Columbus’ hopes for the bid dimmed when the May referendum failed. However, Nationwide announced on May 31, 1997, that it would finance the $150-million arena. Subsequently, on June 25, 1997, the NHL announced that Columbus would receive a new franchise. On June 23, 2000, the NHL’s two newest teams, the Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild, took part in the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft in Calgary, Alberta. Under the draft’s rules, 26 of the NHL’s active 28 teams were allowed to protect one goaltender, five defensemen, and nine forwards, or two goaltenders, three defensemen, and seven forwards. The Atlanta Thrashers and Nashville Predators both had their full rosters protected because they were the two newest teams, only being in existence for one and two years, respectively. Both the Blue Jackets and Wild had to use their first 24 selections on three goaltenders, eight defensemen, and thirteen forwards. Their final two picks could be players of any position.

Nationwide Arena is a large multi-purpose arena, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Since completion in 2000, the arena has served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. Seating capacity for Ice hockey is 18,500.

Prior to the start of the 2007 – 2008 season, the Blue Jackets organization brought a hand-made replica 1857 Napoleon cannon into Nationwide Arena. The cannon is “fired” at home games whenever:

the Blue Jackets take the ice at the start of the game
the Blue Jackets score a goal
the Blue Jackets win the game

It was fired 164 times in its inaugural season (41 home games, 20 home victories, 103 goals scored at home). The title line of “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” by AC/DC is played when the cannon is fired followed by the chorus of “The Whip” by Locksley.