For those about to rock (KABOOM!) we salute you! To put it diplomatically, Columbus has seen "mixed" results at the home base of their professional hockey club. Boasting a replica cannon, a penchant for AC/DC and a short supply of playoff memories, Blue Jackets fans have their eye on the future for what could be.
Columbus Blue Jackets Stadium
Columbus hockey fans are doing their best to stay engaged after a decade-and-a-half of incredibly underwhelming play from Ohio's lone NHL franchise. Turnout at home games has wavered between 75-85% over the past few years, although we're certain a winning season could help move the turnstiles. In 2014, CBJ managed to snare their first home playoff win in franchise history with a defeat of Pittsburgh in Game 4 of Round 1. When the club puts the puck in the net, a replica cannon blasts in the Nationwide Arena and AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" serves as the follow-up before shifting into Locksley's pop-rock number "The Whip."
2014-15 served as a step back for the Blue Jackets and wins at Nationwide Arena were a rare commodity. Columbus finished in the Metropolitan Division's #5 spot, yet somehow racked up the most home losses by a healthy margin. If the Blue Jackets are going to return to potential contender status, they'll need to show they can win in their home building.
The Nationwide Arena was also the site of a bleak chapter in NHL history. In 2002, 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil died from injuries sustained from being struck in the head by a puck during a Columbus/Calgary regular season game. The tragedy prompted the National Hockey League to install safety netting in every arena.
Arena Vitals
Date Opened: 2000
Construction Cost: $187 Million
Architect: Heinlein Schrock Stearns, NBBJ
Capacity Attendance: 18,500
Has A Stanley Cup Final Been Played There: No
Previous Columbus Blue Jackets Arenas
None
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