Scout Troop 7365 will serve as the Color Guard during the performance of the national anthem by 12-year-old Athena Updike. Bryson Wene, age 11, and Jerren Jackson, age 10, will take over for Mike Todd and serve as the game's In-Arena Hosts for the day.
No stranger to Nationwide Arena and the Columbus Blue Jackets, 12-year-old Charlie Cook will sit alongside PA Announcer Greg Murray and deliver the game's starting lineups. Cook, a player for Columbus Special Hockey, has been featured during in-arena celebrations at past Blue Jackets games. See his story here.
Fans of all ages can join in on the fun with activities throughout the concourse including face painting, balloon artists, dress like a jacket, and more. Attendees will also find Blue Jackets' mascot, Stinger, and friends available for photos.
Bleacher Report broadcaster and hockey content creator Andrew Telfer, aka "Nasher", will be on the concourse signing autographs. Telfer is a native of Central Ohio and a member of CBJ Gaming, the esports arm of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The evening will feature unique fundraisers to benefit the Blue Jackets Foundation and its mission to support the health and wellness of children in central Ohio. Visitwww.BlueJackets.com/kidstakeoveror follow @CBJGIVESBACK on social media for the latest announcements regarding auctions, raffles and merchandise sales.
Families are encouraged to purchase the Dispatch Family Value Pack which includes a game ticket, hot dog, popcorn, Pepsi product and a Chiller skate pass. Families Value Pack's bought for Kids Takeover Day will include a pre-game skate with Stinger. To learn more, visit www.BlueJackets.com/family. Space is limited.
In recognition of the day, The Blue Line Team Store is offering 15 percent off youth jerseys at its Nationwide Arena and Polaris Fashion Place locations, as well as online at www.TheBlueLineOnline.com on Sunday.
Registration is open for the summer Get Out And Learn session, presented by Safelite, a try hockey for free clinic for kids ages 5-9 with no prior skating or hockey experience. Throughout the summer, 30-minute clinics will take place at local hockey rinks and youth-based centers including Columbus, Delaware, Gahanna, Grove City, Westerville and Upper Arlington. For more information or to register, visit www.BlueJackets.com/GOAL.
