The league announced the game on February 17, 2024, during the first game of the previous season's Stadium Series. The league will return to only staging one Stadium Series per season instead of two. NHL executives had contemplated holding an outdoor game at Ohio Stadium since visiting the venue in November 2022. This would be the Columbus Blue Jackets' first outdoor game, while it would be the Detroit Red Wings' fourth. The choice of the opponents reflects the Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry, itself reflecting the rivalry between the states of Michigan and Ohio since the Toledo War.[1][2] This will leave the Florida Panthers and the expansion Utah Hockey Club as the only teams to have not played an outdoor game.[3] On January 8, 2025, it was announced that the Florida Panthers will play the New York Rangers in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park, which leaves the Utah Hockey Club as the only team to have not played an outdoor game.[4]
Entertainment[]
During the game, Columbus based alternative rock duo Twenty One Pilots will perform during the intermission.[5]
