COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio Stadium transforms into an ice rink to host the stadium series, Ohio State University President Ted Carter is feeling especially excited for the game. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio Stadium is hosting outdoor hockey game 

  • The Columbus Blue Jackets are taking on the Detroit Red Wings 

  • Ohio State's president grew up playing hockey 

“Now, we’re gonna have the first hockey game in the 100-plus-year history of the horseshoe right here, and it’s gonna be all Ohio State branding,” said Carter.

Carter grew up playing hockey, so hosting such a large scale game with the NHL is special. 

“I grew up on a pond. I learned how to play hockey outside, and then I played pretty much all my life, all four years at the Naval academy, team captain in ’81,” Carter said.  

While Carter played plenty in his lifetime in the elements, it certainly wasn’t on this type of stage.

“I never got to play in an outdoor rink like this so yeah that would’ve been a dream,” Carter said.

Ohio State’s Athletic Director Ross Bjork said it’s great to show off their stadium in this partnership with the NHL. 

“You’re gonna feel the excitement when all this comes together, and the visuals start to come out. It’s in the shoe, yeah it’s a blue jackets game, but there’s so many buckeye theme elements around it I think it’s gonna be a really cool moment,” said Bjork.

“For all the fans out there, if you’re wondering about whether or not to come to this, buy a ticket, this is historic, it’s an experience you’ve never ever seen before even if you’ve never seen a hockey game, come to the shoe and see it,” Carter said.

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