Flickr random photos

IMG_0453IMG_0300

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation

Submitted by Julie on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 16:58
Posted in

Please consider joining other Jacket Backers to help in these Foundation efforts!

Volunteers for these opportunities can stay for the game in standing room only area after their task has been completed.  Please email Kelly Patterson at community_service@jacketbackers.org if you are able to help!  Thanks!

Thursday, March 11 - St. Patrick's Day Jersey Auction

Monday, March 15 - St. Patrick's Day Jersey Auction

Report at 5:30 pm to the box office.  Park in the Front St. Garage.  Parking will be $3 for which you will be reimbursed for upon arrival at the arena.  Please wear khakis or dress slacks/skirt and a nice top; no jeans, sweatshirts, t shirts or hats please.

Friday, April 9 - Game Worn Jersey Raffle

Report at 5:15 pm to the box office.  Park in the Front St. Garage.  Parking will be $3 for which you will be reimbursed for upon arrival at the arena.  Please wear khakis or dress slacks/skirt and a nice top; no jeans, sweatshirts, t shirts or hats please.

Help Sell 50/50 Raffle Tickets to benefit the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus and the Blue Jackets Foundation - Saturday, April 3

Volunteers for this opportunity will not be provided with a ticket.  You will need to purchase a ticket if you wish to stay for the remainder of the game.

Report at 4:45 pm to the box office.  Park in the Front St. Garage.  Parking will be $3 for which you will be reimbursed for upon arrival at the arena.  Please wear khakis or dress slacks/skirt and a nice top; no jeans, sweatshirts, t shirts or hats please. 

Skate With Us on the Main Ice on March 9th!!! (Rescheduled Date)

Submitted by Julie on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 09:07
Posted in
Mar 9 2010 7:00 pm
Mar 9 2010 9:00 pm
America/New York

NEW DATE - RESCHEDULED

 

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE ON THE MAIN ICE!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 7 - 9 pm
 
 
 
Members, family members and guests (within reason) are invited to join in this free event.  We will be sharing the ice at Nationwide this evening with arena volunteers.  Free skate rental will be provided.  Skaters of all abilities welcome.  Enjoy figure skating or try your hand at making a few shots on goal!
 
Please RSVP to Julie at president@jacketbackers.org and let her know how many adults and children will be attending, or if you have any other questions on the event.  Hope to see you there! 

Exclusive Members Only Tour of Nationwide Arena (2nd Date Scheduled) - Sunday, March 28, 2010

Submitted by Jonesy76 on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 09:06
Posted in
Mar 28 2010 1:30 pm
Mar 28 2010 3:30 pm
America/New York

Would you like a tour of Nationwide Arena?

The Jacket Backers Members have been given the opportunity to take a tour of Nationwide Arena.

 

This event is open to all current paid members of the 09-10 season and their families.

 

Not yet a member?  Click on Membership Signup to join today and take advantage of this exclusive event.

 

Last year's event was so popular, we will have 2 scheduled dates:

1st Date - Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 6:30pm

2nd Date - Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 1:30pm

 

RSVP to Jessica Jones at activities@jacketbackers.org for the Sunday, March 28, 2010 event by Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

Sweden CBJ Tickets Already On Sale! - UPDATED INFORMATION

Submitted by Julie on Fri, 02/19/2010 - 12:00
Posted in

 ***PLEASE NOTE - THIS STORY INCLUDES UPDATED INFORMATION ON OBTAINING TICKETS, ALSO CBJ ARE PLANNING A TRAVEL PACKAGE FOR PSL/SEASON TICKET HOLDERS.  ADDITIONAL INFO IS BELOW THE ORIGINAL STORY, WHICH APPEARS IN ITS ENTIRETY.***

A number of you have been talking about and asking about traveling to the Jackets Season Opener in Sweden this October.  The Jackets will face the San Jose Sharks at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th, 2010.  Click here for more information from the NHL on the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere.
 
I had spoken to the Blue Jackets when the dates of the games were officially announced inquiring about ticket availability and seeing if there would be any way for us to get group tickets.  I was advised that most of the tickets would be handled by local promoters and that each team would be given a small allotment, and that they did not have any information on tickets to share.  I was then advised that if they received any information about ticket availability, that they would be sure to share it with us.  The event has been planned and promoted by the league rather than the individual teams.
 
One of our club members has since advised me that tickets actually went on sale in Sweden for the games starting Thursday night.
At the advice of our contact at the Jackets, I have attempted to contact the NHL League Offices to inquire about obtaining tickets and wound up having to leave a message for someone without receiving a reply on Friday.  I will continue to try to contact them, but it doesn't look like they really want to help us with this.
 
Therefore, if you are planning on going to Sweden, it looks like your best bet may be to try to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster Sweden.  The lowest priced tickets start at around $100 U.S. dollars each with current conversion rates.
My husband Brian and I attempted to purchase tickets on the site using our debit card, though, and were unsuccessful; the system did not recognize our card number as a valid card number.  I do not know if it was because it was a Master Card branded debit card rather than a credit card, or if there is something about a U.S. issued card that would not work on the site.  I have never traveled outside the U.S. and Canada so I unfortunately don't have experience dealing with credit card usage outside the North American area.
 
Please email me at president@jacketbackers.org if you have been successful in purchasing tickets through the site, or if you have any tips on what might work.  You should act soon if you are interested in going; apparently last year's game sold out in an hour.  This year's games are not moving as quickly, and tickets are still available as of this moment.
Also, if you are planning on going to Sweden and would like to be in contact with other Jacket Backers that are planning to go, shoot me an email and I will share your info with each other.  Not sure yet if Brian and I will be able to make it, but we would sure love to!
 

***UPDATES ON SWEDEN TRIP:

 

For those of you interested in the trip to Sweden to follow the Jackets for their season opener, please read more below:

I have learned from CBJ season sales account executives that the CBJ is now working on a ticket and travel package trip to be offered to PSL/Season Ticket Holders.  No information on travel dates, details on what all is included, or pricing yet available.  Package details most likely will be released along with ticket renewal packages, which will be sent at the end of this month.  The Jackets are offering only a total travel package, so any travelers who are seeking tickets only must purchase them directly from Ticketmaster Sweden/TicNet.  If I am able to learn more details before the trip package is released to the PSL/Season Ticket Holders, I will be sure to pass them along.

 

TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLY - I have received information from two members on how to accomplish this.  We have learned that Ticketmaster Sweden/TicNet will not accept US credit cards of any kind as payment for the tickets.  The only method of payment is through a bank wire payment method, which will be detailed below.  Here are details on the purchasing experiences of the members for your information.  Also, I received some tips on using bank check cards at ATMs while out of country from another member, and will include that below as well.  Thank you so much to those of you who have shared your tips and experiences - I really appreciate it and I'm sure the other interested members will too.  I have learned a lot of helpful information.  Good luck planning your trips and I hope to see some of you there! - Julie Maurer

 

**Member Experience 1 while getting tickets:

I was able to obtain tickets for the October 8th and 9th Bluejackets - Sharks game in Stockholm, but it wasn't easy.  Here is the only way according to Ticketmaster Sweden or TicNet that you can get tickets in the US.

1.) Call Ticketmaster Sweden or TicNet at 011 46 771 707070. Push 9 for English language and wait for a customer service representative.  I had to wait 5 - 10 minutes before they answered.

2.) Order your tickets.  It would be smart to go out to the www.ticnet.se and find out what ticket prices are and what ticket sections you would like to have. Once you have done this with the TicNet customer service representative, he/she will give you a Booking #, Swift Code, Ibank#, the ticket total amount in Swedish Krones and the Sweden bank name and location information for you to wire the money to.  You will have to go to your bank with the above information and wire the amount to this bank.  TicNet will hold your ticket order for you for 1-2 days before letting the tickets go.

3.) The Booking # is your order number for your tickets and that number must be on the wire along with the Swift Code, Ibank#, Sweden Bank Name/Address, TicNet Name/Address information and your name and mailing shipping address.

I used my local First Merit Bank on Sawmill Road and they seemed to know how to do this without too much of a problem.

   

**Member Experience 2 while getting tickets:

I called Tic.net in Sweden.  They cannot take US cc's even on the phone.  BUT, they took a reservation by phone, and I have to go to my bank and make a payment bank to bank, which we are doing today.

Phone #   +46771707070 , be prepared to wait.  Took me 20+ minutes to get to an operator.   Tho, I use skype, so it was only a 1.50 call.

 

  - He received the following info back from Ticnet:

Please can you send me back information about your address.

Pay SEK latest February 17 and we will send you the tickets as soon as we have received your money. You also have to write your booking number,  your name and address.

Bank: 5291-1006135

Swiftcode; ESSESESS

SEB

106 40 Stockholm

Sweden

 

Receiver:                            

Ticnet AB

Box 450

573 25 Tranås

Kind Regards

Mona Nilsson

Ticnet

  - He has since completed the transaction at his bank and is very excited about the upcoming trip!

 

**Member Tips on Using Bank Check Cards out of Country

My husband and I are international travelers and there is no problem using a bank check card (with the VISA logo) to get money out of the ATM. (We have always used major credit cards in stores & restaurants though). You get the most current currency conversion rate. It is a pain to carry traveler's checks. I am not sure if it is the same with a check card with the MASTERCARD logo. Also, VISA is accepted in more places than MASTERCARD is. The suggestion to let your bank know your dates of travel is very helpful so they don't block any charges.

 

 

 

  • 73 reads

Call to Action - Please Help Solve the Arena Lease Issue

Submitted by Brian on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 14:02
Posted in

We have all heard about the Arena Lease Issue, now is your chance to help!  We encourage everyone to go to www.forwardtogethercolumbus.org to sign their petition.  By signing this petition you are letting our government and civic leaders know that we are counting on them to solve this issue.

We would also ask for your help and encourage you to talk with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about this issue.  We are hockey fans - we get it.  It is our job to help get the message out to others who may not look under the surface and understand everything that the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena, and the Arena District has brought to our broader community.

The Message of Forward Together Columbus is that "It's not just about hockey".  The economic impact of the Arena District is amazing.  This impact reaches far beyond the Arena District and very deeply into our community.

In 2oo8, the Arena District provided $29.6 million to our state and local governments and it is estimated to grow to $60.7 million per year over the next ten years.  These are dollars that would have to be raised elsewhere or cut from the budgets of state and local governments if it wasn't for the Arena District. (source: the Buser Report)

Among its many accomplishments, The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has donated over $2.3 million dollars to local charities.  Without the Blue Jackets, the Foundation, these donations would disappear.  (source: Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation website)

The Columbus Blue Jackets' players and coaches make over 300 public appearances annually in support of local organizations.  The financial impact and additional awareness for these organizations is immeasurable.  But again, the impact is far beyond the borders of the Arena District and improves the larger community.  (source: Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation website)

Volunteers that work the concessions at Nationwide Arena have raised over $500,000 for the organizations they represent in the greater Columbus area.  These organizations are often church groups, little league baseball teams, youth dance troupes, school organizations...

These are only a couple of the countless examples of how having a professional sports team in our town has benefitted the larger community.  It does not begin to measure the economic impact that is coming into our community from tourists that have made the Arena District their destination, from near and far.  It is impossible to quantify the increased awareness of Columbus Ohio on a national level due to the exposure of a major sports franchise and the increased tourism generated.

It is obvious to us, the fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets, that it is not just about hockey.  So please, take a few minutes to sign the petition at www.forwardtogethercolumbus.org.  Take the time to talk with your neighbors and friends about the great things that have been brought to Columbus along with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets provide an anchor tenant for Nationwide Arena.  Nationwide Arena is the fuel for the economic engine of the Arena District.  The Arena District's economic impact enriches everyone's life in the Greater Columbus Community.  IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT HOCKEY!

 

Important Links

Columbus Together

The Petition

The Buser Report

Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation

Nationwide Arena Fund Raising

CBJ in the Community

Economic Facts and Figures

  • 170 businesses operate in the Arena District
  • Nearly 5,500 people are employed in the Arena District
  • Nearly $350 million are earned by employees in the Arena District
  • $29.6 million in tax revenue generated in the Arena District in 2008 - projected to grow to $60.7 million annually over the next ten years
  • Since 1998 property values in the Arena District have risen 267%
  • Countless lives improved through Hats for Heroes and Hockey Fights Cancer Programs
  • Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has donated $2.3 million to local charities
  • Immeasurable impact of the growth of youth hockey leagues providing safe and healthy  recreation for our children.
  • 1999:  150 youth, 350 registered adult hockey players in Columbus area; 1 high school program
  • 2009:  4500 youth, 1500 adult registered players; 17 high school programs with 27 varsity, jv or club teams

 

 

USA vs. Canada Game Watching Party This Sunday, February 21st!

Submitted by Julie on Fri, 02/19/2010 - 13:18
Posted in
Feb 21 2010 7:40 pm
America/New York

USA vs. Canada Game Watching Party

When: Sunday, February 21, 2010

Where: Buffalo Wings & Rings (8661 Columbus Pike (Rt 23), Lewis Center, OH 43035)

              Menu can be viewed at www.buffalowingsandrings.com/menu.html

Time: 7:40pm - Drop of the Puck - you may want to arrive early to get a good seat and enjoy some delicious food!

Who: All Olympic Hockey Fans

What: Game watching party to cheer Team USA to victory, while cheering on Rick Nash of Team Canada (and Associate Coach Ken Hitchcock)

Add'l Info: Door Prizes to be given away the night of the event

Reminder: Please consider donating to our Virtual Food Drive for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank on our website, or you can make a cash donation at the party!  100% of all donations will provide food for people in need in the Central and Eastern Ohio areas.  Just $1 will provide 2 meals.  Thank you for helping us to feed hungry people in our own neighborhoods.  We are $200 short of our season goal of $500; every little bit can make a difference!

Jacket Backers Trek to Cleveland for AHL Showdown

Submitted by Brian on Mon, 02/15/2010 - 11:11
Posted in

UPDATE - TICKET REQUEST DEADLINE - THURSDAY 2/18 AT NOON!

Travel to Cleveland to see the CBJ's AHL affiliate take on Ohio's own Lake Erie Monsters.

Friday, February 26, 2010 - 7:30 PM

Tickets Only Package of $26 per member and $36 for non-members.

Car pool/caravan opportunities may be available, depending upon number of participants.

Join us for some spirited AHL hockey and the chance to see some future CBJ stars in action.

Click here to download an order form or contact travel@jacketbackers.org to reserve your ticket.

Syndicate content