HOSTILE TERRITORY: Nationwide Arena

I attended my first two NHL games of the 2022-23 season in Columbus on November 10th & 15th when YOUR Philadelphia Flyers were in town. Of course, I recorded a podcast to discuss my experiences, which you can listen to here if you haven't already:

Entering the arena from the east, you're greeted with some rather large portraits of Blue Jackets players. There's a notable face on here that feels like it doesn't belong:

My girlfriend tagged along with me for the first game, and even dressed the part despite not being a Flyers fan:

It's probably her fault that we lost. :P

A common display I've noticed on the concourses at hockey arenas is the hat trick display, which includes hats thrown whenever a player scores three goals in one game. Nationwide Arena is no exception to this tradition:

There were even a few former Philadelphia Flyers players who scored hat tricks after arriving in Columbus:

The arena also dedicated some concourse space to showcase high school hockey programs throughout the state:

I've seen similar displays in other arenas as well. I not only appreciate seeing all of the different uniform designs, but also that they dedicate space to exposing younger levels of hockey. It's nice to see that the sport is gaining a larger foothold in the USA.

If you look closely in the photo above, you can see some table hockey tables in the background. Here's a closer view that includes the Blue Jackets practice rink in the background:

As a Flyers fan, I'm not used to the practice facility being connected directly to the arena. I think that's pretty cool.

I spotted the Blue Jackets pre-game TV set before we headed up to our seats:

No arena visit would be complete without some food, right? Before the game my girlfriend found this Beyond Bratwurst sandwich on a pretzel bun topped with street corn at the West Side Grille. It was a $5 upcharge for the vegetarian option (not thrilled about that) but at least it was tasty:

As is the case with most newer arenas, there's not a bad seat in the house, even in the upper levels (which I prefer, to be honest):

In addition to food, I always try to get an arena-specific beer. You can find this at local retailers around the Columbus area as well:

Did Johnny Hockey score the first goal of the game against the team that snubbed him in the offseason? OF COURSE he did:

Seriously. Three minutes into the game. Poetry in motion:

I'll never get over Flyers management deciding not to sign him or even make him an offer. The merchandise sales alone would have been worth it for their investment:

Anyway, the arena gave out these neat looking spectrum goggles before the game:

The effect looks like this when worn at an appropriate time:

There's not much use for them otherwise, but it was still pretty neat.

The Jackets won the first game 5-2, and of course Johnny Hockey got the first star of the game:

You literally can't make this shit up.

On to Tuesday, which was a much rainier and colder evening. Although not necessarily great attire for moist conditions, the onesie I chose to rock that evening was plenty warm:

I have no idea what the Blue Zone is but some urinal patron wants it brought back:

I mentioned on the pod that the surrounding Arena District is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. On a nicer day, this area would be full of people. That evening, not so much, but at least you can get the idea of the atmosphere:

It was Hockey Fights Cancer Night that evening, which is always an emotional affair. Part of the experience is supporting those close to you who have been affected by cancer by writing their names on these posters:

The arena was also decorated with purple towels that we waved during a TV break in the national broadcast:

Those are microfiber towels, by the way. Not a cheap investment on the part of the Jackets.

Nationwide Arena is perhaps most well-known for the obnoxiously loud cannon on the concourse overlooking the ice, which is fired whenever the Jackets score a goal or win. Fans also line up to have their pictures taken with it before games:

Yea, fuck that thing. Anyway...Veterans Day had also passed by recently, and one of my favourite local breweries in CBC made a beer to support veterans that just so happened to be on sale at the arena that evening:

I took in some pre-game warmups before heading up to my seat:

Kevin Hayes spotted some fans who had a poster saying he is their favourite player. He paused to take some selfies with them thru the glass:

Some recent additions to the squad in Lukas Sedlak and Kieffer Bellows:

I always LOL when I see a Brandon Dubinsky jersey. Look I get it, you support the guys on your team, but this guy is seriously in my top 10 most hated players of all-time. He also spoke out against the hiring of John Tortorella, which confirms (for me) that it was a solid hire:

There have been more notable commonalities among the Jackets and Flyers than I realize sometimes. One notable player that I often forget was a productive part of our franchise was Columbus rookie sensation Steve Mason, who holds high marks among several Flyers franchise goaltending categories:

The Jackets scored more than three goals for the second straight game, which means everyone can get a free cup of chili from Rooster's the following day:

The Jackets ended up winning the 2nd game in OT 5-4. Overall it's not a bad place to see a hockey game. I just wish my team had played a little better...