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.

Columbus Blue Jackets Preseason

The Columbus Blue Jackets will play a four-game preseason schedule, including two home contests at Nationwide Arena for the 2026-27 National Hockey League season.

Columbus’ 2026 preseason home games:

• Monday, Sept. 21 vs. Detroit, 5 p.m. ET
• Thursday, Sept. 24 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 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. Details here.

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.

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.

2026/2027 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. 1 vs. Buffalo – Opening Night ft. calendar giveaway
• Oct. 24 vs. Vegas – Peanuts Spooktacular: trick-or-treating on the concourse, a costume contest for all ages, and a special celebration marking 60 years of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. Pillowcase giveaway available while supplies last. (special package incl Bobblehead available)

November

• Nov. 5 vs. Dallas – Hockey Fights Cancer Night. T-shirt giveaway (Special ticket package with bobblehead avail)
• Nov. 12 vs. Tampa Bay – Military Appreciation Night. The Military Appreciation jersey is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package.

December

• Dec. 12 vs. Montreal – Educator Appreciation Night with special hat ticket package available. 
• Dec. 19 vs. LA – Marvel Night. Marvel Ticket Package available that includes Jet Greaves Bobblehead.
• Dec. 22 vs. Montreal – Hockey Holidays! Snap a photo with Santa Stinger for a $10 donation to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
• Dec. 31 vs. Capitals – NYE! Ring in the new year with the 5th Line!

January

• Jan. 2 vs. Boston – Healthcare Appreciation Night with special hat ticket package available. Also Girl Scouts Community Offer – For more information, contact Abby Scully at (614) 246-3093 or ascully@BlueJackets.com.
• Jan. 8 vs. Buffalo – Jerry Garcia Ticket Package. The Jerry Garcia wearable is ONLY available with purchase of this special ticket package.
• Jan. 24 vs. Anaheim – Kids Takeover. The kids are taking over Nationwide Arena! They’re running the show. They’re making the calls. They might even change the music!
• Jan 28 vs. Detroit – First Responders Night.  The night will include themed activities, fundraisers, and tributes to show support and gratitude for the tireless efforts of incredible individuals in the first responder community. Special package with wearable available. 

February

• Feb 11 vs. Ottawa – 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.
• Feb 20 vs. Nashville – Star Wars Night. Wearable included with a special Star Wars Ticket Package.
• Feb 27 vs. NY Islanders – Scouts Ticket Package. On your honor, bring your whole den for a night of Blue Jackets hockey at Nationwide Arena! For more information and for groups of 10 or more, contact Abby Scully at (614) 246-3093 or ascully@BlueJackets.com.

March

• Mar 13 vs. San Jose – Hawaiian Shirt Ticket Package. Special Hawaiian Shirt Ticket Package includes your game ticket and exclusive Hawaiian shirt.
• Mar 16 vs. Pittsburgh – St. Patrick’s Day. Sham-rock the night away at Nationwide Arena!
• Mar 27 vs. St. Louis – 5th Line Celebration with festivities and giveaways throughout the game. Kepi Hat available while supplies last.

April

• April 8 vs. Philadelphia – 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

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

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