From wrestling to gymnastics, 8 Columbus sporting events coming this winter
Though the weather outside is chilly, the competition couldn't be hotter as Columbus serves as host for some of the season's biggest sporting events.
From contests featuring youngsters to those with the best athletes in the world, fans can see games and competitions at nearly every level and in a variety of sports.
Whether you're a soccer supporter, wrestling fanatic or fitness guru, the winter season will still provide you with ample reasons to cheer.
Some will take place indoors, shielding attendees and athletes alike from the elements while others will cause fans to bundle up to brave the weather (hello, soccer game in January).
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Here's a sampling of what sports lovers can expect this winter. You can get tickets for many of the shows and events listed below at TicketSmarter.com.
United States Men’s National Team vs. El Salvador
LOWER.COM FIELD, 96 COLUMBUS CREW WAY
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United States World Cup Qualifier: Columbus, Lower.com Field to host U.S. men's national team World Cup qualifier vs. El Salvador in January
Details: In the final round of World Cup qualifying, the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team will face El Salvador at Lower.com Field. While the squad sits in good position to qualify for November’s World Cup in Qatar, this game is an important matchup toward that goal of making the big tournament. Columbus Crew’s stadium hosted a national game in October — a win against Costa Rica — but Columbus has long been considered the unofficial home of U.S. Soccer, so a second match here isn’t unheard of.
Time: 7 p.m. Jan. 27
Admission: Tickets available at ticketsmarter.com
Parking: $10-$25 depending on Arena District garage
COVID policy: Check website for details.
Contact: 312- 808-1300, www.ussoccer.com
Columbus Fishing Expo
OHIO EXPO CENTER, INTERSTATE 71 AND EAST 17th AVENUE
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Details: The original expo in the National Fishing Expo series, the Columbus show has been drawing a crowd of fishing enthusiasts since 2017 for three days of demonstrations, hundreds of vendors and knowledgeable speakers. During the weekend, fishers — novice to expert — will be able to see nearly every major line of boats, rods, reels, tackle, apparel and more all under one roof.
Times: noon to 7 p.m.Feb. 11; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 12; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 13
Admission: day pass: $12, or $10 for senior citizens, military and first responders; free for children 17 and younger; three-day pass: $25.
Parking: $5
Covid policy: Following Ohio Expo Center guidelines, masks are encouraged.
Contact: 614-325-0682, www.nationalfishingexpos.com
Blaine Wilson Sports Fest
OHIO EXPO CENTER, INTERSTATE 71 AND EAST 17th AVENUE
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Details: Named for famed Olympic gymnast Blaine Wilson, this gymnastics competition will feature a number of acrobatic disciplines, including men’s and women’s events, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline. Since 2004, the event has drawn the best athletes in the sport from around the region. Now, it’s run by its namesake, too, as Wilson — a St. Francis DeSales High School and Ohio State alum — will be on the sidelines coaching and behind the scenes organizing.
Times: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 and 19; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 20
Admission: free
Parking: $5
Covid policy: Following Ohio Expo Center guidelines, masks are encouraged.
Contact: 614-733-0818, www.blainewilsonsportsfest.com
5th Line 5K
NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.
Details: In this special version of the 5-kilometer race, participants will end their run at a memorable spot — center ice at Nationwide Arena. The event begins right outside the Blue Jackets’ home, too, and after winding around the Arena District, runners will finish the race with a post-game party on the lower concourse of the arena. Beyond the usual swag of a 5K, registration costs also entitle participants to two tickets to an upcoming hockey game.
Time: 10 a.m. Feb. 26
Admission: $65 before Feb. 7, $70 between Feb. 7 through race day (or until sold out), includes two game tickets to a select Blue Jackets event
Parking: various garages available
COVID policy: Masks are required indoors at Nationwide Arena except when you are actively running, eating or drinking. The mandate also applies to packet pickup.
Contact: www.the5thline5k.com
Columbus Crew vs. Vancouver Whitcaps FC
LOWER.COM FIELD, 96 COLUMBUS CREW WAY
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Details: The Columbus Crew will open its first full season at the new stadium Lower.com Field against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. It’s the first of 34 games the soccer club will play during the 2022 campaign and after missing the playoffs last year, the team is certainly eager to get back on the pitch to start accumulating wins. Make sure to check Crewsmas (what supporters' groups call the first home match) activities hosted by fan groups throughout town.
Time: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26
Admission: Tickets available at ticketsmarter.com
Parking: various parking options available in the Arena District starting at $10 and up
COVID policy: Check website for details.
Contact: 614-447-2739, www.columbuscrew.com
Monday Night Raw
NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.
Details: The weekly wrestling tradition comes to Columbus for a smackdown presentation that will feature the likes of WWE legends Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. The body slams and drop kicks, plus all the trash-talking you can handle, take center stage to provide all the entertainment live audiences and those watching from home have come to expect.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28
Admission: Tickets available at ticketsmarter.com
Parking: various parking options available in the Arena District starting at $10 and up
COVID policy: Per Nationwide Arena guidelines, face coverings are required for any entrant ages 3 and older. Masks will be provided if needed. The venue is also cashless.
Contact: www.wwe.com
Arnold Sports Festival
GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER, 400 N. HIGH ST., OHIO EXPO CENTER, 717 E. 17TH AVE., AND OTHER LOCATIONS
Details: With most fans banned from the event in 2020 and cancellations delaying the 2021 event to September while also limiting it to one day, organizers have hopes that the Arnold Sports Festival can return to its full regale in 2022. The city will welcome 22,000 athletes from 80 nations competing in 80-plus events, which include bodybuilding, fencing and even pole fitness, at venues across the city.
Times: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 3; 8 a .m. to 11 p.m. March 4; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 5; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.March 6
Admission: $65 for three-day pass through March 1, $75 after; $25 to $45 for day passes; children 14 and younger admitted free with adult (VIP packages available, too). Tickets available at ticketsmarter.com.
Parking: varies depending on venue
COVID policy: Current COVID-19 protocols call for masks to be worn indoors, per City of Columbus mandate and the vaccine is required for non-U.S. citizens and nonimmigrants arriving in the United States by air.
Contact: www.arnoldsportsfestival.com
Ohio 2022 Wrestling State Tournament
SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER, OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD AND WEST LANE AVENUE
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Details: The best of the state's high school wrestlers will hit the mat for a weekend of competition to crown champions in each division and weight class. The arena accommodates nine mats on the center's floor so it's nonstop action for the nearly 15,000 spectators who attend this event annually.
Times: 11:15 a.m. to 9:25 p.m.March 11; 10 a.m. to 9:10 p.m. March 12; 9 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. March 13
Admission: Ticket prices are still being determined. Visit www.ohsaa.org for updates.
Parking: To be announced
COVID policy: Current COVID-19 protocols call for masks to be worn indoors, per City of Columbus mandate.
Contact: 614-267-2502, www.ohsaa.org
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Sports to see in Columbus this winter: Arnold, WWE, 5K, USMNT and more
