Recreation and Sports

Columbus is a great location for spectator sports.  Named the #1 city for sports by Scarborough Sports Marketing, fans can watch the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Columbus Crew, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Clippers.  The Clippers opened 2009 in the new Huntington Park, located in the Arena District in downtown Columbus.  The region also hosts the PGA Memorial Tournament in June, created by area native Jack Nicklaus.   NCAA regional tournaments in basketball and hockey are held at the Nationwide Arena. The city is home to the Arnold Sports Festival, a creation of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

There are plenty of activities for local athletes as well.   Softball leagues organized by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department have topped the nation in the number of players participating. The city is home to four of the world's top 100 Golf Courses, according to Golf Magazine.  Adult and youth soccer, basketball, golf and volleyball leagues abound.  The city has one of the best park systems in the nation.  Bike trails have been added, and many more are planned.  TOSRV (Tour Of the Scioto River Valley) is a 2-day, 200 mile bicycle tour originating in downtown every May.  The Columbus Marathon takes place in the fall of every year.