Common Ground Concerts

Big Names. No Charge

It's Getting Hot in Downtown Columbus

The Common Ground Concert Series is a partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc. and CAPA

Who’s ready to rock Columbus Commons? On Sunday, July 20, hit maker Nelly is coming to jam at the park! The best part? It’s FREE! Find out how to secure your tickets below. 

FREE Nelly Concert

Sunday, July 20

Newsletter Ticket Release: Tuesday, June 24 at 10am. Sign up for our newsletter for your chance to get tickets early. 

Public Ticket Release:  Wednesday, June 25 at 10am. 

Both ticket releases are on a first come, first-served basis and we expect that they will be claimed quickly. 

GETTING YOUR TICKETS

Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required.

Early ticket release to newsletter subscribers (june 24): 

If you are subscribed to the Columbus Commons newsletter, you are eligible for the early ticket release on June 24. You must be signed up by 10am on June 23.

If you’re a newsletter subscriber: 

  • On June 24, early release tickets for the free Nelly concert will be available.
  • At 10am on June 24, tickets go live. Once you click on the link in the email, you will be placed in a queue. Don’t refresh the page! 
  • You can only claim 2 tickets per email address. 
  • The window to claim early access tickets will close when all tickets have been claimed by Columbus Commons newsletter subscribers. 
  • Tickets are not guaranteed. If tickets sell out before you claim yours, you can try again on Wednesday, June 25 at 10am when the tickets become available to the general public. 
  • Be sure to read the FAQs and step-by-step instructions below ahead of the ticket release for an easy checkout.
  • Please note, signing up for the newsletter does not guarantee access to tickets. Ticket quantities are limited, and we expect all tickets to be claimed quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.  

General Public Ticket RELEASE (June 25):

If you are not a newsletter subscriber, you can enter the public ticket release on June 25 for the free Nelly concert.  Tickets are distributed on a first come, first-served basis, and we anticipate tickets will be claimed quickly. 

Here’s how to enter the public ticket release:

  • On June 25 at 10am, general public tickets for the free Nelly concert will be available.
  • Add up to two tickets to your cart. Please note: tickets are required for all attendees, including children of all ages.
  • Once tickets are in your cart, you will be added to a queue based on the order in which you added the tickets to your cart. It’s a first-come first-served process. Don’t refresh the page!  Wait until the system lets you process your tickets.   
  • If you were not able to claim your tickets, that means all tickets were claimed prior.  

Questions?

For all questions related to the concert, look at the FAQs below or email columbuscommons@downtowncolumbus.com

Ticket FAQs

Know everything you need to know about securing your tickets!

What is the Common Ground Concert Series?

Downtown Columbus, Inc. and CAPA partner to present free nationally renowned artists to the community at Columbus Commons. Free Common Ground Concerts to date include Bruce Hornsby, Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow, The Beach Boys, Martina McBride, Boyz II Men, Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat, Sugar Ray, Tonic, and Lit. Be sure to read all the frequently asked questions below and learn how to claim your tickets for unforgettable free music in the heart of Downtown Columbus!  

Do I need a ticket?

Yes, FREE tickets are required. This is a free concert thanks to Downtown Columbus, Inc. and CAPA. Tickets are limited in quantity to ensure a safe environment for patrons (max 2 tickets per person). We expect tickets to go quickly, so mark your calendars for each concert’s ticket release date. See dates above.

Do children need tickets? 

Yes, tickets are required for everyone. This gives an accurate count of how many people are in the park so we can monitor attendance with health and safety officials.

How does the waiting room work?

Guests will be placed in a waiting room queue with an estimate number of how many customers are ahead of you in line. Keep your browser window open to keep your spot in line. Once it is your turn, you will gain access to the ticket link to save your seats.

Do you offer email notifications for customers in line?

Yes! Once in the waiting room, you can sign up to be notified via email when you’re close to getting into the ticket link. When it is your turn, you have a limited amount of time to access the site you want to visit.

Should I refresh my page to update my spot in line?

No. Refreshing your browser while you are waiting in the queue will not effect your position in line. The queue will continue to update to show your current status in line as well as any additional messages from the organizer in real time. When it is your turn, you will be automatically redirected to the website.

I signed up for the newsletter - does that guarantee my tickets? 

No, signing up for the newsletter grants you early access to tickets, it does not guarantee tickets. Ticket quantities are limited, and we expect all tickets to be claimed quickly so be sure to mark your calendars for each ticket release date. Newsletter subscribers must sign up by June 23 by 10am to be included in the distribution of the early-access link.

What if I don’t get a ticket? What can I do?  

Tickets are limited and may be claimed quickly.

Will tickets be available day-of?

We will not be able to accommodate day-of walk-ups due to crowd capacity.

How do I find my tickets for the show day?  

All tickets will be delivered digitally and available in your digital ticket wallet. To access your tickets, visit wallet.cbusarts.com and login in with your CBUSArts account information. For more information, visit the CAPA FAQ page. If you have any questions about retrieiving your ticket, reach out to tickets@cbusarts.com.

Will my third-party tickets be honored?

Tickets purchased from another source may be counterfeit, and we cannot guarantee you will have a seat upon arrival.  

For all questions related to the concert, look at the FAQs below or email info@columbuscommons.org.

For all questions regarding tickets, reach out to the CBUSArts Ticket Center by emailing tickets@CBUSArts.com.

FAQs

Got your tickets? Review all the information you need for the concert!

Where should I park?   

Parking for Columbus Commons events is easy and convenient! The most convenient garage is the Columbus Commons Main Garage – two entrances to this garage are available at 55 E. Rich Street and 65 E. Main Street. If you park at the Main Garage, you’ll be closest to the park entrance. Parking rates will be $15 per vehicle, and cash and credit card will be accepted upon entering the garage. If you’re taking Uber or Lyft, the ideal drop-off zone address is 54 E. Rich Street, which will place you near the concert entrance. The Columbus Commons Underground Garage will not be available for general admission event parking.  

Where is the concert entrance?

The only general admission entrance is at the southern end of Columbus Commons near 55 E Rich Street. Please be prepared to have your digital or printed tickets scanned and bags searched. This entrance is handicap accessible.

How early can I arrive prior to gates opening?

We know you’re excited to claim your spot for the concert! The park will be closed to the public starting at 2pm on the day of the concert. If you arrive before gates open, Columbus Commons security will ask patrons to exit the park (no chairs or other personal belongings left behind – park must be clear starting at 2pm). Security personnel will permit lines to begin forming on the sidewalk of E. Rich Street, so we kindly ask that you do not arrive at Columbus Commons any earlier than 2pm. Gates open at 5pm.

What happens if it rains?

The concert will proceed rain or shine; though severe weather may delay or cancel the event. Columbus Commons personnel will be monitoring weather closely and will be ready to activate emergency weather procedures per the Columbus Commons emergency weather plan if necessary.  You are permitted to bring a personal handheld umbrella.  

In the event of a weather cancellation, if I have already paid for parking will my parking be reimbursed?

We are not able to reimburse parking.

What food and beverages options will be available?  

Columbus Commons’ two cafes, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Tortilla Street Food, will be open, along with several of our favorite food trucks. At the bars, you will be able to purchase a selection of Pepsi products, water, beer, wine and a specialty cocktail. Cash and card will be accepted.  Please note: no ATM will be onsite. Expect long lines at the food trucks and bars; feel welcome to bring in your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Can I bring outside food/beverages into Columbus Commons?  

Yes, however outside alcohol is not permitted. You may bring one small, handheld cooler no larger than 16 quarts, which will be subject to search upon arrival. Bars and multiple food vendors are on site for the concert. All personal belongings are subject to inspection, and prohibited items will not be allowed in and are subject to removal once in the park. In addition to large coolers, wagons are not permitted due to limited space for patrons. See the full list of prohibited items below.

Where do I sit?

Seating space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No chairs are provided, and guests are welcome to sit directly on the grass. Feel welcome to bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and be prepared to sit close to your neighbors; we expect a full house! No chairs or blankets will be able to be placed before gates open. Gates open at 5pm. Please note: tarps, large coolers and wagons are not permitted.  See the full list of prohibited items below.

I have accessibility needs. Where can I sit?  

There will be a reserved area to the right/east side of the north lawn near the brick walkway for patrons with accessibility needs. ASL interpretation services will be provided. If a patron is in need of a listening device, please notify CAPA or Columbus Commons personnel onsite for assistance. 

Can I bring my dog?

Due to limited space, dogs other than service animals are not permitted for these concerts.   

Can I exit the park and re-enter after my ticket is scanned?  

We have a no re-entry policy.

Yes, visitors can enjoy a ride on the carousel for free until 9pm, weather permitting.

Can I take photos and videos during the show?  

Yes, you can take photos and videos with your cell phone. Professional cameras are not permitted.

Is this concert family friendly?

Yes, all ages are welcome, but all patrons are required to have a ticket.

Safety and Security

Medical personnel will be on-site for first aid needs. Columbus Police and other security staff will be on-site monitoring park activity. All patrons will pass through security screenings, including hand-held metal detectors and bag checks. For your safety and security, all patrons and their personal belongings, including bags and coolers, are subject to inspection before entering the park. Please allow additional time for this process. Weapons of any kind and alcohol are prohibited.

What is not permitted in Columbus Commons for this concert?
  • Coolers larger than 16 quarts   
  • Wagons
  • Tables
  • Outside alcoholic beverages (please note: DORA beverages are not permitted to be brought inside the park during this event)
  • Smoking   
  • Plastic tarps   
  • Tents or canopies   
  • Large golf umbrellas   
  • Weapons of any kind   
  • Animals, except for service animals   
  • Disruptive behavior   
  • Leaving and re-entering 
  • Weapons of any kind and alcohol are prohibited.
Where are the restrooms?

There will be two permanent restrooms open, located behind the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams scoop shop, in addition to several portable restrooms located on the east side of the park. Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities are also available on the East side of the park near the Town Street entrance.

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