The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today the return of Columbus Blue Jackets Winter Park presented by Worthington Industries at McFerson Commons, located across the street from Nationwide Arena, from Friday, February 2 through Sunday, February 25. For the fourth consecutive year, the NHL-size ice rink that anchors Winter Park will be open for 24 days of public skating, hockey and a variety of community events.

Video: The Blue Jackets take practice outside on Friday

In advance of the official opening, the Blue Jackets are scheduled to hold a brief team practice at the outdoor rink on Wednesday, January 31 at noon. The practice will be open to the public and free of charge. Practice date and time is subject to change based on team schedule and weather conditions.

Winter Park will feature daily public skate sessions. The initial schedule will be forthcoming with updates posted on www.BlueJackets.com/WinterPark.

Spectators may enjoy the skating or hockey action from the Mad River Mountain Warming Lodge, a heated tent next to the rink. Winter Park's outdoor rink will also be equipped with bleacher seating for approximately 250 people, a skate rental tent and four heated locker rooms. Another attraction will be a video board near the rink that will show Blue Jackets games on Friday, February 2 (vs. San Jose), Saturday, February 3 (at New York Islanders) and Saturday, February 10 (vs. New Jersey).

Video: Winter Park at McFerson Commons

Other opening weekend festivities will include The 5th Line 5K Race presented by OhioHealth on Sunday, February 4. The 3.1-mile road race that starts outside Nationwide Arena and finishes across center ice is open to runners and walkers. Registration participants receive an offer redeemable for a pair of tickets to a select Blue Jackets game. For more information or to register for the race, visit www.The5thLine5K.com.