The Columbus Blue Jackets invite fans to join Opening Week festivities as the team kicks off the 2026-27 NHL season. The celebration begins Thursday, Oct. 1, when the Blue Jackets host the Buffalo Sabres in their regular-season home opener at Nationwide Arena and continues Saturday, Oct. 3 when the team hosts the Utah Mammoth.
Pregame Festivities
Opening Night, presented by Nationwide, will feature a Plaza Party at the Front Street entrance of Nationwide Arena from 3:30 p.m. until puck drop at 7 p.m. Fans are invited to line up and welcome the Blue Jackets players as they proceed across the Nationwide “blue carpet” and into the front doors of Nationwide Arena. Arriving in Lexus vehicles, most players are expected between 4-5 p.m.
Plaza Party attendees aged 21 and older can enjoy beverage samples from Garage Beer, Clubtails, Carbliss and Surfside, while fans of all ages can take part in family-friendly activities including a hockey stick throne photo opportunity, face painting, life-sized Jenga, and more. Fans also can purchase custom airbrushed Blue Jackets T-shirts created onsite during both Plaza Parties. Blue Jackets partners G&J Pepsi, Tim Hortons, 97.1 The Fan, Nationwide, Bread Financial and Fanatics Sportsbook also will be onsite with interactive activations.
Members of the 5th Line can enjoy many of the same family-friendly activities before the Blue Jackets game on Saturday, Oct. 3, with festivities running from 4 p.m. until puck drop. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to watch college football on the big screen outside Nationwide Arena. The Saturday event will not include the player arrival procession or blue carpet. Still, the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Zach Werenski Norris Trophy T-shirt giveaway, presented by Bread Financial. Tickets are not required to attend either Plaza Party.
Inside Nationwide Arena
For both Opening Week games, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Fans attending the Oct. 1 home opener are encouraged to be in their seats by 7 p.m. for a special pregame ceremony featuring individual player introductions and additional festivities. All fans in attendance on Opening Night will receive a 2026-27 wall calendar, courtesy of Nationwide.
The Blue Jackets will proudly honor 100-year-old World War II veteran David W. Lee as the Military Honoree, presented by Elk+Elk. A fan-favorite feature of every home game, the recognition includes a tribute during the presentation of the colors and National Anthem, along with a special in-game moment celebrating Lee's remarkable service and sacrifice.
A highlight on the main concourse will be the display of the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top defenseman. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski earned the honor for his outstanding performance during the 2025-26 season. Fans can view the trophy and take photos with it on the main concourse terrace near the McConnell entrance.
The Blue Jackets Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle, presented by Kemba Financial Credit Union, is now open with a rolling jackpot that will conclude at the end of the second intermission on Opening Night. The winner will be announced during the third period. Fans ages 18 and older can purchase tickets throughout Nationwide Arena during the game or online at bluejackets5050.com.
For updates on the Columbus Blue Jackets, follow the team on social media at @bluejacketsnhl or visit BlueJackets.com.
