*View the Assessment of the Gross Impact of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena on the Greater Columbus Area.

*View the Assessment of the Gross Economic Impact of the Arena District on Greater Columbus.

In April 2009, the Columbus Blue Jackets released the results of economic impact studies conducted by the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University which concluded that the National Hockey League club and Nationwide Arena have driven a local economic impact in excess of $2 billion since 2000. The studies also revealed the significant roles played by the team and arena as the catalysts for development in downtown Columbus and the Arena District, where 7,000 people are now employed.

Commissioned by the Blue Jackets, Nationwide Realty Investors, and the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, the study sets a benchmark for the franchise's initial impact on central Ohio and the success of the district.

"In 1997, the community was resolved to press forward with the vision of taking this once blighted area and turning it into a viable center for commerce, entertainment and residential growth," said Brian Ellis, NRI president.

"We are incredibly proud to be a key economic driver responsible for the growth of the Arena District through the expansion of businesses, employment and tax dollars," said Mike Priest, Columbus Blue Jackets president. "The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena have quickly become an integral part of central Ohio's business and entertainment landscape."

The John Glenn School conducted two economic impact studies assessing the impact of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena, and the Arena District since the arena opened in 2000.

Highlights of the economic impact study measuring the impact of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena include:

–Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena have driven an economic impact in excess of $2 billion since 2000.

–More than $850 million of spending in central Ohio is directly attributable to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Destroyers and Nationwide Arena.

–An estimated $160 million in indirect spending in area hotels and restaurants that can be attributed to out-of-town visitors attending Columbus Blue Jackets games and other events in Nationwide Arena.

–More than $2.3 million in grants and donations made by the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation to 80 different non-profit organizations since inception in 2000.

–Approximately $4 million in local income tax revenue was generated by the Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Destroyers since fiscal year 2002.

Highlights of the study assessing the economic impact of the Arena District include:

–Over $1 billion in investments have been committed to the Arena District, including $700 million already invested and $350 million in future investments.

–$6.13 billion in sales revenue and $1.46 billion in payroll were generated by Arena District businesses from 2000–2006

–$1.6 billion in annual sales were generated by Arena District businesses in 2006, compared with $78 million annually in 2000.

–More than $350 million in wages were paid by Arena District businesses in 2006.

–172 business and more than 7000 jobs are now located in the Arena District.

"Taken as a whole or separately, the results speak for themselves," said Priest. "We are reminded of the incredible partnerships and remarkable leadership of John H. McConnell and others, giving Columbus the NHL franchise and Nationwide Arena. Today, our entire community benefits from their vision and we are happy to be a part of the growing strength of our downtown."

The study was conducted using data provided by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Realty Investors, the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Experience Columbus, Nationwide Arena, the city of Columbus, the Greater Sports Commission, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio Economic Development Information Network (The Ohio ES202 Network).