Columbus is a powerhouse for women’s sports, with hundreds of female athletes competing at the collegiate and professional levels. From cheering on the Buckeyes to experiencing professional volleyball (and soon soccer), there are plenty of ways to get in on the action. Here's how to spend a day in Columbus as the ultimate women's sports fan.
Support the Ohio State women's ice hockey team—the 2022 and 2024 National Champions.
Catch a Buckeye Game
No matter the season, there's an Ohio State women's sporting event to experience. With some of the top athletes in the country competing throughout the year, cheering on the Buckeyes is a must for any women's sports fan visiting Columbus.
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Fall: Catch women's soccer, golf or field hockey, or cheer on the Buckeyes at a cross country meet. You can also see the dance and cheerleading teams on the sidelines at Ohio Stadium during football season. Plus, don't miss the chance to experience the state-of-the-art Covelli Center, home to Ohio State women's volleyball.
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Winter: Head to the Schottenstein Center for women's basketball, cheer on the powerhouse women's ice hockey team, or watch gymnastics, artistic swimming, or swimming and diving.
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Spring: Spend an afternoon at a softball game or catch women's lacrosse, tennis, or track and field.
Whether you're a lifelong Buckeye or a first-time visitor, there's nothing quite like experiencing Ohio State athletics in Columbus. Check the Ohio State athletics calendar to find a game or event during your visit.
Watch some of the best volleyball talent in the country in Nationwide Arena.
Experience Columbus Fury Volleyball
Get ready for an electric atmosphere at Nationwide Arena as the Columbus Fury take the court! Columbus' professional women's volleyball team brings some of the sport's top talent to the heart of downtown.
The season runs from January through April. Whether you're a longtime volleyball fan or attending your first match, a Fury game is an exciting way to experience women's professional sports in Columbus.
Before or after the match, explore the Arena District, a walkable neighborhood packed with restaurants and entertainment. Be sure to stop by the historic North Market, a Columbus staple featuring a variety of global food vendors.
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field is the future home of Columbus' 2028 NWSL team.
Get Ready for NWSL Soccer in Columbus
The future of women's soccer is bright in Columbus! The city is set to welcome a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team in 2028, marking an exciting new chapter for women's professional sports in Columbus.
While the countdown to kickoff is on, there's no need to wait to experience Columbus' soccer culture. Catch a Columbus Crew match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field—the future home of the NWSL team—and experience the passionate fan base that makes this city a soccer destination.
Keep an eye out for updates on the NWSL team's name, branding and ways to become a Founding Member as Columbus prepares to welcome its newest team.
The IgniteHER Next initiative connects current female student-athletes with former athletes for professional networking.
Discover More with IgniteHER Columbus
Keep the excitement going with IgniteHER Columbus, a citywide initiative dedicated to celebrating and elevating women's sports. Follow along on social media for inspiring athlete stories, upcoming events, and more ways to get involved in Columbus' growing women's sports community.
Grab a balanced breakfast at Brekkie Shack.
Support Businesses Owned or Operated by Former Athletes
The support for women’s sports doesn't stop when the game ends! From grabbing breakfast to hitting the pickleball courts, explore these Columbus businesses owned or operated by former female athletes.
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Brekkie Shack: Start your day at this breakfast and lunch spot in Grandview, owned by twin sisters and former Wittenberg University soccer players Lisa Rusch and Lindsey Rusch.
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Pickle & Chill: Hit the pickleball courts at this local facility, where operating partner Amy Bokker brings an impressive athletic background. Bokker played lacrosse and field hockey at the College of William & Mary before serving as Ohio State's women's lacrosse head coach from 2019-2023.
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Winn Winn Cafe: Stop by for coffee, pastries, salads, or sandwiches at this café owned by former collegiate athletes Natalie DiSabato and Audrey Plant. DiSabato played field hockey at Boston University, while Plant played softball at Ohio State.
Becoming the nation's capital for girls' and women's sports? Yes, Columbus.
