2025 NHL Stadium Series: Blue Jackets, Red Wings ready for outdoor showdown

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 19, 2025, 08:58 IST

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Preparations are underway for the 2025 NHL Stadium Series game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium. The event on March 1 will feature outdoor hockey for the Blue Jackets' first time and the Red Wings' fifth, with special team jerseys honoring local histories.

2025 NHL Stadium Series: Blue Jackets, Red Wings ready for outdoor showdown

Image via Getty Images

Preparations are underway for the 2025 NHL Stadium Series, featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings. The game will take place on March 1, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, marking the first time an NHL game will be played at this historic football venue.

Ice rink installation in progress at Ohio Stadium for NHL Showdown

NHL crews are transforming the stadium by installing an ice rink at the 50-yard line. The process includes setting up decking, running refrigeration pipes to maintain ice quality, and assembling dasher boards. Over 100 workers are involved in creating the outdoor hockey setup, with ice painting and logo additions happening soon.

"The next few days, until Friday, we'll be kind of putting all the piping together, putting down the floor, putting down the dash of boards," NHL senior director, facilities operations Derek King said. "The glass will go in, then we'll start making ice Friday night. That's kind of a seven-day build for us, and we'd like to be ahead of schedule. Practice day for the teams (March 28) is practice day for us, so really, it's paying attention to those finer details."
The weather for the NHL Stadium Series in Columbus on March 1, 2025, is expected to be chilly, with a high of 39°F and a 24% chance of rain. Sunset at 6:23 p.m. ET means temperatures will drop further. Historically, March 1 temperatures in Columbus have varied, with highs above 50°F about 46% of the time. Fans should prepare for cold conditions as the game progresses.
Both teams have unveiled special jerseys for the event. The Red Wings’ design pays tribute to Detroit’s automotive history, incorporating car-inspired elements and a “Hockeytown” slogan. The Blue Jackets’ uniforms are inspired by Ohio’s Union Army history, reflecting the state’s heritage.
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This will be the Blue Jackets' first outdoor game and the Red Wings' fifth. The event is set to be a historic and exciting experience for fans, showcasing a unique hockey atmosphere at Ohio Stadium.

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TOI Sports Desk

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