Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (3) defends Detroit Red Wings center Joe Veleno, right, in front of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, left, in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) AP

Ohio Stadium has played host to numerous different events over its very long history, including numerous matchups between teams from Columbus and Michigan. There will be another one on March 1, but this will be very different from all the others it has hosted.

Preparations are well underway at Ohio Stadium, which will host its first National Hockey League game next month. Perhaps the most important feature to the March 1 showdown between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings is being implemented Tuesday: The ice.

The wait is almost over. The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will be playing an important hockey game on March 1 at Ohio Stadium for the 2025 NHL Stadium Series.

They were laying the floor decking over the field of college football's reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, preparing for the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings on March 1 (6 p.