical anecdotes, famous sports moments, and intriguing fun facts.

Progressive Field

Home to the Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field is a centerpiece of downtown Cleveland. With a seating capacity of 35,041, it is a must-visit for baseball fans. The best time to visit is during the MLB season from April to October. Stay at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown for proximity to the stadium. The 1997 and 2016 World Series are among the memorable events hosted here. A fun fact: The stadium is sometimes affectionally called "The Jake" based on its original name, Jacobs Field.

Apart from the exhilarating baseball matches, Progressive Field hosts 'Rock n' Blast,' spectacular fireworks show that's a visual treat for visitors. The two-day event held every summer includes synchronized music. Inside the stadium, The Corner Bar offers over 40 beers on tap, primarily from Ohio's local breweries. A fun tradition at the stadium is the Hot Dog Derby, a virtual race between three hot dogs (Ketchup, Mustard, and Onion) played on the giant scoreboard.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is where the Cleveland Cavaliers' basketball team calls home. This arena, with a capacity of 19,432, is an excellent place to witness NBA action from October to April. You could consider staying at the nearby Hyatt Regency Cleveland. It hosted the NBA Finals games where local hero LeBron James led the Cavaliers to their first-ever championship in 2016. Interestingly, the FieldHouse is one of the largest LED-lit facilities in the country. Beyond basketball, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has played host to numerous concerts featuring superstars like Justin Timberlake, Pink, and Elton John. The QTube, a humongous HD scoreboard, offers an immersive viewing experience. The FieldHouse also houses the Cleveland Wall of Fame, featuring jerseys, photos, and memorabilia from Cleveland's sports history. Fans can also enjoy locally sourced food at the stadium's dining outlets.

FirstEnergy Stadium

FirstEnergy Stadium is the home of the Cleveland Browns. It has a seating capacity of 67,895 and offers an exhilarating football atmosphere during the NFL season from September to December. Consider staying at the nearby Westin Cleveland. The 2019 NFL Draft was one of the significant events hosted here. Did you know that the Dawg Pound, the bleacher section behind the east end zone, is the most boisterous Browns' fan section? FirstEnergy Stadium has a distinct ship-like design, paying tribute to Cleveland's maritime history. In 2013, the stadium introduced the world's first beer vending machine, DraftServ, during a Browns game. The stadium also offers the best of Cleveland's local food, including dishes from popular local eateries like Michael Symon's B Spot and Jonathon Sawyer's Sausage and Peppers.

Paul Brown Stadium

Football fans should not miss the Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals. With a capacity of 65,515, NFL season is the perfect time for a visit. The Marriott Cincinnati is a good option for accommodation. It hosted the infamous 'Freezer Bowl', the 1981 AFC Championship Game. This stadium boasts a unique 'sail' design. As fans immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere of these venues, they can also indulge in the excitement of the Ohio Sportsbooks. Whether you're a passionate Bengals fan or a casual visitor, these arenas offer a unique blend of sports, history, and entertainment that's hard to resist. Now, let's get that ticket and cheer on!

Paul Brown Stadium is fondly known as 'The Jungle,' inspired by the Bengals' signature song, 'Welcome to the Jungle.' The venue also boasts a captivating pre-game ritual - the 'Jungle Zone,' a party with games, food, and live music. Not just football, the stadium has hosted concerts by top artists, including Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift.

Great American Ball Park

In Cincinnati, the Great American Ball Park is where the Cincinnati Reds play. With a capacity of 42,319, baseball season, from April to September, is the best time to visit. The AC Hotel Cincinnati is a great nearby accommodation option. It hosted the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. Unique to this park is the "gap", a break in the stands that provides downtown views. Apart from Major League games, the Great American Ball Park has been a venue for some mega concerts, including the legendary Paul McCartney in 2011. Inside the stadium, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum houses an array of baseball memorabilia and artifacts. The stadium also has a Rose Garden, in honor of Pete Rose's 4,192nd hit, marking the record for the most hits in baseball history.

Nationwide Arena

The Nationwide Arena in Columbus is the home turf of the Columbus Blue Jackets. With a capacity of 18,500, it is perfect for ice hockey fans, especially during the NHL season from October to April. The Hyatt Regency Columbus is a nearby hotel. It hosted the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. An intriguing fact: it houses a practice rink that is also open to the public for skating. Nationwide Arena isn't just for hockey. It's hosted big-name concerts, from Bruce Springsteen to Katy Perry. Inside, the Blue Jackets' goal cannon, fired every time the team scores a home goal, is a unique feature that adds to the game's thrill. The venue is also known for its Sky Terrace with a great view of the city, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for visitors.