Studio Movie Grill Arena Grand

175 Nationwide Boulevard,
Columbus, OH 43215

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Mark_L
Mark_L on June 22, 2018 at 9:56 am

From Columbus Underground, 6/20/2018

“Anyone holding out hope that a movie theater would re-open in the Arena District can officially consider those hopes dashed. Nationwide Insurance announced today plans to convert the 31,000 square feet of space into a new “Innovation Center,” relocating workers from its “Refinery 191” innovation space next door.

“The expansion of our innovation facilities reflects our commitment to developing new ways to help members protect what’s most important and plan for a secure future,” stated Terrance Williams, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer and president of emerging businesses. “By repurposing a space we already own, we will cost effectively meet our growing business needs. It’s a win-win for both Nationwide and the Arena District.”

In addition to the building renovations, Nationwide announced plans to add several dozen new jobs to support programs inside the Innovation Center. The company is investing over $100 million in venture capital funding to startups related to the insurance industry. The new space is slated to open sometime in 2019."

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on June 22, 2018 at 7:56 am

do you have a link to more info on that?

Mark_L
Mark_L on June 22, 2018 at 7:30 am

This location will be remodeled into an “Innovation Center” by Nationwide Insurance, the owner of the property.

Mark_L
Mark_L on January 5, 2017 at 10:10 am

Closed first week of January, 2017. No plans for the space have been announced by the landlord, Nationwide Realty Investors.

Mark_L
Mark_L on January 15, 2014 at 5:10 pm

Studio Movie Grill…can’t tell yet if official name is SMG Arena Grand or Studio Movie Grill Arena Grand. A picture of the signage outside the theatre shows SMG Arena Grand as does a sign on the main entrance.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on January 15, 2014 at 3:39 pm

What is ‘SMG’ ?

Mark_L
Mark_L on January 15, 2014 at 3:32 pm

Reopened as SMG Arena Grand on 1/14/2014. All reserved seating. 11 screens, as before.

Mark_L
Mark_L on October 18, 2013 at 7:44 pm

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the re-opening has been delayed until December, 2013.

Mark_L
Mark_L on May 28, 2013 at 6:33 pm

According to Columbus Business First, Cinema Movie Grill is keeping 11 screens but decreasing the seating from 2,000 to 1,200. They are spending $3.6 million on the renovation, which is expected to open in late August or September. They are installing a full commercial kitchen on the main floor, and plan on expanding the bar area on the second floor to include restaurant seating.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on May 24, 2013 at 9:39 am

Same number of screens?

Mark_L
Mark_L on May 24, 2013 at 9:11 am

This could do very well in the Arena district. There are many hotels in this area and many business people in town for conventions or other business might be interested in a nice dinner and movie within walking distance. I could also see using some of the smaller rooms for client presentations, followed by a meal or a movie. Food and beverage quality will be key to the success of this new venture.

Nicholas Herum
Nicholas Herum on May 24, 2013 at 8:27 am

Theater is closing on May 27th, 2013 and will reopen as a Studio Movie Grill in late summer.

Article

Mark_L
Mark_L on July 16, 2010 at 9:37 am

It was originally called a “screening room”. I believe it has very plush seats like the 2 reserved seating sections. I looked around it once, but I’ve never seen a movie in it.

The Gateway has a room of about the same size.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on July 16, 2010 at 9:31 am

the Short North article says that “The auditoriums range in size from 43 to 447 seats.” What’s that tiny room like?

Mark_L
Mark_L on July 16, 2010 at 8:05 am

This theatre is in the middle of a huge entertainment district that has numerous restaurants, a large arena for NHL hockey and other events, and now an award-winning minor league stadium. Parking is provided in an attached garage for only $1.

The original 8-rooms were THX certified when built. I found the sound to be dry and lifeless. Because of the design of the building, the rooms are wider than deep, causing some very poor sightlines when theatres are full. (I arrived late to an early screening of RETURN OF THE KING, and had to sit in the front row looking almost directly up at the screen…EXTREMELY uncomfortable.)

The 3 new rooms took the place of storerooms on the entry level. I have not been in any of those theatres to comment.

The theatre remains popular and it has won a number of “Best of Columbus” awards.

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on July 16, 2010 at 7:00 am

This article about the theater contains a picture: http://www.shortnorth.com/ArenaTheatre.html