NHL Stadium Series: Columbus Blue Jackets Face Off Against Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium

Image credits: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch

The National Hockey League (NHL) has been considering Ohio Stadium as a potential venue for outdoor games for several years, and the wait is finally over. The Columbus Blue Jackets will face off against the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Stadium Series at the iconic Ohio Stadium, affectionately known to Buckeye fans as "The Shoe." The game is expected to have the second-biggest crowd ever for an NHL outdoor game, with over 90,000 fans in attendance. The 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium between Detroit and Toronto still holds the record for the largest crowd, with 105,491 fans.

The NHL has announced its outdoor plans for next year, which include hosting a pair of games in Florida, in Miami and Tampa Bay, respectively. The league is committed to continuing its tradition of hosting outdoor games, with the Horseshoe being the 43rd regular-season outdoor game over the past two-plus decades. The NHL believes in the significance of outdoor games, which are a big part of their season and always highly rated. The buzz that surrounds these games in the local community is incredible, and the league is looking to build on this success. The NHL is entering a period of reimagining signature events, especially with the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off replacing typical All-Star festivities.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently in 8th place in the NHL's Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Red Wings at 66 points. However, the Red Wings hold the tie-breaker. A win on Saturday would propel the Jackets into the 7-seed, setting them up for a potential playoff clash with the Florida Panthers if the season ended after the game. The Jackets are riding high after a decisive 5-2 victory over the Red Wings in Detroit on Thursday. The game promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, with the historic stadium transformed into a hockey arena. The outdoor game will be a unique experience for the players and the fans, and the league is looking forward to it. The Stadium Series is a great opportunity for the NHL to showcase its product in a different setting, and the league is committed to making it a success.

Here are the match scores:

• Columbus Blue Jackets 3, Detroit Red Wings 2
• Columbus Blue Jackets 5, Detroit Red Wings 2 (previous game)

The NHL has also announced its plans for the 2026 All-Star game, which will be held at UBS Arena on Long Island. The league is committed to hosting more international competitions, including a World Cup of Hockey featuring at least eight teams beginning in 2028. The NHL has hosted 20 regular-season games in Europe since 2017, and an outdoor game overseas is a possibility in the future. The league is always looking for new and exciting ways to showcase its product, and the Stadium Series is a great example of this.

The NHL is open to hosting games in non-traditional venues, such as auto racing tracks or horse tracks. The league has scouted Utah as a potential venue, but no decisions have been made yet. The NHL is also considering hosting games in iconic landmarks like New York's Central Park or Lake Louise in Banff National Park. The league is committed to making its outdoor games a success, and it is always looking for new and exciting ways to showcase its product. The Stadium Series is a great opportunity for the NHL to connect with its fans and to showcase its product in a different setting.

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