SALT LAKE CITY — Excitement is in the air as the Utah Mammoth prepare for a momentous occasion in 2027, when they will host the NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup will see the Colorado Avalanche go head-to-head against Utah in front of a crowd of 50,000 fans on the University of Utah campus. The specific date for this outdoor spectacle has yet to be announced.
Since the Mammoth began their journey in Salt Lake City last season, speculation regarding the possibility of hosting an outdoor game has been rampant. Those discussions gained traction this week when Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL player and respected insider, hinted at the news during an episode of the ‘Spittin Chiclets’ podcast, stating that Utah would indeed welcome an outdoor game next season.
Outdoor NHL games have become a cherished tradition, offering fans a unique experience in stunning locales. Iconic venues such as Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, and the Cotton Bowl in Dallas have previously hosted these memorable events, which are among the highlights of the NHL calendar. The most recent outdoor game featured the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers, who faced off at LoanDepot Park in Miami, continuing the league’s commitment to bringing hockey to new audiences in diverse environments.
With the Mammoth’s upcoming Winter Classic, fans in Utah will have the opportunity to witness professional hockey in a picturesque outdoor setting, weaving a new chapter in the history of the sport in the state. This event not only promises to be a significant milestone for the Mammoth but also reflects the growth and excitement surrounding hockey in Utah.