COLUMBUS — Comedian Matt Rife says he experienced a “full circle” moment over the weekend when he took the stage at Nationwide Arena — the very venue where his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian began.
Rife recalled that at age 14, he attended his first comedy show there, watching Dane Cook perform. The experience inspired him to start performing at a local comedy club the following year. He even emailed Cook through a public fan address, never expecting a reply. Not only did Cook respond, but he kept the letter.
On Saturday night, Rife and Cook read that same letter on stage together — 14 years after it was written.
The milestone night came with another achievement: Rife broke the record for the most tickets sold for a single show by any performer in the arena’s history.
“What a beautiful homecoming,” Rife told fans in a heartfelt post, thanking them for helping make the night possible.
Rife grew up in North Lewisburg. He was born in Columbus, Ohio. During his nationwide show, he appeared in a Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey. He also lived in New Albany and Mount Vernon.
