It's official: Columbus Blue Jackets to host Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium in 2025
Colin Gay
It's official. The Blue Jackets will play in an outdoor NHL game.
During the Stadium Series meeting between the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey Saturday, the NHL confirmed that the Blue Jackets would host the Detroit Red Wings March 1, 2025 at Ohio Stadium after reports surfaced Wednesday.
“This is an event our fans have been extremely excited about, and the Blue Jackets could not be happier to take on the NHL’s team from that state up north next season in one of the world’s most iconic sports venues,” Blue Jackets President and Alternate Governor Mike Priest said in a statement. “We’d like to thank the NHL and everyone at The Ohio State University, as well as the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, who has worked very hard with our staff to make this game at historic Ohio Stadium a reality."
Before the confirmation, Blue Jackets president hockey of operations John Davidson shared his excitement for the potential matchup Thursday.
"I would be so excited to see this happen," he said. "It would be like 'Field of Dreams.' You do it and they'll come."
The Stadium Series game will be the NHL's third major event in Columbus, following the 2007 NHL draft and the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.
The Blue Jackets will no longer be among the teams to have never played in an outdoor game, a list they were once on with Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers.
“This Stadium Series game is yet another example of the great community of collaboration and partnership we have here in Columbus,” Xen Riggs, Ohio State Department of Athletics Vice President/Chief Operating Officer,, said in a statement. “The Ohio State University is very excited to join with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the National Hockey League to bring this event to Columbus. We look forward to showcasing the iconic Ohio Stadium as well as the city of Columbus on the national and international stages next March.”
While there was seemingly reluctance between the Blue Jackets, NHL and Ohio State about hosting an outdoor hockey game, Riggs said it wasn't representative of the university's willingness.
“At the end of the day, it’s really up to the league,” Riggs said. “We have to agree, the Blue Jackets have to agree. And we’re both willing. So it’s really up to them.”
Ohio State is in the process of planning to "winterize" Ohio Stadium by implementing heat tracing systems to prevent freezing, expanding and bursting water pipes in colder weather.
“One of the things we talked about is any expense we’d have to go through to ‘winterize’ ― and it’s more of the heat tracing than anything ― is that worth it for one event?” Riggs said. “Well, now we’re in a place where we’ve got to be ready for a potential playoff game with football.”
The Blue Jackets have played 111 games against the Red Wings and have won 46 games, 26 of which have been in Columbus. The Blue Jackets have played the Red Wings more than any other NHL team, and now they'll take it outdoors.
"It's exciting," Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau said. "I've gotten to play in a few of them (with the Calgary Flames), and it's an exciting time. You get to bring family, friends and they get to come watch you play outdoors. So, it's special and I think the guys are really excited for it."