COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Columbus Blue Jackets and the National Hockey League unveiled the official 2013 All-Star Game logo today at a public event held outside Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus. Blue Jackets Majority Owner John P. McConnell and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman were joined by Nationwide Realty Investors President and Greater Columbus Sports Commission (GCSC) Board of Commissioners Chair Brian Ellis and GCSC Executive Director Linda Logan at the event as the club and League continue preparations for the 2013 All-Star Celebration that will be held in Columbus on January 26-27, 2013.
"The Blue Jackets are proud to host the 2013 All-Star Game and showing the NHL's greatest players, league and club personnel, business partners, media and guests from around the world all the great things our community has to offer," John P. McConnell said. "We are working with the League to create a variety of events to give all fans the chance to celebrate our great game as this event would not be coming to Columbus if it wasn't for the outstanding support of Blue Jackets fans."
The 2013 NHL All-Star Game logo, developed by Frederick & Froberg Design and NHL Creative Services, was inspired by the Ohio state flag that anchors the Columbus Blue Jackets team identity as well as the team's close association with Ohio's Civil War history.
The rendering of the Ohio State flag was illustrated in a way that expresses speed and movement and the small dimensional star with crossed hockey sticks was inspired by military insignia found on Civil War artifacts. The typography, inspired by the dimensional star of the Blue Jackets logo and combined elements, express speed, excitement and instantly connect this jewel event of the NHL to the host team and city.
"We are thrilled to bring the NHL All-Star Game to Columbus -- home of a passionate fan base, committed ownership, a determined organization and a world-class facility in Nationwide Arena," Gary Bettman said. "The city and the Blue Jackets were outstanding hosts during the 2007 NHL Draft, and we look forward to the warm welcome they will provide our players, the media, our business partners and guests."
