The Columbus Blue Jackets success has translated into record ticket sales. That should continue on Friday with single game sales opening up.
The success of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016-2017 has led to a record number of season ticket renewals and new folks buying packages. All of that goes a long way to making sure Jarmo and John Davidson can run an NHL franchise.
Friday August 18th is the opening window for sales of single game tickets which go even further to ensuring the financial stability of the team. All games including face offs with the Penguins, Capitals and newly created Vegas Golden Knights will open up to the public on Friday.
I would imagine that the divisional games as well as Chicago and Detroit games sell quickly. More Jackets fans than ever will buy tickets to those two games than opposing fans. Still, Red Wings fans and Blackhawks fans will flood Nationwide Arena. Let’s all do what we can to prevent those folks from enjoying our wonderful arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets
17-18 Ticket Boom
The rush to buy single tickets will hopefully be matched by the rush to by season ticket packages. The Jackets delivered an entertaining, quality product on the ice last season and that produced a big uptick in ticket sales last season.
In 2016-2017 the Columbus Blue Jackets averaged 15,857 fans per game. That filled NWA to just above 85% of its capacity. That was a huge improvement on 2015-2016 though where the CBJ only averaged 14,665 and a 80% capacity rate. The Jackets tied for 24th place overall in the league with the Ottawa Senators in average capacity last season.
85% moved Columbus from 28th in the NHL in average capacity, to 24th. 2017-2018 could be the year that they crack the top 20 and maybe 90%.
To see Nationwide Arena average over 16,500 fans a game would be a huge boost to the team on the ice as well as the game of hockey in Ohio. More people in the stadium means a better home ice advantage and hopefully more wins for our squad.
So when tickets go on sale Friday, talk to a coworker, pick out a few games and buy some seats. You won’t regret it.