COLUMBUS, Ohio — In just a couple of days, the Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Detroit Red Wings outside at Ohio Stadium.

What You Need To Know

  • The NHL Stadium Series is in Ohio Stadium 

  • The Arnold Classic Sports Festival is the same weekend 

  • The Greater Columbus Sports Commission said it's a great sports weekend 

It’s an event that’s expected to attract nearly 100-thousand fans to the historic venue.

“We are so excited to host the Stadium Series. It’s been many, many years in the making,” said Linda Logan, CEO of the Greater Columbus Sports commission.

Logan said it’s a game they’ve been hoping to host for a while. And she said this will bring a lot of first timers to Columbus. 

“It kind of checks off all the boxes of economic development, the fact that this event will bring $20 million to our community over a great sports weekend, raising the image and profile of Columbus,” Logan said.

Economically, Logan said this weekend will benefit hotels, restaurants and shops that rely on special events and more foot-traffic in the city. 

“On a weekend that is already a big boom with the Arnold Sports Festival, so we are a big sports city and this is just another great opportunity for us to show what we’re made of,” Logan said.

Logan said being the 14th largest city in the country, Columbus can host multiple events like the Stadium Series and the Arnold on the same weekend. 

“It’s gonna be hopping. There’s gonna be something for everyone, and I think we’re gonna have some intersections where people try to do both,” Logan said.

Now that they’ve landed the Stadium Series, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission is looking toward what they can accomplish next. The NCAA women’s basketball and Volleyball Final Fours will be in Columbus in 2027.

Logan said they’re hoping to attract the U.S. Gymnastics and Figure Skating Championships to Ohio’s capital city as well.

“We do feel like we’re always looking for that next big event and that’s what’s special about Columbus. We know that our community shows up. We buy tickets, whether it’s the viewing audience, or at the turnstiles, Columbus shows up.” Logan said.