The Greater Columbus Convention Center

Along the east side of High Street runs the 1,700,00 square-foot Greater Columbus Convention Center of Columbus, Ohio. Much of the downtown area is centered around this landmark, which was erected in 1993 and extended to its present size in 2001. The convention center was designed by an internationally-recognized architect named Peter Eisenman, who was the winner of a design competition. He envisioned a facility with modern spaces, capacious walkways, and sharp angles. His reward was the honor of designing the Columbus Convention Center, which boasts 61 meeting rooms, 2 ballrooms, and almost half a million square feet of exhibit space.

Columbus Convention Center Events

The center’s 2001 expansion alone cost a whopping $81 million. But, the business the Greater Columbus Convention Center generates from various expositions and events makes it well worth the cost. Columbus, Ohio enjoys the tourism of the millions of convention center visitors each year. One of the center’s expositions includes the Arnold Sports Festival, also known as the Arnold Classic or Arnold Fitness Weekend. This annual body building competition, which gets its name from Arnold Schwarzenegger, is one of the most lucrative and popular events held in the center. Another large event is the Origins Game Fair, one of two of the country’s most renowned annual gaming conventions, featuring such hobbies as board games, role-playing games, live action role-playing games, and trading card games.

Local Entertainment

Surrounding the Greater Columbus Convention Center are many shops, hotels, and restaurants. Conveniently located on High Street in the Short North and near the center is MoJoe’s Lounge. Visitors of the convention center can enjoy the casual and inviting atmosphere after the hustle and bustle of a busy exposition. They can also treat themselves to a scrumptious brunch or lunch, and maybe even a signature cocktail or two.

Locals and visitors can find everything imaginable in or around the Greater Columbus Convention Center. As one of Ohio’s most visited areas, downtown Columbus has entertainment, food, and fun around every bend.