Youth hockey group pitches central Ohio ice arena with amphitheater

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NBC4i.com

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A youth hockey organization affiliated with the Columbus Blue Jackets is hoping to launch a new central Ohio ice arena and performance venue.

Ohio AAA Blue Jackets is aiming to build a 127,000-square-foot "performance impact arena and pavilion" on the southwest corner of U.S. 42 and Sawmill Parkway in Delaware County. The complex would feature three indoor hockey rinks and an outdoor amphitheater, which would be converted during the winter into a fourth rink.

Ed Gingher, president of AAA Blue Jackets, argued the facility is needed, given Columbus is home to only 10 full sheets of ice available to the public and hasn't added to the marketplace since 2004. That means if a tournament wants to come to Columbus, there's currently not enough ice, Gingher said.

"We're excited to be in Delaware, we think this can be a hub for the Midwest," Gingher said during a May 7 Delaware planning commission meeting. "We feel this facility can impact every level of youth hockey. ... The amount of tournaments that get turned down in the city of Columbus would, obviously, I think, startle people."

A rendering of Ohio AAA Blue Jackets' 127,000-square-foot performance impact arena and pavilion. (Courtesy Photo/City of Delaware)
A rendering of Ohio AAA Blue Jackets' 127,000-square-foot performance impact arena and pavilion. (Courtesy Photo/City of Delaware)
A rendering of Ohio AAA Blue Jackets' 127,000-square-foot performance impact arena and pavilion. (Courtesy Photo/City of Delaware)

The city's planning commission recommended approval of AAA Blue Jackets' plans, which also call for state-of-the-art training facilities for "off-ice skills." The proposal argues the complex would serve as a "one-stop shop" for players and families, and make Delaware a hub for hosting large hockey tournaments and events.

The outdoor amphitheater would include seating for up to 6,000 spectators and could be transformed into a rink for families during the holiday season. Gingher stressed "there's definitely opportunity for the public to come and utilize" and complex, like public skating sessions, school field trips, and viewing parties for the Blue Jackets and Ohio State football.

AAA Blue Jackets' goal is to have the pavilion operational beginning in May of 2027. The organization estimates the complex would yield $84.4 million in annual economic output, 600,000 annual visitors, and create 172 new jobs.

Delaware City Council is scheduled to review and hold a public hearing on AAA Blue Jackets' proposal during a June 9 meeting.