Never knowing what was told here about the relationship between Lorimer and Arnold, I knew the AC took over the former contest.
However, I just assumed they held it in Columbus because it was more centrally located than the other contests. For instance, you have the Ironman, the NOC (RIP), on the one coast so the other people can't exactly just drive to get there. But with Columbus, it's possible that many people from the the surrounding states can still drive, take a train or whatever to the location.
Not saying this is the perfect location, but a bit more practical then LA or Tampa Bay.
And Columbus is a shithole. It's like going to Toledo & Cleveland all over again. If they didn't serve beer in either city, I'm sure it's own inhabitants would live there.