Just because you are spending more time at home, doesn’t mean there aren’t still places to explore, things to do, sports to enjoy, and good food to eat. Here is your At Home Warriors guide for 6.12 – 6.18. Get in on the action or take action in and around Columbus through digital events and activities, open dining options, community support initiatives and more.

Sports

The NHL Player Gaming Challenge

The NHL Player Gaming Challenge™ presented by Honda will wrap up this Saturday, June 13 at 3 p.m. ET when Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins takes on former Winnipeg Jets defenseman Joe Morrow in an EA SPORTS™ NHL®20 best-of-three series. During the six-week gaming event, NHL Clubs have been represented by one or two players in a one-time matchup against another Club. All matches are available on NHL platforms: Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook Premiere. Where to Watch: Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook Premiere

TBT

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) announced Nationwide Arena will play host to all 23 games of this year’s event. 24 teams will compete under quarantine July 4-14. “Being the first basketball event to play in the U.S. since March is a monumental task that is only possible with great partners,” said TBT founder and CEO Jon Mugar. “We can’t thank the State of Ohio, Columbus Sports Commission, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Arena enough for their support, not to mention our longstanding partners ESPN, Puma and Zelle®. Everyone is unified in wanting to see basketball on TV again, and our players can’t wait to compete.” Read more HERE.

Columbus Cares

Being a part of the Columbus community, one thing is for certain, the residents, businesses and supporters of Columbus, both care and take action. This week alone, we have witnessed community works of art pop up all over the city, charitable donations, gatherings, support for each other and a comaraderie like never before. June 10 – June 11 The Big Give, run by The Columbus Foundation, found support for Ohio nonprofits through raising awareness and funds for animal welfare, arts and culture, education, employment, environment, food and nutrition, health, housing, social services and racial justice. Through their efforts and Columbus support, 44,508 donations were received this year and a total of $32,588,660 was raised in support of the nonprofits in our community. Along with initiatives like the Big Give, we saw Nationwide gather for a ‘Standing in Unity Moving Forward Together’ event that took place in the Arena District Friday morning June 12, where it was announced that $1 million dollars was donated to support efforts that promote social equality and justice through backing of the NAACP, The Bail Project and The Equal Justice Initiative. Even in uncertain times, it’s encouraging to see so much hope and support here in Columbus.

Support Local, Eat Local

Blood Drive at Nationwide Arena

Do your part and give blood to the American Red Cross this Thursday, June 18. The blood drive held at Nationwide Arena and offers you the opportunity to do good while being rewarded. Donors receive a Columbus Zoo BOGO entry coupon and a chance to win 4 Zoombezi Bay passes. To attend, enter through the Front Street lobby of Nationwide Arena from 10AM – 4PM. Walk-ins are welcome but scheduling in advance is preferred.  Schedule at redcrossblood.org.  Use sponsor code: ‘GMC’. Park in the Arena Garage and bring your ticket for validation.

Carry-out, patio, dine-in

What a treat it is to dine-out at a restaurant! Read on for the most recent information on restaurant and patio openings in the Arena District and Grandview Yard.

Now open for dine-in in the Arena District: Boston’s, Buca Di Beppo, Jimmy Johns, R Bar, Rodizio Grill, Sunny Street Café, Ted’s Montana Grill and Zoup.

Residents of the Arena District: Boston’s has recently announced resident nights starting Monday, June 15. Residents that show their resident VIP cards can enjoy 25% off their entire dine-in bill Monday – Thursday. Additionally, 15% off Friday – Sunday.

Grandview Yard Dine-In updates: Hofbrauhaus, Jason’s Deli, Panera Bread and Winans are NOW OPEN for dine-in!

Father’s Day is next Sunday, June 21. Treat dad to a Winans chocolate dipped Bourbon or Old-Fashioned bottle and a classic Bourbon Cherry, in partnership with Watershed Distillery. Order ahead HERE.

LIVING

Ready to get back out into the apartment hunt? Properties of the Arena District including Arena Crossing, Flats on Vine and Flats II are taking appointments for in person tours. Contact the leasing team HERE. If you prefer to tour from the comforts of your current home, check out the Arena District Living YouTube channel HERE.

Until next week warriors – please stay safe and continue to show support and love to each other.