If seeing the ice go back into Nationwide Arena doesn't make you realize summer is almost over, we don't know what will.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are officially bringing hockey back to Columbus with the return of their annual Hockey Is Back celebration — and they're not waiting until Opening Night to get the 5th Line involved.
Beginning September 1, CBJ has a full month of fan experiences, community events, giveaways and some seriously cool opportunities leading up to the 2026–27 home opener against the Buffalo Sabres on October 1 at Nationwide Arena.
Lets put some dates on your calendar!
🏒 September 1: The Ice Returns to Nationwide Arena
It doesn't get much more official than this.
The ice is scheduled to be installed at Nationwide Arena on September 1, officially kicking off the Blue Jackets' month-long Hockey Is Back celebration.
September also marks the beginning of a new collectible series for Stinger fans. The Monthly Buzz will feature a new themed Stinger pin and matching puck released on the first of each month throughout the season.
The first release is appropriately called Back 2 Hockey.
⚾ September 4: Blue Jackets Night at the Columbus Clippers Baseball 🤝 Hockey.
The Columbus Clippers are hosting Blue Jackets Night on Friday, September 4 at 7:05 p.m.
Fans can expect a pregame autograph session with CBJ players, a ceremonial first pitch, Stinger, Blue Jackets-themed promotions and more.
The Clippers will even wear special CBJ-Clippers jerseys, which will later be auctioned to benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.
That's about as Columbus as a night at the ballpark can get.
September 19
Take the Family to FREE Blue Jackets Open Practice
If you're looking for an inexpensive family activity around Columbus, circle this one.
The Blue Jackets are opening Nationwide Arena to the 5th Line for a FREE Open Practice on Saturday, September 19.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with players scheduled to take the ice at 9 a.m. and noon.
And there are plenty of extras:
- First 1,000 fans receive a commemorative Training Camp T-shirt
- Complimentary parking is available in the Arena Garage on a first-come, first-served basis
- Free coffee and donuts will be available until 10 a.m.
- Concessions open at 10 a.m. with discounted offerings
- The Blue Line Team Store will be open
But parents will especially want to know about this next part.
🏒 Kids Can Try Hockey for FREEDuring Open Practice, CBJ will host two free Get Out And Learn (GOAL) street hockey clinics for first-time participants ages 5–12.
Sessions begin at 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Each participant receives instruction PLUS a:
- Blue Jackets-branded hockey stick
- Ball
- T-shirt
Registration is required.
It's a pretty great opportunity if your kid has been interested in hockey but hasn't actually had the chance to try it.
September 2–8: Bid on Some Pretty Incredible CBJ Experiences
The Blue Jackets Foundation's annual Golf Classic Silent Auction returns September 2, and some of these experiences go WAY beyond your typical sports memorabilia.
Fans can bid on opportunities including:
- Being GM for a Day with Blue Jackets General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Don Waddell
- Exclusive player meet-and-greets
- A locker room lineup experience on game day
- Other unique Blue Jackets experiences
Bidding opens at 9 a.m. September 2 and closes at 4 p.m. September 8, with proceeds supporting the Blue Jackets Foundation.
From September 3–7, there's also a special Labor Day Spin-to-Win promotion
A new game and entry opportunity will be released each week. Fans can unlock discounts and potentially complimentary tickets to select games during the upcoming season.
❤️ September 10: Give Blood at Nationwide Arena
The Blue Jackets are once again partnering with the American Red Cross for their annual blood drive at Nationwide Arena.
The drive takes place Thursday, September 10 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. inside the Activity Center.
There's an added bonus for CBJ fans this year.
People who donate throughout the region between September 1–30 will receive a special ticket offer for select Blue Jackets games and be entered into weekly drawings for exclusive CBJ prize packs.
Appointments can be scheduled through the American Red Cross using sponsor code CBJGivesBack.
Want to Walk the Blue Carpet With the Players?
Now through September 28, CBJ fans can play a series of interactive games for opportunities to win exclusive prizes and experiences.
And one prize definitely stands out:
The chance to walk the Blue Carpet alongside Blue Jackets players on Opening Night.
🎟️ September 19: CBJ 50/50 Raffle Returns
The annual Blue Jackets Foundation 50/50 Raffle also returns September 19. Tickets will remain available through the second intermission of the home opener on October 1.
One winner receives half the jackpot, while the remaining proceeds support the Blue Jackets Foundation and its community initiatives.
🚨 And Then..it all leads to one night. Thursday, October 1.
The Columbus Blue Jackets officially open their 2026–27 home schedule against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena.
So yes, we're still technically wrapping up summer.
But the ice is going back into Nationwide Arena.
Hockey is back, Columbus. 🏒💙
Which Hockey Is Back event are you most excited for? And more importantly...are you ready for CBJ season?
