Are you a social butterfly...er...Blue Jacket? Do you have a Facebook account, Twitter handle, or a blog? If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, then the brand new Social Station is just for you.
Each and every home game during the Blue Jackets 2012-13 regular season, members of the #CBJ social media community will be occupying the Social Station to do what they do best -- tweet, take pictures, Facebook, and interact with each other!Interested? We thought so... The Social Station will have FREE WiFi access giving you the opportunity to use your laptop, mobile device, and tablet to capture all of the exciting action of Blue Jackets hockey LIVE! There is only one rule...
BE ACTIVE!
Here's a list of some of our leaders in the #CBJ community that you can expect to see in our Social Station. But before you ask: what exactly IS a "community leader?"Our definition: Simply put, it's anyone. The qualifications are pretty minimal (you just have to blog, Facebook, Instagram, tweet with us, and show your passion for the Blue Jackets and the game of hockey). If you do that, we will find you. We've reached out to several people who fit this description and we're looking for more every single day.
So far, we've met nearly 400 new members of the Blue Jackets online community in the Social Station, and that list is growing each home game at Nationwide Arena. Let's get to know some of the faces you have seen -- and will see -- when you pay a visit to the Blue Jackets Social Station....
THE JACKET BACKERS (@jacketbackers)
What says "passion" and "dedication" any louder than the first booster club in Blue Jackets franchise history? The Jacket Backers have been there since Day 1, cheering on the Jackets through thick and thin and organizing creative ways for CBJ fans to watch games both at home and on the road. They do party buses like no one else and they've invaded several NHL areans with the union blue sweaters, painted faces and strength in numbers. Now over 400 members strong and counting, the Jacket Backers provide an experience that all fans should take part in - and by visiting jacketbackers.org, you can join the fun! Current president Julie Maurer and her executive board members can be found at the many #CBJBWW social command center parties at Buffalo Wild Wings locations around Columbus, and of course, at every home game inside Nationwide Arena!
ALISON (@AlisonL)
We found Alison because of her relentless pursuit of tweeting excellence and starting the #becausehesawesome hashtag for her favorite player, Derek Dorsett (only one of these is completely true). She's doing well since Dorsett was dealt to New York in the Marian Gaborik trade, and wishes "Dorse" all the best in the Big Apple - but Alison's a team-first girl. On game nights, she helps organize first intermission tweet-ups at the cannon, shares her thoughts and pictures on Twitter and other things you'll just have to ask her about in person! She's a regular blogger and co-founder of The Union Blue, and if you're looking for some good hockey talk, visit their forums and join the conversation. Be on the lookout for Twitter/forum contests, as we want YOU to join the group inside the Social Station.
DERDRACHE (@derdrache)
It's hard not to recognize the gentleman affectionately known as "The Beard." Seriously, have you SEEN that thing? At this point in time, there is no truth to the rumor that the beard re-grows itself overnight, but we're looking into it. This man is as passionate as they come, and you can see his #CBJ dedication through his photography work and the insight and engagement he offers with fellow fans on Twitter. Don't be scared by the beard -- walk up and say hello, because we can guarantee you'll be striking up some hockey talk in no time.
MARK (@RedditCBJ)
Do you like Reddit and Photoshop? Mark's your guy. He's an expert tweeter and novice hockey player, so we'll give him credit for one of the two. If you like talking about the Blue Jackets -- including reveling in victories and cooling down after losses -- we highly recommend his Twitter feed. His blog, HashtagCBJ.com, is the place to go for his (also novice) Photoshop work...and who doesn't love GIFs? Give him a follow, send him a tweet, and don't worry about calling him "Mark" or "Reddit," because we're not even sure what his name really is.
JEFF (@JeffLittleTHW)
You'll recognize Jeff's work from a variety of websites, and he has always done a terrific job blending his legal expertise (he's a practicing lawyer, so if you need help...) and hockey knowledge. He's a wise dude and we recommend following his work. Jeff loves Stanford and Miami (Ohio) sports, golfing, and the Blue Jackets, the latter of which makes him alright in our book. Find Jeff at Blue Jackets games (or he will find you) and he'll happily discuss the power play, how much he doesn't like the Red Wings, and/or how to make more putts from 15 feet.
DAN (@Canadan82)
He's Canadian, went to school in Ohio, and loves the Blue Jackets...what's NOT to like? Oh yeah, he's big into gaming, so if you're down to test your NHL 13 skills against Dan, step up to the plate. Dan blogs, tweets, likes to meet people and talk about hockey. He did grow up in Canada, after all. He is always one of the most active, outgoing and personable members of the Blue Jackets community, so make sure you stop by and say "hey" if you see him around Nationwide Arena.
MATT (@bzarcher)
Do you read SB Nation's Blue Jackets blog, The Cannon? If you do (and you should be already), then you know Matt very well. He is one of the most dedicated bloggers in the Blue Jackets online community and isn't shy to share his opinions on anything and everything going on with the CBJ. Like Jeff Little, Matt has held media credentials with the Blue Jackets and the NHL, so he's able to share some of his experiences from the inside as well as interact and engage with his fellow hardcore hockey fans. Say hello to Matt, but he'll likely get to you first!
ARCH CITY ARMY (@ArchCityArmy)
They're loud, they're passionate, and they're one of a kind. The Arch City Army is the first supporters' group of its kind in the entire National Hockey League, and on game night at Nationwide Arena, you can see and hear them standing, cheering and rooting on the Blue Jackets to victory. Want to join in, and get one of those awesome ACA scarves you see around town? Get in touch with Brian Klein, Zach Prater or Joel Vinocur, who you'll see out and about as well as inside the Social Station.
What they're saying about the #CBJSocial Station:
Had a good time hanging out in the #CBJSocial suite. Thanks @robmixer and the @bluejacketsnhl team. Look forward to it again. #cbj
— Cory Towner (@trumarvel) February 1, 2013
Had a great time checking out the #CBJSocial Suite tonight, definitely try to check it out if you can get a chance! :)
— D. Darko (@frickindannie) February 1, 2013
Thanks #CBJSocial these seats are awesome
— Jeremy wood (@woodroe40_wood) February 1, 2013
Had such an amazing time in the #CBJSocial suite...thank you for everything...hope you invite me again lol #CBJ
— Brandon Wykle (@cbjcc8) January 27, 2013
