Columbus becomes first U.S. city with free period products at all major sports venues

Columbus said Huntington Park has joined the city’s major arenas in offering free period products, making it the first U.S. city to do so across all major sports venues. The move expands menstrual-equity access ahead of big women’s sports events coming to the city in 2027 and 2028.

Why it matters: - Columbus is now the first U.S. city to offer free period products at all major sports venues. - The rollout expands access to a basic necessity for fans, athletes, volunteers, coaches and families. - City leaders say the move supports menstrual equity and makes game-day spaces more inclusive. - The timing matters as Columbus prepares to host major women’s sports events in 2027 and 2028.

What happened: - Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers, joined the city’s other major venues in offering complimentary period products. - The announcement made Huntington Park part of a citywide network that includes Ohio Stadium, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Nationwide Arena, Historic Crew Stadium and the Schottenstein Center. - Aunt Flow has installed 165 free-vend period product dispensers across the venues. - Venue totals include Ohio Stadium with 45 dispensers, the Greater Columbus Convention Center with 45, Nationwide Arena with 27, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field with 16, Historic Crew Stadium with 14, Huntington Park with 10 and the Schottenstein Center with 8.

The details: - Claire Coder, founder and CEO of Aunt Flow, called the partnership with the Columbus Clippers a defining milestone for Columbus. - The Columbus Clippers said Huntington Park sees more than 500,000 people each year. - Mayor Andrew Ginther said free period products remove another barrier for girls and women and help create spaces where they feel seen, valued and confident. - Tyler Parsons, president of the Columbus Clippers, said the effort is another way to elevate the guest experience. - Linda Logan, CEO and president of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, said the city is setting a national standard across major sports venues. - Sarah Townes, chief marketing officer and innovation officer for Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, said the change supports visitor experience and reflects the community’s commitment to equity. - Columbus leaders said the effort builds on a 2017 pilot program in city recreation centers and homeless shelters. - Columbus is set to host the NCAA Division I Women’s Final Four and NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship at Nationwide Arena in 2027. - The city also expects a 2028 National Women’s Soccer League expansion team at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. - The initiative aligns with IgniteHER Columbus, a citywide effort led by Mayor Andrew Ginther and First Lady Shannon Ginther with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Experience Columbus. - IgniteHER Columbus aims to position the city as a national hub for girls’ and women’s sports.

Between the lines: - The rollout comes as recession pressures and tariffs are pushing up the cost of period products. - Columbus is also using the effort to reinforce its sports branding as more venues focus on fan comfort and accessibility. - The city’s decision gives Columbus a public-facing example of menstrual equity tied to sports tourism and event strategy, not just social policy.

What’s next: - Columbus leaders are likely to use the new venue standard as part of the city’s pitch for future women’s sports events and broader visitor growth. - The city’s sports and tourism groups will continue linking infrastructure improvements to IgniteHER Columbus and the region’s women’s sports strategy.

The bottom line: - Columbus has turned period-product access into a citywide venue standard, and it is using that move to sharpen its identity as a destination for women’s sports and inclusive fan experiences.