Columbus, Ohio, rolls out free menstrual hygiene products to all sports venues

September 30, 2026

The state laws differ in their specifics — where products have to be provided, how much funding the governments provide to help facilities meet the mandates — but they require products to be free, according to Unicorn. Coin-operated dispensers don’t satisfy requirements unless they’re converted to free-vend or replaced, according to the company.

Columbus’ efforts to expand access to period care products in its sports venues builds on a 2017 pilot program at city recreation centers and homeless shelters.

Huntington Park, the city’s minor league baseball stadium and home to the Columbus Clippers, is the most recent stadium to add period products, joining Ohio Stadium, Nationwide Arena, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Historic Crew Stadium, the Schottenstein Center and the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Columbus’ effort highlights a trend among sports venues and public facilities to prioritize guest experience, fan comfort and “access to period products as an ADA-compliant restroom essential,” Aunt Flow says. It also ties into a citywide initiative, IgniteHER, to increase participation in girls’ and women’s sports and attract investment in these sports, according to the city. Facilities Dive