• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

NHL’s Momentum Builds: Record Crowd Set for Ohio Stadium Series

An otherwise ordinary Stadium Series game in Columbus is becoming anything but as a historic turnout and playoff implications now are defining the event. 

Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

The NHL is clearly riding a wave of popularity and prominence with the hugely successful 4 Nations Face-Off quickly giving way to the Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin and his GR8 Chase. Next up is an outdoor game in Columbus poised to make its own history. 

The league said that a Stadium Series game Saturday between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium, normally the home of Ohio State football, is set to draw more than 90,000 people. Regardless of the actual final count, the game will generate the second-largest attendance figure in NHL history, trailing only the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, which drew 105,491. 

“This is an iconic place,” NHL president of content and events Steve Mayer said of Ohio Stadium. “I’ve watched some incredible sporting events take place in this building. It’s special to be here and for us to actually look at what will be the second-largest crowd in the history of these outdoor games, and to know that even though it started many years ago, we’re still going strong.”

Team Issues

The Stadium Series game, the league’s final outdoor contest this season, also marks a rise for both franchises—on and off the ice. 

The event is the first outdoor game ever in Columbus, completing a long journey for the Blue Jackets to bring one of the showcase league competitions to the Ohio state capital. 

The Red Wings and Blue Jackets, meanwhile, currently hold the top two wild-card slots in the Eastern Conference, giving the event additional competitive drama. Detroit, an Original Six NHL franchise that previously dominated the league at several points, is attempting to return to the postseason for the first time since 2016. 

Columbus, meanwhile, is looking for its first playoff trip since the 2019–2020 season heavily altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is planning to bring its iconic goal cannon to Ohio Stadium for the outdoor game.

The two teams will have a mini-playoff series, of sorts, preceding the Stadium Series game with another clash Thursday night in Detroit. The NHL has used this back-to-back scheduling strategy several times before involving an outdoor game, and is aimed in part at creating a more feisty on-ice atmosphere for the featured event.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates a made shot as Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks on during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.
October 10, 2025

Aces Win WNBA Title, Starting Offseason of Uncertainty

The Aces won their third trophy in four years.
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion
October 12, 2025

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Athlos
October 10, 2025

Track Start-Up Athlos Makes ‘Millions’ but No Profit Yet

Alexis Ohanian called being profitable by the 2028 Olympics a “great goal.”
Cheryl Reeve
October 10, 2025

WNBA Officiating Task Force Still Taking Shape After Outcry

How refs are trained and instructed was a major issue this year.
Aug 3, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver talks to International Basketball Federation board member Mark Tatum in the fourth quarter between the United States and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
October 9, 2025

NBA Aims for Drama-Free Return to China After 6-Year Hiatus

The league looks to rebuild its presence in the populous country.
Bad Bunny performs on stage for his “Most Wanted Tour” at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 11, 2024.
October 9, 2025

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA to Run Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show

Group announces “The All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8.