The first NHL Outdoor Classic was in 2003, and since 2008, the NHL has had at least one outdoor game a season. Many Columbus Blue Jackets fans have been waiting to watch their team play in either the Winter Classic or a Stadium Series game, both of which are outdoor games. Early on Tuesday, February 6, there was an announcement detailing plans for the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues to play in the 2025 Winter Classic hosted at Wrigley Field. With that news, Columbus fans were quick to take to social media to voice their opinions on why they think the Blue Jackets should be a team considered for one of these outdoor games. Their wishes may be granted. According to a recent report by reporter Jason Newland from The Hockey News, multiple sources have revealed that the Blue Jackets will finally get their chance to play in a Stadium Series game.
Some rumors about the Stadium Series game include that the location may be at Ohio Stadium, commonly known as “The Shoe,” where Ohio State University hosts their NCAA football games. Another rumor is that a possible opponent could be the Detroit Red Wings, as well as the date of the game being around Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Neither Ohio State University nor the NHL have commented on this recent news.
Previously, when asked about an outdoor game being hosted at Ohio Stadium, Athletic Director Gene Smith had stated that there were “issues” with trying to winterize the plumbing and denied any opportunity to play an NHL there. Gene Smith is retiring and will be replaced by a new Athletic Director, Ross Bjork, on July 1st, 2024. Also, as of January 1st, 2024, there is a new President of the Ohio State University, William “Ted” Carter. A former captain of the U.S. Naval Academy’s hockey team, Ted Carter, has a history in the hockey world. Perhaps some of these changes could have influenced the possibility of hosting a Stadium Series game at the Shoe. Blue Jackets fans remain hopeful.
The 2024 NHL Stadium Series will take place on Saturday, February 17, at MetLife Stadium hosted by the New Jersey Devils. With this date rapidly approaching, it’s hopeful that an official word may come from the NHL or the Columbus Blue Jackets about the 2025 NHL Stadium Series, though it could be weeks or months until that may come.
