Blue Jackets celebrate 2019-20 season opener on Friday, October 4
Plaza party featuring procession of Blue Jackets players walking a fan-lined "blue carpet" into Nationwide Arena
by Blue Jackets Staff @BlueJacketsNHL / BlueJackets.com
The Columbus Blue Jackets invite fans to kick off the club's 2019-20 season by visiting the Opening Night Plaza Party, presented by Nationwide, on Friday, October 4 before the Jackets host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. The party on the Front Street plaza starts at 3 p.m. and game tickets are not required to attend. Fans that do not have game tickets are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere and stay to watch the home opener on large outdoor screens.
A central attraction of the plaza party is the Nationwide "blue carpet" arrival of the Blue Jackets. Fans are invited to line up and welcome the players as they proceed across the plaza and into the front doors of Nationwide Arena. Arriving in Lexus vehicles, most players are expected between 4-5 p.m. Following the conclusion of player arrivals at approximately 5 p.m., the party expands to include the west plaza by the Big Lots! Box Office where fans will find additional entertainment and a big screen to watch the game.
Other highlights of the night include live broadcasts of Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan's Common Man & T-Bone Show from 3-6 p.m., followed by FOX Sports Ohio's expanded edition of the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show hosted by Brian Giesenschlag and Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre starting at 6 p.m.
Plaza party festivities also include beer trucks, music, roaming entertainers as well as COSI activations. In addition to brats, hot dogs and snacks that will be available for purchase, fans can also try samples of Pepsi products and Mike's Hard Lemonade (for guests ages 21 and over). Guests will also be treated to samples of 5th Line Crunch from Perry's Ice Cream, the new official ice cream of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
All fans attending the game will receive a 2019-20 schedule/car magnet courtesy of Papa John's Pizza. Arena doors open early at 5:30 p.m. and fans are encouraged to take their seats by 7 p.m. for the Opening Night show featuring individual player introductions.