Honestly, people usually sleep on Columbus. They think it's just a sprawling sea of scarlet and gray Buckeyes fans, and while that’s mostly true, the city has quietly turned into one of the most aggressive sports hubs in the Midwest.
If you are looking for sporting events Columbus Ohio, you aren't just looking for a football game. You're looking for the Arnold, the "Hell is Real" derby, and a weirdly intense professional volleyball scene.
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year. We've got the debut of a new professional football team, a major USGA championship coming to Scioto Country Club, and the usual madness that comes with having 100,000 people descend on the University District every other Saturday.
The New Kid on the Block: Columbus Aviators
Let's talk about the thing nobody was expecting two years ago. The UFL (United Football League) officially landed in Columbus, and the Columbus Aviators are set to kick off their inaugural season in the spring of 2026.
It’s kinda cool because they aren't playing at the Horseshoe. Instead, they are taking over Historic Crew Stadium.
If you've never been, it’s the old-school soccer stadium. It's gritty, intimate, and basically the perfect size for spring football. Ted Ginn Jr. is the head coach, which is about as "Columbus" as it gets. Having a Buckeye legend leading the city's first outdoor pro football team since the early 90s is a vibe.
When the Buckeyes Own the Calendar
You can't discuss Columbus sports without the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Ohio State football isn't just a game; it's the city's primary personality trait.
For the 2026 Ohio State football schedule, keep your eyes on September 12. The Buckeyes are heading to Austin to play the Texas Longhorns, but the home slate is where the city really vibrates.
- Sept 5: Season opener against Ball State at Ohio Stadium.
- Sept 19: Kent State comes to town.
- The Big One: Michigan is at home this year. The date is still being finalized as the TV networks fight over it, but expect the usual November chaos.
The Horseshoe (Ohio Stadium) remains one of the most intimidating places to watch a game. If you're visiting, do not—under any circumstances—wear blue. Seriously.
The Arena District: NHL and Beyond
If you head downtown to the Arena District, things get a bit more "pro." Nationwide Arena is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The 2025-2026 NHL season is in full swing as we enter the new year. January is looking particularly busy.
- Jan 20: Ottawa Senators visit.
- Jan 22: Dallas Stars at home.
- Jan 24: Tampa Bay Lightning.
Basically, if you want a game in January, you've got a seat.
Then there’s the Columbus Fury. Pro women’s volleyball has absolutely exploded here. They play at Nationwide too, and the atmosphere is surprisingly electric. They’ve got a home match against the Atlanta Vibe on January 25, 2026, and if you haven't seen the speed of these serves in person, you’re missing out.
The Arnold and the "Big" Events
March in Columbus means one thing: The Arnold Sports Festival.
From March 5 to March 8, 2026, the city basically becomes a giant gym. It is the largest multi-sport event in the world. You’ll see everything from world-class bodybuilding and strongman competitions to fencing, cheerleading, and even medieval combat. It takes over the Greater Columbus Convention Center and several other venues downtown.
Expect traffic. Expect people in spandex. Expect to feel very small in an elevator full of professional powerlifters.
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2026 Summer Highlights
- USGA Senior Open: This is a big get for the city. It’s happening in June/July 2026 at Scioto Country Club.
- The Memorial Tournament: Always a staple. It’s at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin (just north of the city) from June 1-7.
- SheBelieves Cup: On March 4, the USWNT is playing a doubleheader at Lower.com Field.
Soccer is a Religion Here
Speaking of Lower.com Field, the Columbus Crew are the heartbeat of the downtown sports scene.
They open their 2026 MLS season with road trips to Portland and Kansas City, but the home opener is set for March 7 against Chicago Fire FC. This is "Crewsmas" for the locals.
If you want the real experience, get a ticket in the Nordecke (the standing-only supporters' section). Just be prepared to stand for 90 minutes and get covered in beer if someone scores.
The biggest game of the summer is the Hell is Real Derby against FC Cincinnati. That home match is scheduled for July 25, 2026. It is loud, it is mean, and it is arguably the best rivalry in American soccer right now.
Running the City
If you're more of a participant than a spectator, the 2026 Columbus Sports Series Challenge is the goal. It’s a series of five races that let you finish in iconic spots.
- 5th Line 5K (Feb 1): You finish on center ice at Nationwide Arena.
- Arnold 5K (March 8): Part of the fitness expo.
- Ohio State 4 Miler (April 12): You finish on the 50-yard line of Ohio Stadium.
- FORE! Miler (May 28): You finish on the 18th green at Muirfield.
- Clippers 5K: Finish at home plate in Huntington Park (Date TBD).
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Columbus is easy to navigate, but sports weekends change the math.
Parking: If you're going to the Arena District, use the ParkMobile app or look for the garages on Front Street. For Buckeye games, honestly, just take a COTA bus or an Uber from further out. Trying to park near the stadium on a Saturday is a nightmare that ends in a $50 bill and a two-mile walk.
Food: If you’re at a Crew game, hit up the food trucks or North Market before the match. For Blue Jackets games, the R Bar is the legendary hockey spot nearby.
Tickets: Use the official Ticketmaster exchange for the Blue Jackets and Crew. For Ohio State, tickets usually hit the secondary market (StubHub/SeatGeek) about two weeks before the game when season ticket holders realize they can't make it.
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Columbus isn't trying to be Chicago or New York. It's just a city that loves to compete. Whether it's a Friday night under the lights at a high school game in Upper Arlington or 20,000 people screaming for the Crew, the energy is real.
To make the most of your trip, check the Greater Columbus Sports Commission website about a month before you arrive. They keep a running tally of smaller events like the Gay Softball World Series (coming August 2026) or fencing tournaments that might fly under the radar but are definitely worth a look.
Plan your transportation at least three hours before kickoff for any Ohio Stadium event. Book your hotel in the Arena District if you want to be within walking distance of the NHL, MLS, and Triple-A baseball at Huntington Park. If you are aiming for the Arnold Classic, book your hotel six months in advance; otherwise, you'll be staying in a suburb 20 miles away.