My wife surprised me with tickets to see Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith in Columbus tonight. It's at Nationwide Arena. I know exactly where it's at and how we'll get there (we've been to North Market a bunch of times).

 

Just wondering if there's any helpful hints on parking. I know there's a fairly big parking garage there, but didn't know what it'd be like trying to exit afterwards.

 

I believe there's several who have been to Blue Jackets games there. Where do you recommend to park?

Can't help you with parking but we have seen her a few times for her Christmas show. You should really enjoy it!

I think I parked in the Marconi Cinema garage when I went for a Blue Jackets last month. It was $10, the other garage I saw was $20.

 

You might want to give one of these sites a try.

 

Find Parking, Car Parks, Street Parking, Private Garages - Book Parking

 

ParkMe

It should be a great concert, a very nice surprise from your wife. I attended a concert there & used this website to reserve a parking space. It made it easy & would highly recommend.Nationwide Arena Parking Guide: Maps, Deals, Tips | SPG

BTW, it took me about 15 or 20 minutes to get out of the garage. We left when everyone else did, so it was a mass exodus.

Can't help you with parking but we have seen her a few times for her Christmas show. You should really enjoy it!

 

This will be the 3rd Christmas show that we've seen her, previously at US Bank Arena and then a couple years ago at Music Hall. I saw her an additional time, before my wife and I got married, up at Wright State. Have loved each and every one.

Well, @CincySportsFan, how was the show and where did you park?

This is one of my favorite venues I've ever been to, and I've been to a lot.

Well, @CincySportsFan, how was the show and where did you park?

 

I followed your recommendation and parked at the Marconi Cinema garage. Super easy getting in, and it really wasn't bad at all getting out. We parked there, then walked down to Boston's to get a bite, then literally walked across the street to the entrance.

 

Concert was AWESOME! My wife and I both agreed we liked this pairing (Amy with Michael W. Smith and Jordan Smith) better than the last one (which she did with her husband, Vince Gill). Jordan Smith is just a freak of nature. No way a man that big should be able to sing that high, that clearly. Amazing. Smitty's still got it, too. His performance of Gloria, with the orchestra backing him and the band, was superb.

 

Unfortunately, I told my wife that there were a couple of times where I could tell Amy just doesn't have "it" anymore. She's always been great about matching her live performances with what she's recorded. But last night I noticed there were some times where a single, long note was broken up into two notes. And there were two songs where it didn't even sound like the same person singing, as I've been used to. Don't get me wrong, I'd still pay to go see her again tomorrow. Just had to come to the realization that she, like me, is getting older.

This is one of my favorite venues I've ever been to, and I've been to a lot.

 

We were super impressed with the arena. Makes US Bank Arena look even worse than it is, and I didn't think that was possible. Told my son we may have to make a return trip later on to take in a hockey game...and we don't even like hockey!