COLUMBUS, Ohio — Over 60,000 people made their way to Nationwide Arena this week for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Fans came from across the country to watch their favorite skaters. The event was a unique opportunity for the city and the first time Columbus hosted the event.
“This event doesn’t come to the Midwest often, probably once every five to six years. So to bring it to Columbus, it gives local people the chance to see something,” said Jesse Ghiorzi, director of marketing for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
Ghiorzi said Columbus put a bid for the event in 2022 and was ecstatic to host it. It brought people to the city that may have never come to Columbus. Ghiorzi said it also brought money to the city during a time when it's normally slow.
“Anytime you have a big event like this, especially in January, it’s going to have a huge economic impact. We are estimating $8 million in direct user spending for this event,” he said.
Nada restaurant sits right across from Nationwide Arena. They said the event has brought a lot of business.
“It’s actually been really good. Winter is traditionally really slow so we are happy to have a big event next door to help drum up business,” said Willis Young, front house manager of Mexican restaurant Nada.
Young said they rely on Nationwide Arena to bring crowds into the restaurant.
"It’s been steady throughout the whole day. Whenever the event lets out then there’s different stages and waves so we have been hit at multiple different times each day,” said Young.
He’s looking forward to what else is to come this year at Nationwide Arena.
“Columbus is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, so I think it's only natural that we start getting more play when it comes to big events, championships, sports teams,” said Willis.
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission said they have a busy year ahead in 2024. Find out about more of their events here.