The Detroit Red Wings are headed outdoors for the sixth time in franchise history. In a report that was broken by John Buccigross, the Columbus Blue Jackets will host the event at historical Ohio Stadium affectionately known as “The Shoe.” According to Buccigross, the popular NHL Stadium Series Game will take place on March 1, 2025. Neither team was able to confirm or deny involvement but it appears to be a done deal.
The NHL is selective for its outdoor games, for the Columbus Blue Jackets this Stadium Series Game would be the first outdoor game in the franchise's history. Fans of the Blue Jackets have longed for this day to arrive and have vented their emotions by having not been selected in the past. The Detroit Red Wings were as close to a no-brainer opponent as could be given the Michigan- Ohio State rivalry also the Red Wings are an Original Six Franchise and Detroit fans travel very well.
When asked about the prospect of playing outdoors in Columbus, Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde responded “It would be pretty cool.” Having been part of an outdoor game while an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Lalonde called the Stadium Series an “unbelievable experience.” Saying that it adds a lot of energy to the host city, fans, players, and coaches.
The NHL has grown very good in outdoor games production, the league only needs a venue and they do the rest. Columbus weather in March can be tricky, temperatures can range from 15 to 60 degrees regardless the NHL can adapt to the weather so that is a non-issue.
With the Blue Jackets set to host that leaves the Florida Panthers and Arizona Coyotes as the only remaining teams to have not participated in the Stadium Series Game.
