Preseason games, Theme nights and discounted tickets for Columbus Blue Jackets

Love hockey but don’t want to pay full price for a ticket? There are several ways to receive special tickets packages or discounted tickets for Columbus Blue Jackets games that will save you some money. 

You’ll find ticket discounts for students, active duty military, veterans, and families. Check out the special promotions and giveaways coming up, including freebies you can redeem even if you aren’t at the game!

If you’ve never been to a hockey game before, you’re in for a treat! The game is much easier to follow in person than on TV, and the Columbus Blue Jackets organization does a great job at keeping the atmosphere entertaining and engaging.

2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Preseason

The Columbus Blue Jackets will play a seven-game preseason schedule, including four home contests at Nationwide Arena, prior to the team’s 25th Anniversary campaign during the 2025-26 National Hockey League season.

Columbus’ complete 2025 preseason home games:

• Sunday, Sept. 21 vs. St. Louis Blues, 5 p.m. ET
• Monday, Sept. 22 vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, Sept. 24 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, Sept. 30 vs. Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET

Discount Tickets for Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey

Tickets for Troops 

Sponsored by Ohio CAT for active duty military and veterans

Visit the Nationwide Arena box office one hour prior to doors opening on any home gameday..

Active Duty: Present an active duty military ID and receive one complimentary ticket. You may also purchase up to four additional discounted tickets.

Veterans: Receive up to four discounted tickets when you present your current Veteran ID Card/dependent ID.

Details here.

GOVX Tickets

In partnership with GovX.com, the Columbus Blue Jackets offer discounted tickets to active-duty, reserved, veteran and retired service members, first responders and healthcare professionals.

Verifying your Military, First Responder or Healthcare status will create an account with GovX.com, allowing you to return and make subsequent ticket purchases without re-verification. If you already have a GovX account, find the tickets here.

Student Achievers, powered by AEP

The Columbus Blue Jackets Student Achievers recognizes high performing and improved students for their academic accomplishments!

Students that receive straight A’s, or improve a full letter grade in one subject, over the course of a grading period are eligible to receive an exclusive ticket offer.

Parents can upload a copy of the student’s report card and if it qualifies, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to redeem the offer. Full details here.

We redeemed this offer last season, and it was super easy! We were able to add on discounted tickets for the whole family to attend. 

CBJ Student Rush Discounted Tickets for Columbus Blue Jackets

All high school & college students can purchase $25-$40 tickets to regular season Blue Jackets home games.

Sign up for CBJ Student Rush Program first and opt-in for Student Ticket Offer text alerts. You can even refer friends and classmates to be entered to win 2 FREE tickets to CBJ game.

CBJ RUSH tickets go on sale in the Blue Jackets Mobile App starting at noon on game days, and at the Nationwide Arena Box Office one hour before each game.

Two tickets may be purchased per valid student ID, while supplies last. Must present valid student ID upon admission.

OSU Students Ride Free!

OSU students can get FREE transportation to Blue Jackets games with your Buck ID. Take the Number 2 COTA Bus downtown and get off at the Nationwide Boulevard stop.

Dispatch Family Value Pack Discounted Tickets

Bring the family to cheer on the Blue Jackets for regular season home games with the Dispatch Family Value Pack. Get a game ticket, hot dog, Pepsi, popcorn, and an Chiller Skate Pass for one low price. Tickets start at $30 and include QR code vouchers for all of the above.

This season, purchasers of the Dispatch Family Pack tickets for select games are invited to take part in exclusive on-ice experiences including postgame slap shots on the main ice or pregame Skates with Stinger in the OhioHealth Ice Haus (attached to Nationwide Arena). 

See full details about Dispatch Family Value Packs. 

After market tickets for CBJ

You can also purchase resale tickets at a big discount. The closer you get to game time, the less expensive you may find tickets. These are often sold from season ticket holders who can’t make that specific game, so you can even find great seats for less. 

Make sure you purchase a verified resale ticket (from your preferred platform) – the ticket will transfer to you automatically. 

Promotions and Special events

Details aren’t available in advance for all of the promotions; check the website for updates.

2025/2026 Theme Nights with Columbus Blue Jackets

Ticket holders will experience the theme nights which include unique game night experiences, concourse activities, themed entertainment and giveaway items. 

Some events offer a special ticket package with themed jersey/swag that are not included with regular single game tickets. See themes and packages at nhl.com/bluejackets.

October

• Oct. 13 vs. NJ – Opening Night ft. Schedule Magnets giveaway
• Oct. 16 vs. Colorado – Replica Helmet Giveaway
• Oct. 18 vs. Tampa Bay – 25th Anniversary celebration w/ special appearances by former players ft. Upper Deck Collectible Card sets
• Oct. 24 vs. Washington – Grateful Dead Night (special package incl themed jersey available)
• Oct. 29 vs. Toronto – Halloween celebration w/trick-or-treating on the concourse, a costume contest, and Halloween prizes for hockey fans of all ages. Kids Pillowcase giveaway available while supplies last.

November

• Nov. 1 vs. St. Louis – Star Wars Night (special package incl jersey available; see below). Also Hockey for Her Night (details to come)
• Nov. 13 vs. Edmonton – Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Fleece blanket giveaway (Special ticket package with bobblehead avail)
• Nov. 15 vs. NY Rangers – 25th Anniversary Celebration Game #2. Upper Deck Collectible Card Set 2 of 5 will be available for fans while supplies last.

December

• Dec. 11 vs. Ottawa – Hockey Holidays! Snap a photo with Santa Stinger for a $10 donation to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.
• Dec. 13 vs. Vegas – 25th Anniversary Celebration Game #3. Upper Deck Collectible Card Set 3 of 5 will be available for fans while supplies last. Special appearances with former players.
  Hockey Holidays! Snap a photo with Santa Stinger for a $10 donation to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
  Educators Community Appreciation Offer – For more information about exclusive educator rates or to purchase a group of 10+ tickets, contact Alec Rivers at (614) 246-3852 or Arivers@BlueJackets.com.
• Dec. 16 vs. Anaheim – Hockey Holidays! Snap a photo with Santa Stinger for a $10 donation to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
• Dec. 18 vs. Minnesota –  Hockey Holidays! Snap a photo with Santa Stinger for a $10 donation to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
• Dec. 31 vs. New Jersey – NYE! Ring in the new year with the 5th Line!

January

• Jan. 3 vs. Buffalo – Kids Takeover w/ sticker sheet giveaway. Stinger ticket packge w/ jersery available for  purchase
  Healthcare Community Offer – For more information about exclusive healthcare professional rates or to purchase a group of 10+ tickets, contact AJ Gareri at (614) 246-3105 or Agareri@BlueJackets.com
  Girl Scouts Community Offer – For more information, contact Abby Scully at (614) 246-3093 or ascully@BlueJackets.com.
• Jan. 15 vs. Vancouver – DC Comics Superman™ Night. The DC Comics Superman™ Night jersey is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package.
• Jan. 22 vs. Dallas – Margaritaville Night. The Margaritaville Hawaiian shirt is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package.
• Jan. 24 vs. Tampa Bay – 25th Anniversary Celebration Game #4. Upper Deck Collectible Card Set 4 of 5 will be available for fans while supplies last. Special appearances with former players.
• Jan 28 vs. Philadelphia – Military Appreciation Night w/ CBJ Flag Giveaway. The Military Appreciation jersey is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package. For more information about exclusive rates for active or retired Military personnel or to purchase a group of 10+ tickets, contact Jared Horan at (614) 246-3280 or Jhoran@BlueJackets.com

February

• Feb 28 vs. NY Islanders – Hockey for Her (details to come)
  Scouting America Community Offer – On your honor, bring your whole den for a night of Blue Jackets hockey at Nationwide Arena! For more information, contact Abby Scully at (614) 246-3093 or ascully@BlueJackets.com.

March

• Mar 3 vs. Nashville – Hockey is for Everyone invites members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community are invited to join us for Hockey Is For Everyone. Lapel Pin giveaway. Pride jersey is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package.
• Mar 7 vs. Utah – Women in Business Networking event. Network with and learn from leading ladies in the Sports Industry from teams and organizations across the state of Ohio! This special ticket package includes your game ticket and admission into the pregame event. For more information, contact Abby Scully at (614) 246-3093 or ascully@BlueJackets.com.
• Mar 17 vs. Carolina – St. Patrick’s Day
  25th Anniversary Celebration Game #5 featuring former player appearances. Upper Deck Collectible Card Set 5 of 5 will be available for fans while supplies last.
• Mar 28 vs. San Jose – First Responders Night w/ CBJ Floppy Hat giveaway. The First Responders jersey is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package. 
• Mar 31 vs. Carolina – Science of Hockey w/special activations on the concourse throughout the night

April

• April 12 vs. Boston – 5th Line Celebration with festivities and giveaways throughout the game. Sean Monahan Bobblehead giveaway available while supplies last.
• April 14 vs. Washington – Sustainability Night w/ 2025-26 Team Poster available while supplies last

Post-game promotions

Celebrate after the game with these season-long promotions for home and away games.  Check here for updates.

Jet’s Pizza Score Twice Half Price
Two Blue Jackets goals mean half off any one large one topping Jet’s Pizza the next day! Use code CBJ50 online.

Fanatics Sportsbook 1st Goal
When a Blue Jackets player scores the first goal of the game, all Ohio residents win $10 in Fan Cash!

Free Roosters Chili
When the Blue Jackets score three or more goals in a home game, fans can get a free bowl of chili at any Central Ohio Roosters the next day while supplies last! Just show the social media post at Roosters to redeem! Offer valid the next day. Dine in only.

Moo Moo Express Car Wash 3rd Period Goal
A Blue Jackets goal in the 3rd period means you win a free Ceramic 4 Ultra car wash! Limit one free car wash per person per season, plus the chance to win free car washes for a year.

Tim Hortons We Win, You Win!
When the Blue Jackets win at home, fans can get a free coffee! Just show the social media post at Tim Hortons to redeem!
Offer valid the next day at participating Ohio Tim Hortons locations

Whit’s Frozen Minutes
When the Blue Jackets score during the Whit’s Frozen Minutes head to your local Whit’s location with the promotional code on Blue Jackets social media for a free kid size scoop the next day.

Family Promotions and fun

In addition to the Dispatch Family Value Pack, there are a couple of other promotions available for families and kids. 

First Game Experience presented by Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage

Bring your kids to their first Blue Jackets game and they can get a FREE CBJ first game puck. These can be picked up at Guest Services desk near the Blue Line Store and section110

Fans attending their first Blue Jackets game can capture the memory with a commemorative puck and photo in front of a My First CBJ Game backdrop, courtesy of Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage. 

Photos at the Cannon

Head to section 111 and capture a photo next to the Cannon, a prominent symbol of Blue Jackets hockey.

Sensory Inclusion Packs

Packs are intended to reduce the impact of the in-person experience that may be overwhelming to some guests. Packs include items such as fidget toys, a weighted lap pad, sunglasses, non-verbal cards, and noise-reducing headphones.

Visit the Guest Services Desk at section 111 and 208.

Family Facilities

Family Restrooms – Main concourse near sections 101, 110, and 118. Upper concourse near sections 206, 221, and 228.
Nursing Rooms – Main concourse at section 105/106. Upper concourse at section 206.

Blue Jackets Watch Parties, presented by Coors Light

Can’t get to the game? Gather ’round with fellow fans to enjoy the game on big screens with CBJ Appearances, Giveaways, Food & Drink Specials, and more.

 Check here for updates.

Looking for more places to watch the game? Check out the Blue Jacket Bar Network around Columbus. These bars will be broadcasting games all season.

Free Columbus Blue Jackets student ticket offer for Student Achievers

Kids can try Hockey for Free with Columbus Blue Jackets GOAL program

Never miss a post from Columbus on the Cheap Name:  Your email address:* Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries No spam, ever. Promise. Powered by FeedBlitz

Blue Jackets Black Friday Deals

TBA for 2025

Hockey Holidays

Santa Claus Hockey Holidays
Columbus (2) vs Washington (3)

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Santa will be visiting Nationwide Arena this holiday season!

tba 2025

SANTA’S REINDEER

Santa’s reindeer are making a stop at Nationwide Arena!
tba 2025

SANTA STINGER

For a $10 donation to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, fans attending home games on December 11, 13, 16, 18, can get a photo taken with Santa Stinger! The photo station, located by Section 117/116, will be available when doors open until the start of the game. A printed copy and access to a digital version will be available.

NEW YEAR’S EVE
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation will be selling New Year’s Eve pucks starting December 31st. Pucks will be available for purchase online and in the arena at the Foundation Kiosk at section 110.