Studio Movie Grill Arena Grand
175 Nationwide Boulevard,
Columbus,
OH
43215
175 Nationwide Boulevard,
Columbus,
OH
43215
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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."
do you have a link to more info on that?
This location will be remodeled into an “Innovation Center” by Nationwide Insurance, the owner of the property.
Closed first week of January, 2017. No plans for the space have been announced by the landlord, Nationwide Realty Investors.
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.
What is ‘SMG’ ?
Reopened as SMG Arena Grand on 1/14/2014. All reserved seating. 11 screens, as before.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, the re-opening has been delayed until December, 2013.
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.
Same number of screens?
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.
Theater is closing on May 27th, 2013 and will reopen as a Studio Movie Grill in late summer.
Article
Anyone have more info or more photos?
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.
the Short North article says that “The auditoriums range in size from 43 to 447 seats.” What’s that tiny room like?
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.
This article about the theater contains a picture: http://www.shortnorth.com/ArenaTheatre.html