COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Columbus's biggest arenas lit up red on Tuesday, as part of a nationwide effort to show support for the arts and entertainment industries that have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The facades of Nationwide Arena and the Schottenstein Center were both lit up for the "Red Alert RESTART" initiative, which is urging Congress to pass the RESTART Act.
Supporters say the industry was shut down on march 12th, and will be one of the last industries to reopen during the pandemic. The average event employs about 1,000 workers, who have been without work since the shutdown.
The General Manager of Nationwide Arena tells ABC-6 that they are expecting an operating loss of $1.5-million this year.
The Wexner Center for the Arts, at Ohio State, also announced about $1-million in cuts, including staff and pay reductions, and cuts in programs.