Columbus to Host Outdoor NHL Game in 2025: Insider Reveals
After years of anticipation, the city of Columbus will finally be hosting an outdoor NHL game next season. A league source has confirmed that the game will be a “Stadium Series” match-up between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings, set to take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The historic Ohio Stadium, home of the Ohio State football team, will serve as the venue for this highly-anticipated event.
The announcement comes as a significant milestone for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have previously hosted major NHL events such as the NHL Draft in 2007 and the NHL All-Star Game in 2015 at the Nationwide Arena. However, an outdoor game presents an entirely different level of undertaking. Interestingly, Columbus is one of only three teams, along with Arizona and Florida, that have yet to participate in an outdoor game.
For over a decade, the Blue Jackets’ ownership, led by John P McConnell, has been vocal about their desire to bring an outdoor game to Columbus. Both McConnell and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman have discussed the possibility of hosting either a Winter Classic or a Stadium Series game in the city. Finally, their pleas have been answered.
In November 2024, a group of NHL executives, including vice president of creative development Steve Mayer, visited Columbus to witness the Ohio State-Michigan State game at Ohio Stadium. Although this visit was not an official site inspection, it provided Mayer and others with an opportunity to experience the iconic venue at full capacity. The game drew an impressive crowd of 105,137 spectators.
In recent months, it became apparent that the Blue Jackets, Ohio State University, and the NHL were collaborating to secure an outdoor game for Columbus. Both Mayer and Ohio State facilities manager Xen Riggs openly discussed the likelihood of hosting such an event. This cooperative effort has finally paid off, leading to the confirmation of the 2025 Stadium Series game.
The NHL has a history of organizing games at legendary venues across the United States, including Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium, and Soldier Field. Now, Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Horseshoe,” will join this illustrious list. This iconic stadium holds a special place in Ohio’s sporting history, having been utilized for various events beyond football. In the 1930s, Olympic hero Jesse Owens even ran in Ohio Stadium as a member of the OSU track and field team.
Hosting an outdoor game in Ohio Stadium has long been a challenge due to the stadium’s lack of winterization. Ohio State University had previously stated that it was not feasible to host an event deep into winter because the stadium was not equipped to handle potentially harsh weather conditions. As a result, the water supply to the building was routinely shut off after the conclusion of the football season. However, with a recent commitment from Ohio State to invest $600,000 in upgrading and improving the heating system, the NHL has deemed the stadium suitable for hosting the game.
It is worth noting that the game between the Blue Jackets and Red Wings will be part of the Stadium Series and not the traditional Jan. 1 Winter Classic. This decision was made to avoid any distractions from Ohio State’s football season finale. With college football moving towards a 12-team playoff structure, it is increasingly likely that the end of the football season will coincide with the date of the outdoor game.
This upcoming match-up could potentially break records for attendance at an NHL game. The Winter Classic game in 2014 between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium drew an impressive crowd of 104,173 spectators. Furthermore, on November 26, 2016, Ohio State set an Ohio Stadium attendance record with 110,045 fans attending a game against rival Michigan. The combination of the Blue Jackets, Red Wings, and the allure of an outdoor game could result in a truly spectacular turnout.
The timing of the game presents an interesting scenario for the Blue Jackets, who are likely to miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. On the other hand, the Red Wings are aiming to end their seven-year playoff drought. This outdoor game provides both teams with an opportunity to showcase their talents on a grand stage and captivate fans in a unique setting.
In conclusion, the announcement of Columbus hosting an outdoor NHL game in 2025 has been met with excitement and anticipation. The Blue Jackets and Red Wings will face off in a Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium, promising a thrilling experience for both players and fans alike. With the NHL finally granting Columbus their long-awaited wish, all eyes will be on this historic event as Ohio Stadium transforms into a hockey haven.