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CONVENTION CENTER & ARENA SPECS
Greater Colum- bus Convention Center
Total size: 1.7 million square feet
Loading docks: 33
Exhibitspace: 410,000 square feet
Meeting rooms: 65
Ballroom space: 74,000 square feet
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena & Nearby Hotels
Enhanced Columbus Experience Draws New Markets
ASITLOOKSTOWARDITSBICENTENNIALIN2012,COLUMBUS has madea big commitment toits future as a national leisure and meeting destination.Whenthe city celebrates its 200th birthday, it will sport a nationally recognized arts and culi- nary scene, top attractions,more than $200 million in hotel enhancements and renovatedmeeting space, and a newfull- service hotel at the convention center. Inside the 1.7-million-square-foot Greater Columbus Convention Center, which offers 410,000 square feet of exhibit space, the newly renovated 74,000-square-foot Bat- telle Grand ballroom opened in January 2010. Outside the convention center, hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on hotels and meeting space at downtown prop- erties, with more development planned for this year. In addition to the current hotel package, downtown Columbus is getting an exciting addition with the new, 532-room Hilton Columbus Downtown. This $140-million, full-service hotel is scheduled to open in the fourthquarter of2012. It will have 48 suites and 22,800 square feet of meeting space, including a 12,000-square-foot ballroom. Columbus also has a growing list of nationally top-
ranked attractions, including the No. 1 zoo, science center, and new baseball park. In 2009, US Travel Guide ranked
74 pcma convene February 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Brian Ross, VP of Sales; phone: (800) 354-2657 or (614) 222- 6108; fax: (614) 222-6143; e-mail: Bross@ Experience Columbus.com; website:www. Experience Columbus.com
the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium the best zoo in America; Parents magazine ranked COSI (Center of Science and Indus- try) the No. 1 science center in the country; and three differ- ent publications identified Huntington Park, home to the Columbus Clippers (theAAAaffiliate of the Cleveland Indians), as the best new ballpark in America, besting even the newYankee Stadium. There’s no shortage of things to do
near theGreater ColumbusConvention Center, which is located in the middle of the High Five, Columbus’ five-mile stretch of unique, vibrant arts and enter- tainment districts along High Street. The High Five is ripe for client entertainment or a night out with colleagues, family, or friends. Two districts in particular are within walking distance of the center. One area that is garnering national atten-
tion is the Short North Arts District, known for its funky gal- leries, hip restaurants, and lively bars.Tojoin the locals for great people-watching, don’t miss the Short North Gallery Hop, held the first Saturday of every month. The Arena District is anoth-