COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets and the city of Columbus have been selected to host the 2013 National Hockey League All-Star Celebration, the club and League announced today. The official announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary B. Bettman during a press conference at this year’s Celebration in Ottawa. The League’s mid-season showcase will take place Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27 and will include the Molson Canadian NHL SuperSkills® and the 60th NHL All-Star Game.
“The Blue Jackets are honored to host the 2013 All-Star Celebration in Columbus as we believe our city offers a truly unique setting for this special event,” said Blue Jackets Majority Owner John P. McConnell. “As much as it is a showcase for the NHL’s best players, it is also a celebration of hockey fans and having it in Columbus is a testament to the fantastic support of our fans and the strength of Central Ohio as a hockey market.”
"We're looking forward to bringing our All-Star celebration to Columbus," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "The Blue Jackets did a great job of hosting the NHL Draft in 2007, and I have no doubt they will raise the bar even higher when they welcome our All-Star celebration at Nationwide Arena next January."
The 2013 NHL All-Star Game marks the first time the NHL All-Star activities will take place in Columbus, becoming the third consecutive first-time All-Star host city. Raleigh in 2011 and Ottawa in 2012 were also first-time hosts. The Blue Jackets and Columbus hosted the NHL Entry Draft in 2007.
“I am proud to have the 2013 NHL All-Star Celebration in the City of Columbus, and I’m excited to host the greatest players in hockey, league officials, sponsors, guests and fans from all over North America,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “Our city is known for its warmth and hospitality and I urge all of our guests to take the opportunity to visit some of our wonderful attractions and neighborhoods, in addition to Nationwide Arena and the vibrant Arena District, when they are here next January.”
The 2013 NHL All-Star Celebration will feature various hockey-themed events, entertainment and activities. Details about all of the All Star events and television broadcasting will be released at a later date. Blue Jackets full, half and quarter season ticket holders for the 2012-13 season will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase All-Star Game and/or Skills Competition tickets. For more information, visit www.BlueJackets.com or call 1-800-NHL-COLS.
This year’s All-Star festivities are being hosted by the Ottawa Senators and include the 2012 Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition tonight at Scotiabank Place (7 p.m., ET, NBC Sports Network) and The Tim Hortons NHL® All-Star Game on Sunday (4 p.m., ET, NBC Sports Network). Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen is one of 12 rookies who were selected to attend this year’s All-Star Weekend and will be participating in tonight’s Skills Competition.
