Blue Jackets fans took advantage of an open practice and scrimmage, and a few thousand showed up.
Despite everything that's gone on the last couple of weeks, Columbus fans are loyal and will show up to anything hockey-related if given the opportunity. Today was no exception.
The line to get into the arena literally wrapped around the building.
The Blue Jackets had a Training Camp fan event outside on the plaza before the open practice started.
The weather was perfect for standing in line.
Don't get me wrong; it helped that the Buckeye football game is a night game, but the die-hards showed up in force. An usher I spoke to estimated that there were around 4,000 fans that showed up.
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Once inside, fans walked around and got to see the renovations they've been working on, including the location of the famed Nationwide Arena hat-trick bin. Now located in a new bar area, fans have wondered since last season where it was going to go. All is well in the CBJ world now that we know where it's at.
Once the 5th line found their seats, they were treated to some practice hockey. The practice had some physicality, including Sean Kuraly knocking Cameron Butler out of practice. And then there was scoring, including this set from up rookie Adam Fantilli. Rookies Adam Fantilli and Luca Del Bel Belluz also got in on the scoring.
Blue Jacket fans have been excited since the draft to get this season started, so seeing the turnout today is no surprise.
Tomorrow they will again be inside Nationwide Arena for the first home preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and there's no doubt it'll be an exciting night for the fans. Opening night can't come soon enough for a fan base craving wins.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.