Blue Jackets Postseason: How and Where to (Safely) Watch
August 1, 2020
It’s official: playoff hockey is here, Cbus!
Columbus Blue Jackets hockey fans are thrilled to watch action on the ice again, though you don’t have to be a hockey expert to appreciate the way the Arena District comes to life during big games like the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
While 2020 playoff festivities are obviously a little different this year, and patrons and facilities are all taking smart precautions to ensure public health and safety, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to watch a game, enjoy a bite to eat, and cheer on the Jackets in a safe and responsible manner.
The Blue Jackets face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a best-of-seven series that is being played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
The Round One schedule is as follows:
• Tuesday, August 11 @ 3:00 p.m. (in Toronto)
• Thursday, August 13 @ 3:00 p.m. (in Toronto)
• Saturday, August 15 @ 7:30 p.m. (in Toronto)
• Monday, August 17 @ 3:00 p.m. (in Toronto)
• Wednesday, August 19 @ 12:00 p.m. (in Toronto)
• Friday, August 21 @ TBD (in Toronto)*
• Saturday, August 22 @ TBD (in Toronto)*
*if necessary
How and Where to (Safely) Watch
For fans looking to cheer on the Blue Jackets and watch playoff games in a familiar game day atmosphere, the following Arena District bars and restaurants are showing the games:
Boston’s
Games are being shown at Boston’s, with the sound on so you can hear all the action (even the cannon blast from Toronto!). Drink specials include PBR $3 Pint, $5 32 oz. and $3 Pink Whitney shots. The inside dining room and patio are both open, and, while reservations are accepted, they are not required. Boston’s opens at 11:00 a.m. daily.
Nada
You can sit at Nada’s stylish bar and cheer on the Blue Jackets. The restaurant is open for dine-in and patio seating. Happy hour is 4pm-6pm daily. Other ways to enjoy Nada while watching the games include carryout and delivery (UberEats and GrubHub). Carryout margaritas are available, $15 each or two bottles for $28. For reservations and online ordering, visit eatdrinknada.com. Hours: Open at 4:00 p.m. daily.
R Bar
R Bar is hosting fans for all playoff games—complete with surround sound for the full experience. The R Bar patio is open seating, but reservations are required for indoor seating due to capacity limitations. To make a reservation, email [email protected]. A $20 per-person deposit is required for reservations, but that money is applied to your bill. Just as with regular season watch parties, R Bar features a number of drink specials, as well as a series of swag bag and gift card raffles. Hours: Open at 10:30 a.m. daily.
Whistle & Keg
Whistle & Keg is stocked with endless taps of cold beer including hockey fan favorites Labbatt Blue and Labbatt Blue Light. Bring the fun home, growlers are 50% off right now! Whistle & Keg opens at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday (Closed Sunday).
For a complete list of open restaurants in the Arena District, visit: arenadistrict.com/food-drink.
Put Your Game Face On and WIN!
Throughout the playoffs, we want to share in the excitement with you. Show us your favorite game day moments, including seasons past and present!
#ArenaDistrictGameFace Photos: Show us your favorite Blue Jackets gear (home décor, lucky puck, autographed ticket, etc.), dig up an old photo from a past season’s Opening Night, take a selfie watching CBJ at home, or simply give us your very best game face on social media with hashtag #ArenaDistrictGameFace and tag @ArenaDistrict. We’ll be reposting some of our favorites, and a few lucky winners will be rewarded with an Arena District restaurant gift card!
BONUS POINTS! If you post your #ArenaDistrictGameFace photo in an Arena District restaurant or bar, or eating carryout from one, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a gift card to that location. Tag @ArenaDistrict or use hashtag #ArenaDistrict AND the restaurant or bar name. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @ArenaDistrict
CBJ Postseason Fan Pack
Share your support of the Blue Jackets and do some good for the community. The CBJ Postseason Fan Pack is available for purchase and includes: the official 2020 Columbus Blue Jackets postseason t-shirt, poster, and Stanley Cup Playoffs lapel pin (while supplies last). Proceeds benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and their commitment to remove barriers to the game of hockey. Fans can purchase shirts at asone.givesmart.com.
Don’t forget to use the official Blue Jackets’ hashtag #CBJAsOne when posting on social media throughout the season.
Watch From Home
Fans watching the on-ice action and enjoying the dining experience at home can tune into Fox Sports Ohio and Fox Sports GO.
Learn about more ways to watch at twitter.com/FOXSportsCBus.