February 25, 2025 • 37 mins
Columbus has solidified itself as a premier sports city, and the upcoming NHL Stadium Series is another major milestone. Todd Sharrock, VP of Communications for the Columbus Blue Jackets, joins Boxer and Sarah to discuss his 25-year journey with the team, what makes Columbus a great city for hockey, and the impact this event will have on the city's future in professional sports.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Yes Columbus, an Experienced Columbus podcast, keeps you in the
know of what's happening in the art city Columbus. The
number one soccer team, the number three beer city, a
top ten culinary destination with the largest concentration of fashion
professionals in the US. Join us each week with special
guests for an inside look at a destination that invites
(00:23):
visitors and locals alike to explore. By the end of
each episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this
really exist in one city?
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Yes Columbus.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Well, welcome back to another episode of Yes Columbus. This
is an Experienced Columbus podcast. I'm one of the co
host Boxer, along with my other co hosts Sarah Sarah,
Welcome back for this new episode.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Thank you, good to see you, and we are so
excited for the upcoming episodes of our Yes Columbus podcast
with even more amazing guests lined up. Stay tuned for
fresh conversations and insights and episodes ahead.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Before there, we hop.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Into this week's interview, it's time for our headliner segment,
where we highlight a recent story or accolade about Columbus
and Boxer. You may not know this, but Columbus is
back in the race for seven USA today Ten Best
Readers Choice Awards, and we need your first to bring
home the top spots. Our city rank number three for
best Beer city last year. With your support, we can
(01:22):
claim number one in twenty twenty five. Plus, COSAI, name
the best science museum in the country for four straight years,
is ready to reclaim its place at the top. So
from craft beer and arts festivals to world class science,
visit experience Coolumbus dot com slash media slash Columbus in
(01:44):
the news to see which Columbus favorites made the list
and vote daily to help us win big. That was
a long URL, but if you go to experience Columbus
dot com, we can get you to the best way
to vote and appreciate all the support.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
I have to tell you someone who has been here
since well for over twenty five years, these are exciting
times for Columbus and those of us that live here,
I mean in Central Hio period.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
These are exciting times right now. This is great stuff.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
It is absolutely great stuff, and it is our behind
the buzz segments. Oh yeah, now, and today we're diving
into one of the most exciting sporting events coming to
our city, the NHL Stadium Series.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Joining us today is Todd Schirock, vice president of Communications
for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who's here to give us
an inside look into his long standing career with the
Blue Jackets, what the NHL Stadium Series means for Columbus,
how it's all coming together, and what fans can expect
here in just a few short weeks.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
Welcome Todd, jay Ax So, Sarah appreciate you having me Todd.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
I know we've talked before. It's always good to see you.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
You've been a key part of Columbus and the community
here for quite a while. Obviously one of the few
individuals who have been with the Blue Jackets the beginning, right.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Correct, Yeah, twenty five years, a couple.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Of days ago, seeing so what I want to know?
And yeah, I've read your bio, but it's there's nothing
better than hearing it from you and your journey on
just how you got to where you are.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
But also what why hockey? Why NHL?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Well, people always have asked me, did you always want
to work in hockey? And I said no, I kind
of fell into hockey and I had fallen out. I
knew I always wanted to work in sports. I went
to I grew up an hour from Columbus in Gallleon, Ohio.
Went to Ohio State my undergrad degree in journalism. Wrote
for the Lanner and the student paper there, covered the
(03:39):
men's basketball team. Really enjoyed it. But I knew I
didn't want to be a reporter. I wanted to be
more on the kind of the pr side of things.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Which surprised me because you have great hair. So I'm
surprised absolutely be on camera.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Like sportscaster newscaster hair. I'm surprised you didn't think about
going that route.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
You know, I never did. I really didn't. I just
I really liked to write, yea, and so I kind
of just leaned that way. So then I went to
grad school at Ohio State, got my master's in sport management,
and during probably the last two and a half years there,
I worked in sports information for the late Steve Snap.
(04:15):
And so, you know, I knew I wanted to work
in sports. I knew I wanted to work in pr,
and it just so happened. My first job out of
college was with a minor league hockey team in Dallas, Texas.
At ball places, which was ideal for me because I
used to think I wanted to be the PR director
of the Dallas Cowboys. That was like my career.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
You were in the right city.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
At that point, I had to write my own obituary
for a journalism class, and that's what I what I wrote.
But I figured, major league market, a lot of things
going on, meet people, It'll be a great place to
launch my career. And the second year I was there
in the Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas for their
first NHL season, So I got hired there, which was
(04:58):
a tremendous experience. And actually a funny thing is one
of the players for the Stars that year is our
new coach Dean Evison.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (05:05):
I didn't really know Dean all that well then, but
he was. He was on that team the first year
we were in Dallas. And then then I went. I
moved to Houston and worked for a minor league team
for five years there, and but I missed Columbus, And
you know, I knew Columbus was going to get an expansion.
It was getting an expansion team, and uh, because I
(05:26):
had been involved with our ownership in Houston trying to
get an expansion team for Houston at the same time. Okay,
and it was we were both finalists. And I'll never
forget being in Houston when the NHL announced that they
were putting teams in Nashville, Saint Paul, Atlanta, and Columbus,
and everybody and everybody in Houston's like Columbus, Ohio, Why
(05:49):
would they put it? How can they? Like, well, wait
a second, because at the time they equated Columbus to Austin,
which again at the time was much smaller, but you know,
state capital known for its college, University of Texas. Yeah,
you know, and that was just a big college town.
I'm like, no, no, no, no, Columbus is a little
bit more. So I was defending Columbus. I was still
(06:12):
disappointed that Houston wasn't selected as well. But you know,
after some persistence and you know, some time, then I
was fortunate enough to be hired here in February of
two thousand. So it's been twenty five years and it's
been great, and but coming back to Columbus and in
the Midwest was really important. It was really important to me.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Well clearly because you've been here ever since.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
So Todd Sharrock is with us who as the vice
president of Communications with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he's
this week's guest on Yes Columbus.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Todd, I'm going to toot your horn here.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
With that role of vice president of communications, how does
that impact the sports scene here in Columbus.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
How I'm sure you got a pivotal role in that.
Speaker 4 (06:57):
Absolutely, probably the most important one. I don't know how
as somebody who's been with the organization, you know, really
since the beginning, and there's a handful of us still
that have we take great pride in that. You know,
this this game is filled with a lot of special people,
(07:20):
and our organization is one that you know, is constantly committed,
you know, to putting a world class product on the ice,
but also to provide that kind of an entertainment experience
for fans when they come here. And you know, I said,
I went to college here when all of this was
(07:41):
the old prison site, and you know, there was really
nothing happening downtown, you know, you know, from a recreation standpoint,
so to to have been a small part of an
organization that has really reshaped the city. You know, mister
McConnell had the vision of bringing the team worked with
(08:03):
the folks at Nationwide to get the arena built, and
then the Arena District and now well the building we're
sitting in here that didn't exist. That is one of
the things I'm probably most proud of, having seen that growth,
having known what was here before, and just seen how
things and how this city has grown over the past
(08:25):
twenty five years. It's just tremendous. And you know, I've
been lucky to be a part of the Greater Columbus
Sports Commission probably twenty years now and to see all
the events that they bring to the city. Yeah, and
the impact it's had. That's you know, those things are
just tremendous. And I still feel like as an organization
(08:46):
we haven't really tapped into our full potential yet. We
obviously haven't won as much as we would have liked to.
I really like where we're at now and where we're going, so,
you know, we still feel like we have some unfinished
business there and we're still just kind of ascending.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
So Todd Columbus has firmly established itself as a premier
sports city, hosting numerous NCAA tournaments, winning bids for future events,
and even celebrating a National Championship. Given the city's track
record for hosting major sporting events, how does this upcoming
NHL Stadium Series stack up in comparison.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
It's the next big thing. Yeah, you know, this is
a premium marquee event, you know, for our league. So
that's one part of it, and the other part of
it is, you know, it's it's unique. This is the
first of its kind. This is the first time, you know,
an outdoor hockey game is going to be held at
the Horseshoe, which I mean, whether you're a Buckeye fan
(09:45):
or not, everybody, even if you're a football fan or
everybody knows Ohio Stadium. Yeah, I mean, it is a
it is iconic, and to bring an event like this
into that venue for the first time, it's you know,
it's it's historic, and you know, it's further proof of
(10:08):
what this city is capable of, you know, because quite honestly,
that same weekend as the Arnold, which is another marquee
event for our city. Yeah, and you know, I think
you know, initially there might have been folks. That's that's
kind of tough, you know, you do the Stadium Series
game the same week like well, not really we're a
(10:30):
big time city like that. We're you're a major city.
We've proven we can put on multiple world class events
at the same time. I think it is a tremendous
feather in the cap of our city to have two
such world renowned events going on, Yeah, essentially at the
same time.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
That's such a great point and something I've forgotten about
just I guess being spoiled living here for as long
as I have now is you're right, there was a
time where there would have been a red flag. Now no,
we we can't. We can't possibly do two events here
like that. There's no way.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
It's got to be the Gardle, that's it. But you're right,
We've we've come along ways.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
Yeah, and I think that, you know, that's one of
the things, and you know, some of the conversations that
I've had over the years of the Sports Commission, which
is obviously part of experience Columbus, is at times it
seems like with our with our city, whether it's internally
or externally, it's like we got one foot in the
past of being this nice small college town, but then
(11:32):
another foot firmly planted in the future. I mean, as
a major metropolitan city over a million people in the
you know, greater Columbus area, and I think that, you know,
we we've just proven time and time again, even though
there's that little, yeah, we're that nice little Midwestern town
(11:53):
in the back of our heads, we are a major
metropolitan city. And I think the one thing that really
makes Columbus unique is that we are that, but we
still have that welcoming Midwestern hospitality kind of as at
our core. And I think it's the perfect blend, which
(12:13):
is why we've been able to have so many successful events.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Todd anything specific when it comes to what you think
makes Columbus a great city for hosting like these high
profile support events.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
Well, and this is one of the things that the
city and I know experienced. Columbus has been tremendously a
part of is. You know, early on in our tenure,
you know, we didn't host major events because there weren't
enough hotel rooms right right, So now we have plenty.
There are new ones, there are old ones that have
been renovated, there's new ones that have been expanded, and
(12:50):
I think when you look at where our arena sits,
you know, you can pretty much stay anywhere and walk,
you know, there's ample parking if you need it, but
it's very walkable. I think the central location of the
city in the middle of the country, uh plays into
that between ourselves, between Ohio State and you know, uh
(13:16):
the Crew and the Clippers. We have world class facilities
and a lot of them. So for a lot of these,
especially amateur events. You know, we know about the high
profile events that comes here, the All Star Game that
we hosted, you know, the NCAA tournament, you know, figure skating,
all of those things, but those are those are kind
(13:37):
of the shiny toys. But the meat of what the
Sports Commission does are the USA Volleyball events, the fencing
events that are at the Convention Center, and all of
these types of different events that people maybe don't read
about in the news, but that drive business and income
(13:57):
and money into the city. And and I think as
welcoming as our city is centrally located, world class facilities
and the people here, particularly the Sports Commission and led
by Linda Logan, know how to put on events. We
know how to show people a good time and treat
people well when they're here. And that's the one thing
I've heard for years, you know, going back to when
(14:20):
we had the draft in O seven, we had the
All Star Game in fifteen, we had a couple of
Team USA World Cup of Hockey training camps. One, people
are surprised when they get to spend time here at
all the city has to offer. But two, I have
never heard a negative thing about any of those events. Afterwards,
everybody just praises how wonderful and how organized everything was, and.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
They're so surprised at all the wonderful people and the
amenities that our city has to.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Offer absolutely are the same thing.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Absolutely, So, You've had the opportunity to travel across the
US and experience a variety of hockey arenas and fan atmospheres.
From your perspective, how does Nationwide Arena and the Columbus
Blue Jackets game day experience compared to other teams you
have visited.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
Well, it's special. One, we have a cannon and nobody.
Speaker 3 (15:11):
Else starts we were just talking about.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Then let's just be honest. It's pretty good. I have
to start with that we have a cannon. Nobody else
has a cannon, and it's one of the great joys
that I have on game night, still sitting in the
press box, because I sit in the second level of
our press box when the visiting media come in, because
it doesn't matter how long and how many times they've
been here, there's still and it goes off the first time.
(15:37):
When the team comes out on the ice, they jump,
and what happens now is too Sometimes their cohorts or
their colleagues will sit there with their cell phones and
just to record their.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Reactions, and I just a fun social media opportunity there.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
So I think, honestly, the cannon has become iconic for us,
but we've always had a very special bond with our
fans with the Fifth Line. As an organization, we are
incredibly committed to treating people the right way when they
come to our facility. You know, separate the hockey, you know,
(16:16):
those of us on the business side, you know, we
can't control what happens on the ice, but what we
can control is people's experience when they come. So we
want to keep the energy up, We want to make
sure they're entertained. We want to make sure that the
facility is is in top notch shape and that it's
it's very it's an enjoyable experience from the time they
(16:39):
leave their house until they pull back in later that night,
and and we take a lot of pride in that
we have a lot of people that work very hard
to make that happen. So I think all of those
factors come in and this year we have we have
a hell of a team, and we have a really
exciting young team, and the atmosphere at games this year
has been from.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
Todd, let's talk zero in on the NHL stadium series.
Get the Blue Jackets, you had the Detroit Red Wings.
What can we expect from this because this is something
we've never seen before at this shoot one.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
Like, like I mentioned earlier, it's just such a historic venue.
And I know that you know, the league is really
leaning in on traditions. You know, obviously we have such
a rich tradition of football with the Buckeyes here, and
so there's going to be a lot of those somewhat
(17:33):
familiar things. Well for and for example, you know everybody
knows football Saturdays start with the skull session at Saint
Johnery and the team comes and then they walk to
the stadium. Well, we're going to have a pep rally
that afternoon. It's going to feature a concert by Oar
Great Band. All the state terrific dudes. So they're going
(17:58):
to put on about an hour show. The Ohio State
Athletic Band is going to be there. Members of the
cheer team are going to be there, so they're whip
people and that's a free event so people can come
in enjoy that. And then at some point our team
will be introduced and then they will make the walk,
the same walk that the football team does from Saint
John down onto the field and and all of that.
(18:24):
I expect the league is going to actually release what
rendering of what the field is going to look like.
There will be some traditional things there.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Script Ohio on the ice drum major I.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
Would not I would would not surprise me. It would
not surprise me. The band has done Script Ohio on
the ice for o SU games. Okay, Like I said,
I I know for me that's still one of the
great thrills I have is seeing the band Script Ohio.
So yeah, would be tremendous. I know there's going to
(19:00):
be a fan festival that those details will be announced soon. Again, takeing,
vectoring in that whole tailgating, you know, game day experience.
Twenty one Pilots is going to perform at the first intermission.
From talking to the league, I guess it's going to
be like it is going to be lit like they're
they're playing. It's obviously in their mission, so it's a short,
(19:23):
long set, but I guess they're blowing it out from
a techno you knows still there. It's not going to
be just you know, the band on the stage and
playing is going to be. They're a very artistic band
and I think they they're really fired up as Columbus
guys too to be a part of that. And you know,
(19:45):
like I said, the athletic band will be involved in
the cheerleaders and you know, they'll probably the League's probably
got some other surprises, but it's just going to be
you know, we had a big meeting last year at
the at the stadium. Every year the league does a
tie down meeting, which is kind of the last meeting
where everybody comes together to go over things. And there
must have been one hundred and fifty two hundred people
there between the league and OSU and US and different
(20:09):
involved parties. And that's when it really started to feel
real as you started to get more detail and see
more things and you're in the stadium and yeah, it's
it's going to be it's gonna be spectacular, no doubt.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
This is a milestone for the city, There's no doubt
about it. Have you been able to and maybe through
social media, I don't know, have you been able to
gauge the excitement from the fans on this.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
What's been the buzz the vibe?
Speaker 4 (20:33):
Yeah. I mean, our fans have been wanting this for
so long. It's been a long process to get to
get here. And I think again, as you get closer,
you know, in the weather and it's you know, it
was spitting a little snow a little bit earlier, all
of those things factoring, and I think the thing that's
really got our fans excited as well is this is
(20:56):
going to be an important game because Detroit. Detroit and
our club are both were fighting neck and neck with
about five other teams for playoff positioning. So this isn't
a game that's.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
Just just a fun game.
Speaker 4 (21:09):
It's an important game. So that's going to ratchet up
the intensity.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
We're just a point behind them, aren't wet behind them?
Speaker 4 (21:16):
Right now? For the second wild card? You know, we
we we held on to we were in those first
two wild card spots for a few weeks and then
we got we got hammered a little bit by injuries
right before the break. But the good news is, you know,
we should be getting some of those guys back right
when we come out of the break. I think we've
got three games before the outdoor game once we once
(21:39):
we come back and warmed up, Yeah, yeah, so guys
will be healthy and rested, and you know this last
sprint to the to the finish is going to be good.
So when you put that on top of the fact
that it's an outdoor game at the Shoe and yeah,
you know by then people hadn't been in the Shoe
for a while, so they'll be itching to get back.
It should just be should be awesome.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
This is great between the Blue Jackets and your role
with the Commission, the Sports Commission. Is there an expectation
Todd that this event should bring in other Marquee events
down the road, whether it's NHL or other sporting events.
Speaker 4 (22:16):
Well, I think so. And I think, like I said,
you know, over the years we've you know, one builds
on another and builds on another. You know, as I said,
the first Marquee League event that we that we had
that was high profile was the Draft in two thousand
and seven, you know, and then eight years later we
hosted the All Star Game. And as you've looked over
the years, I know, Linden, the crew at the Sports
(22:38):
Commission are continuing to look out and work on those
So those events. So every time that Columbus puts on
event and crushes it, you know, other people notice, people
in the industry, notice people in our league. They know,
I mean, and the league is as great as Ohio
Stadium is. If they didn't know that the community would
(22:59):
support it because they've seen it, you know, then they
don't come here. So this is just another you know. Yeah,
and that's the thing you have to do is other
cities are doing other things as well, and they're trying
to make improvements. So you keep stacking these world class
events and you keep delivering and then that just earns
(23:20):
you the opportunity to do it do it again and
again and again. So absolutely think it'll be really important
in that process.
Speaker 3 (23:28):
So Todd, you started to touch on kind of the
power of partnerships and collaboration across the city, which, of
course experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission know
all about. But what key partnerships have played a crucial
role in bringing this series to the city.
Speaker 4 (23:43):
Yeah, well, I think it starts obviously with our organization,
with the folks at Ohio State, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission,
Columbus Partnership. You know, those are the ones at a
very high level, particularly the first free that worked worked
very hard, worked hand in hand, because without any of
those groups, you know, working together and collaboratively and and enthusiastically,
(24:10):
you know, it doesn't happen, you know. And we've seen
really good response from a lot of our corporate partners
too that are helping to amplify the event, to uh
support it with different you know activations Ohio Health, feesel Jets, Pepsi,
Kroger kind of have really all stepped up with the
club to uh to support this as well. And we've
(24:32):
we've we've gotten a lot of support from the business
community just from a ticketing standpoint and buying tickets and
and all of that. So it is truly a community
event like the NHL. Technically it's an NHL event, right right,
but this is a community event and it's uh, it's
something that you know, as we talked about earlier is
really important as we continue to build and help the
(24:54):
city grow and flourish.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
Yeah, what are some of the behind the scenes activities
that are have opening right now to make this event happen?
Speaker 4 (25:02):
Probably the most critical element because people ask, well, why
did it take so long? And you know, because because
we've been interested in hosting a game in Ohio state
has it has as well for quite a while. But
the primary issue that was faced at the time was
Ohio Stadiums not winterized. You know, it's a facility that
is it's an older facility, but it's been renovated and
it's it's tremendous shape for one hundred years old.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Yeah, you're talking about things like the plumbing for example.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
Well, yeah, it's you know, they only have events historically
and they're from you know, probably spring game April through
November historically. But with the expanded football playoffs and you're
in a play games later and you know, whether it's
colder and then for this event, you know, there was
a lot of work that had to be done to
the infrastructure of the stadium for it to be ready
(25:51):
to host eighty plus thousand. You know, people at an event,
you know, when it's you know, technically still winter, so
that that's been a big thing to get us here.
And then next starting next week on the seventeenth, is
when the league starts rolling the trucks in to start
building the ice and putting the rink together and and
all of that, and that process will go on for
(26:14):
to write up a couple of days before we play.
We'll practice we actually play in Detroit against the Red
Wings on the Thursday before the twenty seventh, and then
we'll have a practice and a family skate and a
bunch of activities at the stadium on the twenty eighth
before the game then on the first. So there's still
(26:34):
a lot of work work to be done. Yeah, it's
a pretty cool process to see when they come in
because you know, when we were there again a week ago,
it's just the football field.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
Yeah, Todd, I think about what impact the Blue Jackets
have had on this community with the excitement of hockey,
seeing you know, young kids through the years being really
excited about hockey and bringing that excitement here. But what
specifically this event, what kind of long term effect do
you think this will have moving forward?
Speaker 4 (27:06):
Well, you're right, I mean, just to give you an example,
I pulled a couple of numbers. So in the nineties,
mid to late nineties, there were two sheets of ice
in Columbus. They're fifteen today. There was one high school
hockey team Upper Arlington in the late nineties, and now
there are twenty two different high schools that have teams
(27:27):
that are I think it's total of thirty five teams
so either varsity, club, JV. And there were five hundred
registered USA Hockey players in the city and now there
are eight thousand. Wow. So the growth and we're just
getting started there. The growth has been tremendous. So the
more you have events like this and you have more
(27:51):
kids see it and experience it, you know, then they
really want to, you know, participate and get interested in.
The other thing that the league does with all of
their signature events is they do a legacy project. And
I can't go into great detail about what this one
will be yet. As an example, when we had the
(28:11):
All Star Game in twenty fifteen, we partnered with Ronald
McDonald House and there was a lot of money invested
in space at Ronald McDonald House. What I can tell
you about the one that's coming up for Stadium series
it's very much related to the growth of youth and
amateur hockey. So that's because that's one of the four
pillars of our foundation because the one thing, you know,
(28:33):
in the McConnell family had this vision. They realized, like,
you just can't bring an NHL team to a city
and just say, okay, here we go. You have to
invest in the ranks and infrastructure to give kids the
opportunity to play. And the thing that we're seeing now,
which is pretty cool, is now we're seeing second generation fans.
(28:55):
Yea after twenty five years. Now there are I mean
there are there are probably young people working in our office.
I know there are that don't know a Columbus without
the Blue Jackets. Wow, which for somebody who still remembers
in the first early years when we have to explain
what the Blue Jackets were is something. And that's where
(29:15):
I think now that we're generational where you really can
see those numbers because you know, those kids that came
to their first game are now parents and having kids.
That's cool. Kids are interested in hockey. So now whereas
before it was kind of completely new to the area.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
We both have Minnesota roots, so we love to see
the growth of hockey and absolutely and especially as it
relates to youth activities and getting getting kids into the
sport well todd on.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
A broader scale with new teams emerging, Uh, there's rule
changes evolving fan expectations to how do you adapt to
the shifts in the NHL and ensure long term success
in the league?
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Great question. I think the one advantage that we have
is we have, you know, really strong ownership and they
are committed and they've shown their commitment and willingness to invest,
you know, one in the on ice product, but two
in all areas of our hockey operations. Over the last
(30:23):
three years, we've completely renovated our facilities, locker room, workout,
meal room, recovery rooms like it's it's amazing. I would
put our our facilities up against any in the league.
We have great new leadership in Don Woodell who came
over as our president of hockey Operations in GM, Dean
(30:47):
Evison and our coaching staff. There's just a different vibe
when you when you factor that, and you know, we
we've struggled the last few years on the ice and
and a lot of that was due to the fact
that we had one of the youngest teams in the league,
So we had a lot of young players who were
just kind of finding their way. Well, what we found
this year is those young guys are popping. You know,
(31:13):
the Carill Marchenko's, Adam Fantilli's, Kent Johnson, Cole Cylinger, you know,
the list goes on. So when you have that combined
with the talent that we have with veterans, is we're
really it's all kind of starting to come together. And
I think you know, the league just announced coming out
(31:34):
of last week that the salary cap, which has kind
of been stagnant, you know since COVID and everything else,
there's going to be some increases in that. And we're
already at the point where we have tremendous flexibility to
make improvements to the team, you know, so whether that's
through draft picks we have, you know, a bunch of
(31:55):
early draft picks in the next few drafts, you know,
the salary cap space again, you know, ownership that's committed to,
you know, bringing this team or bringing the city a championship.
We seem to be in a really good, good place.
Although we we'd actually played better than the scores indicated,
which kind of like you know we could. It made
(32:15):
me think we could have a shot to make this
a little more interesting. But we swept them, and that
was just to be here for Game four. Our fans
had waited so long to just it was. It was magical,
But it's tough because you're working and you got to
keep focused and stay with that. So as a as
a fan, i'd probably say too. My one of my
(32:37):
first Ohio state football games as a freshman in nineteen
eighty five, so age myself, we played, We played Iowa.
They were number one in the country. It was a
driving rainstorm in the shoe like driving storm and we
beat them and we all charged the field after and
I somehow ended up with a piece of the goalpost.
(32:58):
It was about a foot long that I had forever.
I don't know what's happened to it since and then
and then honestly, the other one was one of the
dos of Sarro games the crew at Old cru Stadium
when the US beat Mexico I think was in the
twenty thirteen for the Yeah, twenty fourteen World Cup qualifier.
It's just electric.
Speaker 3 (33:16):
Those are a pretty awesome moment.
Speaker 1 (33:19):
Yeah boy, no kidding, Todd, I got to ask you
for those that are listening and knowing the position you're in,
aspiring young professionals who are you know, looking to break
into the sports industry with your experience, I guess what
what would you give the kind of advice to those
hoping to get involved, maybe even local sports.
Speaker 4 (33:40):
Yeah, what I would say is something that my dad,
you know, told me, you know, when I was a
college student. He goes, don't ever take a job for money.
He goes, if you're miser if you don't like what
you do, you're going to be miserable. It doesn't matter
how much money you make. So and I when I
do talk to college students about, you know, the in sports,
(34:01):
I said, find something that you want to do that
you really enjoy doing. That could be writing, It could
be accounting, It could be the law, It could be fundraising,
it can be anything. Because sports teams operate like any
other business, you know, So if your focus is on
(34:21):
just the excitement of being around the sportsah, but you
don't have a passion for the craft, then you won't
last because it is it's a demanding job. It's it's
not nine to five, you know, and and you know,
for eight nine months out of the year. It's not
even five days a week. So you have to really
enjoy what you do. And if you find that, then
(34:45):
you can find, you know, opportunities to work to work
in sports. And for me, as a kid that grew
up just obsessed with sports, it's a it's it's a
kind of a good fit for me. But just the
love of sport itself isn't enough to sustain you or
to be able to have a successful career.
Speaker 3 (35:06):
So we're going to switch gears now for our last
two segments. Our next one is called Columbus Classics. This
podcast is all about uncovering what's new, but we also
love the tried and true places and experiences. Can you
tell us about a classic Columbus experience you love? It
could be a neighborhood, a restaurant.
Speaker 4 (35:24):
Or anything. Schmid's in German Village. Oh yeah, I took
the family there this summer and it hadn't been there
in a while. And I mean one of the foods
phenomenal book had like the Bloopa band, yeah, and schnitzel,
and it was I said to my wife christ We've
(35:48):
got to come down here more often. It's just I
think Schmid's and German Village is about as good as
it gets.
Speaker 2 (35:54):
Yeah, it's funny. I say that all the time.
Speaker 1 (35:56):
Matter of fact, over the holidays we were there, and
I think I told my wife the same thing.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
We have to get down here more.
Speaker 1 (36:02):
This is such a gem, a crown jewel that you
can't find anywhere else.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
Todd. We're gonna close out with the final segment here,
and that is, you know.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
It's the theme to the name of the podcast. What
are you saying yes to in Columbus this season?
Speaker 2 (36:18):
This year?
Speaker 4 (36:19):
I'm saying yes to the Blue Jackets for the most
And the other thing I'm saying yes to is kind
of on that thing talking about Schmid's is. My family
lives in New Albany and we absolutely love it. But
you have a tendency when you live in the burbs
to stay in the burbs. Yeah, And I'm saying yes
to getting downtown or spending more time in the short
(36:41):
and or spending more time in German Village, you know,
old Town East. There are just so many cool neighborhoods
and restaurants and shops and coffee shops and all of
that down here, and I'm saying yes to getting down
and experiencing more of that this year.
Speaker 3 (36:57):
We love that.
Speaker 2 (36:59):
Todd.
Speaker 1 (36:59):
We can't thank you enough for your time today, especially
with this episode. We're excited about the NHL Stadium series.
For more on that, you can go to NHL dot
com Slash Blue Jackets, and if you haven't yet been
to a Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena this season,
there's still time. Of course, I don't miss your chance
(37:19):
to catch the Blue Jackets in action before the season ends.
And if you're looking for more to do while in Columbus,
you can check out Experience Columbus dot com.
Speaker 2 (37:28):
Thanks so much for your time, Todd, Thank you to
a thanks.
Speaker 1 (37:31):
That's a wrap on this week's episode of Yes Columbus
and Experience Columbus podcast.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Tune in next week as we take you on a
tour
Speaker 1 (37:40):
Of what's new, what's hot, and what makes Columbus a
city on the rise.
Yes Columbus, an Experienced Columbus podcast, keeps you in the
know of what's happening in the art city Columbus. The
number one soccer team, the number three beer city, a
top ten culinary destination with the largest concentration of fashion
professionals in the US. Join us each week with special
guests for an inside look at a destination that invites
(00:23):
visitors and locals alike to explore. By the end of
each episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this
really exist in one city?
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Yes Columbus.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Well, welcome back to another episode of Yes Columbus. This
is an Experienced Columbus podcast. I'm one of the co
host Boxer, along with my other co hosts Sarah Sarah,
Welcome back for this new episode.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Thank you, good to see you, and we are so
excited for the upcoming episodes of our Yes Columbus podcast
with even more amazing guests lined up. Stay tuned for
fresh conversations and insights and episodes ahead.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Before there, we hop.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Into this week's interview, it's time for our headliner segment,
where we highlight a recent story or accolade about Columbus
and Boxer. You may not know this, but Columbus is
back in the race for seven USA today Ten Best
Readers Choice Awards, and we need your first to bring
home the top spots. Our city rank number three for
best Beer city last year. With your support, we can
(01:22):
claim number one in twenty twenty five. Plus, COSAI, name
the best science museum in the country for four straight years,
is ready to reclaim its place at the top. So
from craft beer and arts festivals to world class science,
visit experience Coolumbus dot com slash media slash Columbus in
(01:44):
the news to see which Columbus favorites made the list
and vote daily to help us win big. That was
a long URL, but if you go to experience Columbus
dot com, we can get you to the best way
to vote and appreciate all the support.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
I have to tell you someone who has been here
since well for over twenty five years, these are exciting
times for Columbus and those of us that live here,
I mean in Central Hio period.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
These are exciting times right now. This is great stuff.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
It is absolutely great stuff, and it is our behind
the buzz segments. Oh yeah, now, and today we're diving
into one of the most exciting sporting events coming to
our city, the NHL Stadium Series.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Joining us today is Todd Schirock, vice president of Communications
for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who's here to give us
an inside look into his long standing career with the
Blue Jackets, what the NHL Stadium Series means for Columbus,
how it's all coming together, and what fans can expect
here in just a few short weeks.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
Welcome Todd, jay Ax So, Sarah appreciate you having me Todd.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
I know we've talked before. It's always good to see you.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
You've been a key part of Columbus and the community
here for quite a while. Obviously one of the few
individuals who have been with the Blue Jackets the beginning, right.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
Correct, Yeah, twenty five years, a couple.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Of days ago, seeing so what I want to know?
And yeah, I've read your bio, but it's there's nothing
better than hearing it from you and your journey on
just how you got to where you are.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
But also what why hockey? Why NHL?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Well, people always have asked me, did you always want
to work in hockey? And I said no, I kind
of fell into hockey and I had fallen out. I
knew I always wanted to work in sports. I went
to I grew up an hour from Columbus in Gallleon, Ohio.
Went to Ohio State my undergrad degree in journalism. Wrote
for the Lanner and the student paper there, covered the
(03:39):
men's basketball team. Really enjoyed it. But I knew I
didn't want to be a reporter. I wanted to be
more on the kind of the pr side of things.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Which surprised me because you have great hair. So I'm
surprised absolutely be on camera.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Like sportscaster newscaster hair. I'm surprised you didn't think about
going that route.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
You know, I never did. I really didn't. I just
I really liked to write, yea, and so I kind
of just leaned that way. So then I went to
grad school at Ohio State, got my master's in sport management,
and during probably the last two and a half years there,
I worked in sports information for the late Steve Snap.
(04:15):
And so, you know, I knew I wanted to work
in sports. I knew I wanted to work in pr,
and it just so happened. My first job out of
college was with a minor league hockey team in Dallas, Texas.
At ball places, which was ideal for me because I
used to think I wanted to be the PR director
of the Dallas Cowboys. That was like my career.
Speaker 3 (04:35):
You were in the right city.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
At that point, I had to write my own obituary
for a journalism class, and that's what I what I wrote.
But I figured, major league market, a lot of things
going on, meet people, It'll be a great place to
launch my career. And the second year I was there
in the Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas for their
first NHL season, So I got hired there, which was
(04:58):
a tremendous experience. And actually a funny thing is one
of the players for the Stars that year is our
new coach Dean Evison.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (05:05):
I didn't really know Dean all that well then, but
he was. He was on that team the first year
we were in Dallas. And then then I went. I
moved to Houston and worked for a minor league team
for five years there, and but I missed Columbus, And
you know, I knew Columbus was going to get an expansion.
It was getting an expansion team, and uh, because I
(05:26):
had been involved with our ownership in Houston trying to
get an expansion team for Houston at the same time. Okay,
and it was we were both finalists. And I'll never
forget being in Houston when the NHL announced that they
were putting teams in Nashville, Saint Paul, Atlanta, and Columbus,
and everybody and everybody in Houston's like Columbus, Ohio, Why
(05:49):
would they put it? How can they? Like, well, wait
a second, because at the time they equated Columbus to Austin,
which again at the time was much smaller, but you know,
state capital known for its college, University of Texas. Yeah,
you know, and that was just a big college town.
I'm like, no, no, no, no, Columbus is a little
bit more. So I was defending Columbus. I was still
(06:12):
disappointed that Houston wasn't selected as well. But you know,
after some persistence and you know, some time, then I
was fortunate enough to be hired here in February of
two thousand. So it's been twenty five years and it's
been great, and but coming back to Columbus and in
the Midwest was really important. It was really important to me.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Well clearly because you've been here ever since.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
So Todd Sharrock is with us who as the vice
president of Communications with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he's
this week's guest on Yes Columbus.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Todd, I'm going to toot your horn here.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
With that role of vice president of communications, how does
that impact the sports scene here in Columbus.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
How I'm sure you got a pivotal role in that.
Speaker 4 (06:57):
Absolutely, probably the most important one. I don't know how
as somebody who's been with the organization, you know, really
since the beginning, and there's a handful of us still
that have we take great pride in that. You know,
this this game is filled with a lot of special people,
(07:20):
and our organization is one that you know, is constantly committed,
you know, to putting a world class product on the ice,
but also to provide that kind of an entertainment experience
for fans when they come here. And you know, I said,
I went to college here when all of this was
(07:41):
the old prison site, and you know, there was really
nothing happening downtown, you know, you know, from a recreation standpoint,
so to to have been a small part of an
organization that has really reshaped the city. You know, mister
McConnell had the vision of bringing the team worked with
(08:03):
the folks at Nationwide to get the arena built, and
then the Arena District and now well the building we're
sitting in here that didn't exist. That is one of
the things I'm probably most proud of, having seen that growth,
having known what was here before, and just seen how
things and how this city has grown over the past
(08:25):
twenty five years. It's just tremendous. And you know, I've
been lucky to be a part of the Greater Columbus
Sports Commission probably twenty years now and to see all
the events that they bring to the city. Yeah, and
the impact it's had. That's you know, those things are
just tremendous. And I still feel like as an organization
(08:46):
we haven't really tapped into our full potential yet. We
obviously haven't won as much as we would have liked to.
I really like where we're at now and where we're going, so,
you know, we still feel like we have some unfinished
business there and we're still just kind of ascending.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
So Todd Columbus has firmly established itself as a premier
sports city, hosting numerous NCAA tournaments, winning bids for future events,
and even celebrating a National Championship. Given the city's track
record for hosting major sporting events, how does this upcoming
NHL Stadium Series stack up in comparison.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
It's the next big thing. Yeah, you know, this is
a premium marquee event, you know, for our league. So
that's one part of it, and the other part of
it is, you know, it's it's unique. This is the
first of its kind. This is the first time, you know,
an outdoor hockey game is going to be held at
the Horseshoe, which I mean, whether you're a Buckeye fan
(09:45):
or not, everybody, even if you're a football fan or
everybody knows Ohio Stadium. Yeah, I mean, it is a
it is iconic, and to bring an event like this
into that venue for the first time, it's you know,
it's it's historic, and you know, it's further proof of
(10:08):
what this city is capable of, you know, because quite honestly,
that same weekend as the Arnold, which is another marquee
event for our city. Yeah, and you know, I think
you know, initially there might have been folks. That's that's
kind of tough, you know, you do the Stadium Series
game the same week like well, not really we're a
(10:30):
big time city like that. We're you're a major city.
We've proven we can put on multiple world class events
at the same time. I think it is a tremendous
feather in the cap of our city to have two
such world renowned events going on, Yeah, essentially at the
same time.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
That's such a great point and something I've forgotten about
just I guess being spoiled living here for as long
as I have now is you're right, there was a
time where there would have been a red flag. Now no,
we we can't. We can't possibly do two events here
like that. There's no way.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
It's got to be the Gardle, that's it. But you're right,
We've we've come along ways.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
Yeah, and I think that, you know, that's one of
the things, and you know, some of the conversations that
I've had over the years of the Sports Commission, which
is obviously part of experience Columbus, is at times it
seems like with our with our city, whether it's internally
or externally, it's like we got one foot in the
past of being this nice small college town, but then
(11:32):
another foot firmly planted in the future. I mean, as
a major metropolitan city over a million people in the
you know, greater Columbus area, and I think that, you know,
we we've just proven time and time again, even though
there's that little, yeah, we're that nice little Midwestern town
(11:53):
in the back of our heads, we are a major
metropolitan city. And I think the one thing that really
makes Columbus unique is that we are that, but we
still have that welcoming Midwestern hospitality kind of as at
our core. And I think it's the perfect blend, which
(12:13):
is why we've been able to have so many successful events.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Todd anything specific when it comes to what you think
makes Columbus a great city for hosting like these high
profile support events.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
Well, and this is one of the things that the
city and I know experienced. Columbus has been tremendously a
part of is. You know, early on in our tenure,
you know, we didn't host major events because there weren't
enough hotel rooms right right, So now we have plenty.
There are new ones, there are old ones that have
been renovated, there's new ones that have been expanded, and
(12:50):
I think when you look at where our arena sits,
you know, you can pretty much stay anywhere and walk,
you know, there's ample parking if you need it, but
it's very walkable. I think the central location of the
city in the middle of the country, uh plays into
that between ourselves, between Ohio State and you know, uh
(13:16):
the Crew and the Clippers. We have world class facilities
and a lot of them. So for a lot of these,
especially amateur events. You know, we know about the high
profile events that comes here, the All Star Game that
we hosted, you know, the NCAA tournament, you know, figure skating,
all of those things, but those are those are kind
(13:37):
of the shiny toys. But the meat of what the
Sports Commission does are the USA Volleyball events, the fencing
events that are at the Convention Center, and all of
these types of different events that people maybe don't read
about in the news, but that drive business and income
(13:57):
and money into the city. And and I think as
welcoming as our city is centrally located, world class facilities
and the people here, particularly the Sports Commission and led
by Linda Logan, know how to put on events. We
know how to show people a good time and treat
people well when they're here. And that's the one thing
I've heard for years, you know, going back to when
(14:20):
we had the draft in O seven, we had the
All Star Game in fifteen, we had a couple of
Team USA World Cup of Hockey training camps. One, people
are surprised when they get to spend time here at
all the city has to offer. But two, I have
never heard a negative thing about any of those events. Afterwards,
everybody just praises how wonderful and how organized everything was, and.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
They're so surprised at all the wonderful people and the
amenities that our city has to.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Offer absolutely are the same thing.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Absolutely, So, You've had the opportunity to travel across the
US and experience a variety of hockey arenas and fan atmospheres.
From your perspective, how does Nationwide Arena and the Columbus
Blue Jackets game day experience compared to other teams you
have visited.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
Well, it's special. One, we have a cannon and nobody.
Speaker 3 (15:11):
Else starts we were just talking about.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Then let's just be honest. It's pretty good. I have
to start with that we have a cannon. Nobody else
has a cannon, and it's one of the great joys
that I have on game night, still sitting in the
press box, because I sit in the second level of
our press box when the visiting media come in, because
it doesn't matter how long and how many times they've
been here, there's still and it goes off the first time.
(15:37):
When the team comes out on the ice, they jump,
and what happens now is too Sometimes their cohorts or
their colleagues will sit there with their cell phones and
just to record their.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Reactions, and I just a fun social media opportunity there.
Speaker 4 (15:54):
So I think, honestly, the cannon has become iconic for us,
but we've always had a very special bond with our
fans with the Fifth Line. As an organization, we are
incredibly committed to treating people the right way when they
come to our facility. You know, separate the hockey, you know,
(16:16):
those of us on the business side, you know, we
can't control what happens on the ice, but what we
can control is people's experience when they come. So we
want to keep the energy up, We want to make
sure they're entertained. We want to make sure that the
facility is is in top notch shape and that it's
it's very it's an enjoyable experience from the time they
(16:39):
leave their house until they pull back in later that night,
and and we take a lot of pride in that
we have a lot of people that work very hard
to make that happen. So I think all of those
factors come in and this year we have we have
a hell of a team, and we have a really
exciting young team, and the atmosphere at games this year
has been from.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
Todd, let's talk zero in on the NHL stadium series.
Get the Blue Jackets, you had the Detroit Red Wings.
What can we expect from this because this is something
we've never seen before at this shoot one.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
Like, like I mentioned earlier, it's just such a historic venue.
And I know that you know, the league is really
leaning in on traditions. You know, obviously we have such
a rich tradition of football with the Buckeyes here, and
so there's going to be a lot of those somewhat
(17:33):
familiar things. Well for and for example, you know everybody
knows football Saturdays start with the skull session at Saint
Johnery and the team comes and then they walk to
the stadium. Well, we're going to have a pep rally
that afternoon. It's going to feature a concert by Oar
Great Band. All the state terrific dudes. So they're going
(17:58):
to put on about an hour show. The Ohio State
Athletic Band is going to be there. Members of the
cheer team are going to be there, so they're whip
people and that's a free event so people can come
in enjoy that. And then at some point our team
will be introduced and then they will make the walk,
the same walk that the football team does from Saint
John down onto the field and and all of that.
(18:24):
I expect the league is going to actually release what
rendering of what the field is going to look like.
There will be some traditional things there.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Script Ohio on the ice drum major I.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
Would not I would would not surprise me. It would
not surprise me. The band has done Script Ohio on
the ice for o SU games. Okay, Like I said,
I I know for me that's still one of the
great thrills I have is seeing the band Script Ohio.
So yeah, would be tremendous. I know there's going to
(19:00):
be a fan festival that those details will be announced soon. Again, takeing,
vectoring in that whole tailgating, you know, game day experience.
Twenty one Pilots is going to perform at the first intermission.
From talking to the league, I guess it's going to
be like it is going to be lit like they're
they're playing. It's obviously in their mission, so it's a short,
(19:23):
long set, but I guess they're blowing it out from
a techno you knows still there. It's not going to
be just you know, the band on the stage and
playing is going to be. They're a very artistic band
and I think they they're really fired up as Columbus
guys too to be a part of that. And you know,
(19:45):
like I said, the athletic band will be involved in
the cheerleaders and you know, they'll probably the League's probably
got some other surprises, but it's just going to be
you know, we had a big meeting last year at
the at the stadium. Every year the league does a
tie down meeting, which is kind of the last meeting
where everybody comes together to go over things. And there
must have been one hundred and fifty two hundred people
there between the league and OSU and US and different
(20:09):
involved parties. And that's when it really started to feel
real as you started to get more detail and see
more things and you're in the stadium and yeah, it's
it's going to be it's gonna be spectacular, no doubt.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
This is a milestone for the city, There's no doubt
about it. Have you been able to and maybe through
social media, I don't know, have you been able to
gauge the excitement from the fans on this.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
What's been the buzz the vibe?
Speaker 4 (20:33):
Yeah. I mean, our fans have been wanting this for
so long. It's been a long process to get to
get here. And I think again, as you get closer,
you know, in the weather and it's you know, it
was spitting a little snow a little bit earlier, all
of those things factoring, and I think the thing that's
really got our fans excited as well is this is
(20:56):
going to be an important game because Detroit. Detroit and
our club are both were fighting neck and neck with
about five other teams for playoff positioning. So this isn't
a game that's.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
Just just a fun game.
Speaker 4 (21:09):
It's an important game. So that's going to ratchet up
the intensity.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
We're just a point behind them, aren't wet behind them?
Speaker 4 (21:16):
Right now? For the second wild card? You know, we
we we held on to we were in those first
two wild card spots for a few weeks and then
we got we got hammered a little bit by injuries
right before the break. But the good news is, you know,
we should be getting some of those guys back right
when we come out of the break. I think we've
got three games before the outdoor game once we once
(21:39):
we come back and warmed up, Yeah, yeah, so guys
will be healthy and rested, and you know this last
sprint to the to the finish is going to be good.
So when you put that on top of the fact
that it's an outdoor game at the Shoe and yeah,
you know by then people hadn't been in the Shoe
for a while, so they'll be itching to get back.
It should just be should be awesome.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
This is great between the Blue Jackets and your role
with the Commission, the Sports Commission. Is there an expectation
Todd that this event should bring in other Marquee events
down the road, whether it's NHL or other sporting events.
Speaker 4 (22:16):
Well, I think so. And I think, like I said,
you know, over the years we've you know, one builds
on another and builds on another. You know, as I said,
the first Marquee League event that we that we had
that was high profile was the Draft in two thousand
and seven, you know, and then eight years later we
hosted the All Star Game. And as you've looked over
the years, I know, Linden, the crew at the Sports
(22:38):
Commission are continuing to look out and work on those
So those events. So every time that Columbus puts on
event and crushes it, you know, other people notice, people
in the industry, notice people in our league. They know,
I mean, and the league is as great as Ohio
Stadium is. If they didn't know that the community would
(22:59):
support it because they've seen it, you know, then they
don't come here. So this is just another you know. Yeah,
and that's the thing you have to do is other
cities are doing other things as well, and they're trying
to make improvements. So you keep stacking these world class
events and you keep delivering and then that just earns
(23:20):
you the opportunity to do it do it again and
again and again. So absolutely think it'll be really important
in that process.
Speaker 3 (23:28):
So Todd, you started to touch on kind of the
power of partnerships and collaboration across the city, which, of
course experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission know
all about. But what key partnerships have played a crucial
role in bringing this series to the city.
Speaker 4 (23:43):
Yeah, well, I think it starts obviously with our organization,
with the folks at Ohio State, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission,
Columbus Partnership. You know, those are the ones at a
very high level, particularly the first free that worked worked
very hard, worked hand in hand, because without any of
those groups, you know, working together and collaboratively and and enthusiastically,
(24:10):
you know, it doesn't happen, you know. And we've seen
really good response from a lot of our corporate partners
too that are helping to amplify the event, to uh
support it with different you know activations Ohio Health, feesel Jets, Pepsi,
Kroger kind of have really all stepped up with the
club to uh to support this as well. And we've
(24:32):
we've we've gotten a lot of support from the business
community just from a ticketing standpoint and buying tickets and
and all of that. So it is truly a community
event like the NHL. Technically it's an NHL event, right right,
but this is a community event and it's uh, it's
something that you know, as we talked about earlier is
really important as we continue to build and help the
(24:54):
city grow and flourish.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
Yeah, what are some of the behind the scenes activities
that are have opening right now to make this event happen?
Speaker 4 (25:02):
Probably the most critical element because people ask, well, why
did it take so long? And you know, because because
we've been interested in hosting a game in Ohio state
has it has as well for quite a while. But
the primary issue that was faced at the time was
Ohio Stadiums not winterized. You know, it's a facility that
is it's an older facility, but it's been renovated and
it's it's tremendous shape for one hundred years old.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Yeah, you're talking about things like the plumbing for example.
Speaker 4 (25:28):
Well, yeah, it's you know, they only have events historically
and they're from you know, probably spring game April through
November historically. But with the expanded football playoffs and you're
in a play games later and you know, whether it's
colder and then for this event, you know, there was
a lot of work that had to be done to
the infrastructure of the stadium for it to be ready
(25:51):
to host eighty plus thousand. You know, people at an event,
you know, when it's you know, technically still winter, so
that that's been a big thing to get us here.
And then next starting next week on the seventeenth, is
when the league starts rolling the trucks in to start
building the ice and putting the rink together and and
all of that, and that process will go on for
(26:14):
to write up a couple of days before we play.
We'll practice we actually play in Detroit against the Red
Wings on the Thursday before the twenty seventh, and then
we'll have a practice and a family skate and a
bunch of activities at the stadium on the twenty eighth
before the game then on the first. So there's still
(26:34):
a lot of work work to be done. Yeah, it's
a pretty cool process to see when they come in
because you know, when we were there again a week ago,
it's just the football field.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
Yeah, Todd, I think about what impact the Blue Jackets
have had on this community with the excitement of hockey,
seeing you know, young kids through the years being really
excited about hockey and bringing that excitement here. But what
specifically this event, what kind of long term effect do
you think this will have moving forward?
Speaker 4 (27:06):
Well, you're right, I mean, just to give you an example,
I pulled a couple of numbers. So in the nineties,
mid to late nineties, there were two sheets of ice
in Columbus. They're fifteen today. There was one high school
hockey team Upper Arlington in the late nineties, and now
there are twenty two different high schools that have teams
(27:27):
that are I think it's total of thirty five teams
so either varsity, club, JV. And there were five hundred
registered USA Hockey players in the city and now there
are eight thousand. Wow. So the growth and we're just
getting started there. The growth has been tremendous. So the
more you have events like this and you have more
(27:51):
kids see it and experience it, you know, then they
really want to, you know, participate and get interested in.
The other thing that the league does with all of
their signature events is they do a legacy project. And
I can't go into great detail about what this one
will be yet. As an example, when we had the
(28:11):
All Star Game in twenty fifteen, we partnered with Ronald
McDonald House and there was a lot of money invested
in space at Ronald McDonald House. What I can tell
you about the one that's coming up for Stadium series
it's very much related to the growth of youth and
amateur hockey. So that's because that's one of the four
pillars of our foundation because the one thing, you know,
(28:33):
in the McConnell family had this vision. They realized, like,
you just can't bring an NHL team to a city
and just say, okay, here we go. You have to
invest in the ranks and infrastructure to give kids the
opportunity to play. And the thing that we're seeing now,
which is pretty cool, is now we're seeing second generation fans.
(28:55):
Yea after twenty five years. Now there are I mean
there are there are probably young people working in our office.
I know there are that don't know a Columbus without
the Blue Jackets. Wow, which for somebody who still remembers
in the first early years when we have to explain
what the Blue Jackets were is something. And that's where
(29:15):
I think now that we're generational where you really can
see those numbers because you know, those kids that came
to their first game are now parents and having kids.
That's cool. Kids are interested in hockey. So now whereas
before it was kind of completely new to the area.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
We both have Minnesota roots, so we love to see
the growth of hockey and absolutely and especially as it
relates to youth activities and getting getting kids into the
sport well todd on.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
A broader scale with new teams emerging, Uh, there's rule
changes evolving fan expectations to how do you adapt to
the shifts in the NHL and ensure long term success
in the league?
Speaker 4 (29:59):
Great question. I think the one advantage that we have
is we have, you know, really strong ownership and they
are committed and they've shown their commitment and willingness to invest,
you know, one in the on ice product, but two
in all areas of our hockey operations. Over the last
(30:23):
three years, we've completely renovated our facilities, locker room, workout,
meal room, recovery rooms like it's it's amazing. I would
put our our facilities up against any in the league.
We have great new leadership in Don Woodell who came
over as our president of hockey Operations in GM, Dean
(30:47):
Evison and our coaching staff. There's just a different vibe
when you when you factor that, and you know, we
we've struggled the last few years on the ice and
and a lot of that was due to the fact
that we had one of the youngest teams in the league,
So we had a lot of young players who were
just kind of finding their way. Well, what we found
this year is those young guys are popping. You know,
(31:13):
the Carill Marchenko's, Adam Fantilli's, Kent Johnson, Cole Cylinger, you know,
the list goes on. So when you have that combined
with the talent that we have with veterans, is we're
really it's all kind of starting to come together. And
I think you know, the league just announced coming out
(31:34):
of last week that the salary cap, which has kind
of been stagnant, you know since COVID and everything else,
there's going to be some increases in that. And we're
already at the point where we have tremendous flexibility to
make improvements to the team, you know, so whether that's
through draft picks we have, you know, a bunch of
(31:55):
early draft picks in the next few drafts, you know,
the salary cap space again, you know, ownership that's committed to,
you know, bringing this team or bringing the city a championship.
We seem to be in a really good, good place.
Although we we'd actually played better than the scores indicated,
which kind of like you know we could. It made
(32:15):
me think we could have a shot to make this
a little more interesting. But we swept them, and that
was just to be here for Game four. Our fans
had waited so long to just it was. It was magical,
But it's tough because you're working and you got to
keep focused and stay with that. So as a as
a fan, i'd probably say too. My one of my
(32:37):
first Ohio state football games as a freshman in nineteen
eighty five, so age myself, we played, We played Iowa.
They were number one in the country. It was a
driving rainstorm in the shoe like driving storm and we
beat them and we all charged the field after and
I somehow ended up with a piece of the goalpost.
(32:58):
It was about a foot long that I had forever.
I don't know what's happened to it since and then
and then honestly, the other one was one of the
dos of Sarro games the crew at Old cru Stadium
when the US beat Mexico I think was in the
twenty thirteen for the Yeah, twenty fourteen World Cup qualifier.
It's just electric.
Speaker 3 (33:16):
Those are a pretty awesome moment.
Speaker 1 (33:19):
Yeah boy, no kidding, Todd, I got to ask you
for those that are listening and knowing the position you're in,
aspiring young professionals who are you know, looking to break
into the sports industry with your experience, I guess what
what would you give the kind of advice to those
hoping to get involved, maybe even local sports.
Speaker 4 (33:40):
Yeah, what I would say is something that my dad,
you know, told me, you know, when I was a
college student. He goes, don't ever take a job for money.
He goes, if you're miser if you don't like what
you do, you're going to be miserable. It doesn't matter
how much money you make. So and I when I
do talk to college students about, you know, the in sports,
(34:01):
I said, find something that you want to do that
you really enjoy doing. That could be writing, It could
be accounting, It could be the law, It could be fundraising,
it can be anything. Because sports teams operate like any
other business, you know, So if your focus is on
(34:21):
just the excitement of being around the sportsah, but you
don't have a passion for the craft, then you won't
last because it is it's a demanding job. It's it's
not nine to five, you know, and and you know,
for eight nine months out of the year. It's not
even five days a week. So you have to really
enjoy what you do. And if you find that, then
(34:45):
you can find, you know, opportunities to work to work
in sports. And for me, as a kid that grew
up just obsessed with sports, it's a it's it's a
kind of a good fit for me. But just the
love of sport itself isn't enough to sustain you or
to be able to have a successful career.
Speaker 3 (35:06):
So we're going to switch gears now for our last
two segments. Our next one is called Columbus Classics. This
podcast is all about uncovering what's new, but we also
love the tried and true places and experiences. Can you
tell us about a classic Columbus experience you love? It
could be a neighborhood, a restaurant.
Speaker 4 (35:24):
Or anything. Schmid's in German Village. Oh yeah, I took
the family there this summer and it hadn't been there
in a while. And I mean one of the foods
phenomenal book had like the Bloopa band, yeah, and schnitzel,
and it was I said to my wife christ We've
(35:48):
got to come down here more often. It's just I
think Schmid's and German Village is about as good as
it gets.
Speaker 2 (35:54):
Yeah, it's funny. I say that all the time.
Speaker 1 (35:56):
Matter of fact, over the holidays we were there, and
I think I told my wife the same thing.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
We have to get down here more.
Speaker 1 (36:02):
This is such a gem, a crown jewel that you
can't find anywhere else.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
Todd. We're gonna close out with the final segment here,
and that is, you know.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
It's the theme to the name of the podcast. What
are you saying yes to in Columbus this season?
Speaker 2 (36:18):
This year?
Speaker 4 (36:19):
I'm saying yes to the Blue Jackets for the most
And the other thing I'm saying yes to is kind
of on that thing talking about Schmid's is. My family
lives in New Albany and we absolutely love it. But
you have a tendency when you live in the burbs
to stay in the burbs. Yeah, And I'm saying yes
to getting downtown or spending more time in the short
(36:41):
and or spending more time in German Village, you know,
old Town East. There are just so many cool neighborhoods
and restaurants and shops and coffee shops and all of
that down here, and I'm saying yes to getting down
and experiencing more of that this year.
Speaker 3 (36:57):
We love that.
Speaker 2 (36:59):
Todd.
Speaker 1 (36:59):
We can't thank you enough for your time today, especially
with this episode. We're excited about the NHL Stadium series.
For more on that, you can go to NHL dot
com Slash Blue Jackets, and if you haven't yet been
to a Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena this season,
there's still time. Of course, I don't miss your chance
(37:19):
to catch the Blue Jackets in action before the season ends.
And if you're looking for more to do while in Columbus,
you can check out Experience Columbus dot com.
Speaker 2 (37:28):
Thanks so much for your time, Todd, Thank you to
a thanks.
Speaker 1 (37:31):
That's a wrap on this week's episode of Yes Columbus
and Experience Columbus podcast.
Speaker 2 (37:37):
Tune in next week as we take you on a
tour
Speaker 1 (37:40):
Of what's new, what's hot, and what makes Columbus a
city on the rise.
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