The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for the first home game of the 2026‑27 NHL season, scheduled for October 1 against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena.
Hockey Is Back: A Month‑Long Celebration
Throughout September the franchise is rolling out a series of fan‑focused activities, charity drives and exclusive promotions under the banner ‘Hockey Is Back’, presented by Ticketmaster.
The centerpiece of the campaign is the Blue Jackets Foundation’s Golf Classic Silent Auction, which runs through September 8 and offers fans the chance to bid on experiences such as a ‘GM for a Day’ with general manager Don Waddell, as well as meet‑and‑greets with players.
In partnership with the American Red Cross, the team will host a blood‑donation drive at Nationwide Arena on September 10, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., encouraging supporters to give back while earning special ticket incentives.
Donors who contribute between September 1 and 30 will receive exclusive ticket offers and enter weekly prize drawings for limited‑edition Blue Jackets prize packs.
Blue Jackets Night: Community, Charity, and Fun
On September 4 the club will celebrate with a pre‑game autograph session, a ceremonial first pitch, and a charity auction whose proceeds benefit the Blue Jackets Foundation.
Open Practice and New Collectibles
Fans can attend an Open Practice on September 19 at Nationwide Arena, where free T‑shirts, coffee and donuts will be handed out, and the team will launch ‘The Monthly Buzz’ collectible series featuring monthly Stinger pins and pucks.
A Labor Day Spin‑to‑Win promotion running from September 3 to 7 will provide game discounts and complimentary tickets to select events, adding extra value for early‑season supporters.
The preseason action kicks off on September 21 when the Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena, marking the first on‑ice test before the regular season begins.
Together, these initiatives illustrate the organization’s commitment to community engagement, charitable giving, and fan interaction as the new season approaches.