The Columbus Blue Jackets will open the 2021-22 season at Nationwide Arena on October 14 against the Arizona Coyotes, and before the puck drops, the club has several special activities planned to kick off its 21st NHL season.
The activities include an Opening Night Plaza Party and a special tribute to the late Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks.
The Plaza Party will be held on the Front Street Plaza beginning at 3 p.m. and will feature music, games, prizes, and beverages.
One of the main attractions of the annual party is the Nationwide "Blue Carpet" arrival of players. Due to NHL COVID-19 protocols, player arrivals will not be held on Front Street, but will be shown on large screens on the plaza and will include interviews with some players.
All fans attending the game will receive a 2021-22 schedule magnet courtesy of Nationwide.
Nationwide Arena doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the club is encouraging fans to take their seats by 7 p.m. for the opening night show featuring individual player introductions.
The Blue Jackets will also honor the memory of Kivlenieks, who died in July. Members of his family, including his mother, stepfather, sister, and aunt will be in attendance and will participate in a ceremonial puck drop before the game.
A banner featuring his No. 80 will be unveiled and will stay in the rafters of Nationwide Arena for the entire season.
Kivlenieks' No. 80 will also be visible in the ice behind both nets for Thursday’s game vs. Arizona and Saturday’s contest vs. Seattle and all Blue Jackets players will wear an “80” sticker on their helmets throughout the season.
Columbus has two preseason games remaining before the regular season begins: Friday night at St. Louis and Saturday at home against Pittsburgh.