The Columbus Blue Jackets will salute those who have served or are currently serving in the nation's armed forces during the club's annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by Elk + Elk, on Thursday, April 7 when the Jackets host the Philadelphia Flyers at Nationwide Arena. Game time is 7 p.m. and the first 5,000 fans will receive a Blue Jackets branded camouflage-style hat courtesy of Elk + Elk. The evening will be highlighted by themed activities, fundraisers, tributes to show support and gratitude for all active and retired service personnel and their families.
CBJ to host Military Appreciation Night on Thursday, April 7
pres. by Elk + Elk
The Blue Jackets will host more than 1,000 military members and their families representing the USO of Ohio, Wright Patterson Air Force, Rickenbacker Air Force Base, US Air National Guard, and other organizations. During the game, 50 individuals ready to start their careers in the armed forces will participate in a special enlistment ceremony. All fans in attendance are encouraged to share their Military Night photos using the hashtag #CBJUSA.
Starting at 5 p.m. fans can support the Ohio USO by donating snack items. The item collection sponsored by COTA will have USO volunteers outside arena entrances until 7:30 p.m. Donations helps stock central Ohio USO lounges that offer respite for military personnel and their families. Fans who donate will have the opportunity to enter to win one of the military night autographed warm-up jersey and receive discounted admission to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
Fans can provide additional support to the Ohio USO through the Blue Jackets Foundation's 50/50 Raffle presented by Kemba Financial Credit Union. Proceeds during Military Appreciation Night will support military members and their families through programs and events run by USO Ohio. Tickets may be purchased online at bluejackets.com/5050raffle.
During pregame warmups, Blue Jackets players will wear camouflage-style jerseys, use camouflage tape on their hockey sticks and practice with Military Appreciation Night warmup pucks. The Blue Jackets Foundation will then have the autographed jerseys and sticks available to acquire through a raffle and auction. Fans, whether attending the game or at home, can text CBJAUCTION to 76278 or visit cbjauction.givesmart.com to participate. Military Appreciation Night pucks and a "Defend Our Honor" t-shirt will be on sale at the Blue Jackets Foundation kiosk, located near sections 110-111 on the main concourse.
Pregame activities also include Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Eric J. Rine of the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron performing the "The Star-Spangled Banner" alongside the Westerville VFW Post 7883 Color Guard. This will be the second time the Mt. Vernon, OH native has performed during Military Appreciation Night.
Throughout the night, fans will have the opportunity visit a variety of military and veteran's services stations located throughout the concourse including National Veterans Memorial Museum, M.A.S.H. Pantry, Veteran Companion Animal Services, Franklin County Veterans Service Commission, Veterans Affairs, and representatives from branches of service.
During the second intermission, the Ohio Warriors Sled Hockey team will take the ice. The program's mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience and education for disabled veterans. Ohio Warriors use the game of hockey to assist individuals with disabilities in developing self-confidence, adjusting to their new lifestyle, rehabilitation, self-reliance, concentration, and to assist in helping participants back into mainstream lifestyles they were accustomed to prior to their disability, that will help the individual be more successful both within and outside a hockey environment.
As a thank you to military personnel, the Blue Jackets have a special ticket offer available to all veterans, active duty, reserve personnel, and cadets. To learn more, visit BlueJackets.com/militarynight.
To further show support for our nation's armed forces, fans can purchase military themed items at The Blue Line Team Store such as a camo CBJ tee designed by Columbus-based, Where I'm From. Visit thebluelineonline.com for details.
To learn more about Military Appreciation Night or to purchase tickets to the game, visit BlueJackets.com/militarynight.
