Columbus, Ohio, has become one of the first cities in the U.S. to provide free period products at all of its major sports venues. Huntington Park, home of Minor League Baseball’s Columbus Clippers, has now joined Ohio Stadium, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Nationwide Arena, Historic Crew Stadium, and the Schottenstein Center in providing free-vend period products to guests.
Across the venues, vendor partner Aunt Flow has installed 165 free-vend period product dispensers. This milestone advances equitable access to period products while raising the bar for inclusivity, fan comfort, and guest experience. The move also builds on a nearly decade-long push for menstrual equity that began with a 2017 pilot program in city recreation centers and homeless shelters.
Tyler Parsons, president of the Columbus Clippers, said, “Each year, we see over 500,000 people come through the gates of Huntington Park, and this is yet another way we can elevate the guest experience.”
Claire Coder, founder and CEO of Aunt Flow, added, “We hope this moment inspires other cities to ensure everyone has access to menstrual products in public venues.”
This milestone also aligns with IgniteHER Columbus, a citywide initiative led by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and First Lady Shannon Ginther in partnership with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Experience Columbus, which aspires to secure Columbus’ place as the nation’s capital for girls and women’s sports.
“IgniteHER is all about empowering women through sports,” said Ginther. “Offering free period products across all of our major sports venues chips away at another barrier girls and women face, and creates spaces where they feel seen, valued, and confident.”
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