Can you bring food into Nationwide Arena?

Columbus Blue Jackets · Columbus, OH

Food for a dietary need: rules don’t say. Ask first

Nationwide Arena food policy

Food for a dietary need: rules don’t say. Ask first

The A to Z guide lists outside food and beverages as prohibited. Its bag policy makes an exception for medical bags, diaper bags or clutches up to 8 x 5 x 1 inches; it does not say whether food for a dietary need qualifies. Contact Guest Services before the event if you need an accommodation.

The venue's rules do not say whether food for a dietary need may come in. Ask before the game.

We checked the venue’s rules on September 23, 2026. Rules can change, so check before you go.

Nationwide Arena bag policy

No bags, except a small clutch

  • Bags are generally not permitted. The exception is medical bags, diaper bags or clutches no larger than 8"x 5"x 1".
  • Medical bags, diaper bags and clutches are X-rayed through dedicated screening lines identified at each entry.
  • All bags outside the limited bag policy are prohibited, including clear bags, backpacks, fanny packs, binocular cases, purses, string or cinch bags, messenger bags, crossbody bags, camera bags, briefcases, grocery bags, roll bags and duffle bags.
  • Binbox lockers can be rented at the McConnell Blvd. and Front St. entrances. Items such as an oversized bag may be stored in one after a secondary screening.

Medical and diaper bags: Medical bags and diaper bags are exceptions to the no-bag rule and go through dedicated X-ray lines. Ask the arena whether the 8" x 5" x 1" size applies to them.

Carry-in facts

From the venue’s page, checked Oct 20, 2026. Anything not listed here isn’t in the lines we saved from that page, so ask.
ItemRuleThe venue’s words
BackpackNot allowedOn the venue’s list of items not allowed: “All bags outside of Limited Bag Policy parameters (including but not limited to clear bags, backpacks, fanny packs, binocular cases, purses, string or ‘cinch’ bags, messenger bags, crossbody bags, camera bags, briefcases, grocery bags, roll bags, duffle or other bags)”
Diaper bagRead the line“Bags are generally NOT permitted. There is an exception for medical bags, diaper bags OR clutches no larger than 8”x 5”x 1”.”
Medical bagRead the line“Bags are generally NOT permitted. There is an exception for medical bags, diaper bags OR clutches no larger than 8”x 5”x 1”.”

Applies to: Blue Jackets home games. We checked the venue’s page on October 20, 2026. Concerts and special events can have other rules, so check the venue’s page before you go.

Gluten-free food at Nationwide Arena

10 gluten-friendly options at Nationwide Arena. The guide lists each food, where to find it, and what to ask.

What to ask at the stand
  1. Is this the gluten-free version? Can I see the label?
  2. Is it fried in the same oil as breaded food?
  3. Can you change gloves and use a clean surface?
  4. Is the gluten-free bun kept and toasted apart from regular buns?

Please read

I can’t eat gluten

For a medical reason I need food with no wheat, barley or rye, not even crumbs.

  • Is this the gluten-free version? Can I see the label?
  • Can you change gloves and use a clean surface?
  • Is it fried in the same oil as breaded food?

Thank you!

Who to ask at Nationwide Arena

Ask before you go

Fill in the date and your name, then email it or copy it. Ask a couple of weeks ahead, and bring the answer with you. Going sooner? Call the number above.