The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the return of their annual "Hockey Is Back" celebration, presented by Ticketmaster. The month-long campaign features a series of fan events, community initiatives, prizes, and exclusive experiences leading up to the club's 2026-27 home opener against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 1 at Nationwide Arena.
The celebration begins Sept. 1 with the installation of the ice at Nationwide Arena, marking the return of hockey to Columbus. Throughout September, the Blue Jackets will host community events, special promotions and exclusive experiences leading into Opening Night.
FOR EACH OTHER
Hockey Is Back includes opportunities for fans to make an impact both on and off the ice through initiatives benefiting the Blue Jackets Foundation and the local community.
The Blue Jackets Foundation’s annual Golf Classic Silent Auction returns Sept. 2, giving fans the chance to score unforgettable Blue Jackets experiences while supporting a great cause. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, fans can bid at cbjgolf.givesmart.com on unique items and experiences, including a “GM for a Day” opportunity with Blue Jackets General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Don Waddell, exclusive player meet-and-greets, and a locker room lineup experience on game day. Bidding is open to the public and concludes at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The team also will partner with the American Red Cross to host their annual blood drive at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Activity Center. To celebrate the return of Blue Jackets hockey, all donors throughout the region from September 1–30 will receive a special ticket offer for select Blue Jackets games and be entered into weekly prize drawings for exclusive CBJ prize packs. Appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org using sponsor code CBJGivesBack.
Fans also can support the Blue Jackets Foundation through the annual 50/50 Raffle, presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union. Ticket sales open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and continue through the end of the second intermission of the Blue Jackets' 2026-27 season opener on Thursday, Oct. 1. One lucky winner will take home half of the jackpot, with the remaining proceeds benefiting the Foundation and its community initiatives. The winning ticket will be announced during the third period. Fans ages 18 and older can purchase tickets at BlueJackets.com/5050raffle.
THE CROSSOVER
The Columbus Clippers are hosting Blue Jackets Night on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7:05 p.m. featuring a CBJ players pre-game autograph session on the concourse, ceremonial first pitch, CBJ themed promotions, and an appearance from Stinger. The Clippers will wear specialty CBJ-Clippers jerseys that will be available for auction benefiting the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. Get your tickets now at milb.com/clippers.
OPEN PRACTICE
The Blue Jackets will welcome the 5th Line to Nationwide Arena for Open Practice, presented by OhioHealth, on Saturday, Sept. 19. The free event gives fans the opportunity to see the training camp roster in action before the team hosts the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, Sept. 21 for an exhibition game.
Entry is available through the Front Street doors beginning at 8:30 a.m., with players taking the ice at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Complimentary parking is available on a first-come, first-service basis in the Arena Garage attached to Nationwide Arena. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Training Camp t-shirt, courtesy of OhioHealth.
Coffee and donuts will be available for free until 10 a.m., complimentary of Tim Hortons. Concessions at the main concourse will open at 10 a.m. with discount offerings available. The Blue Line Team Store at Nationwide Arena will be open throughout the event, giving fans the opportunity to gear up before the season begins.
During Open Practice, the club will host two Get Out And Learn (GOAL) street hockey clinics on the Main Concourse (Section 115/116). The free 30-minute sessions begin at 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and are open to first-time participants ages 5-12. Each participant will receive instruction along with a Blue Jackets-branded hockey stick, ball and t-shirt. Registration is required and available at BlueJackets.com/GOAL.
Fans are encouraged to RSVP for Open Practice at BlueJackets.com/HockeyIsBack and receive a digital ticket. RSVP’s are not required and do not guarantee entry.
COLLECT THEM ALL
Beginning Sept. 1, the Blue Line Team Store is launching The Monthly Buzz, a new season-long collectible series featuring our favorite mascot, Stinger. On the first of each month, a new themed Stinger pin and matching puck will be released, giving fans the chance to collect the entire series throughout the season. The first release, Back 2 Hockey, celebrates the return of CBJ hockey and is available beginning tomorrow. The puck is $17.99 and the pin is $14.99, or fans shopping online at thebluelineonline.com can purchase the matching pin and puck set for just $22.99. Individual items will be available online and at the Nationwide Arena Team Store while supplies last.
FUN GAMES, EXCLUSIVE PRIZES
Now through Sept. 28, fans can play a series of interactive games for the chance to win exclusive Blue Jackets prizes and experiences, including the opportunity to walk the Blue Carpet alongside Blue Jackets players on Opening Night, presented by Nationwide. A new game and entry opportunity will be available each week.
From Sept. 3-7, fans can test their luck in the Blue Jackets’ Labor Day Spin-to-Win promotion. By spinning a digital slot machine, participants will have the chance to unlock exclusive discounts and even complimentary tickets to select games during the 2026-27 season.
The month-long celebration culminates with the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 1 at Nationwide Arena. Full details on Hockey is Back, enter-to-wins, and more can be found at BlueJackets.com/HockeyIsBack. For more information on upcoming events and the 2026-27 season or to get tickets to an upcoming game, visit BlueJackets.com.
