Utah Mammoth to host the 2027 NHL Winter Classic against the Colorado Avalanche

Published: Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:22 am

Utah Mammoth to Host 2027 NHL Winter Classic

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Outdoor hockey is coming to Utah. The Utah Mammoth will host the 2027 NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium, facing off against the Colorado Avalanche. The specific date for the game has yet to be announced.

This marks the first outdoor game for the Utah franchise, which has a history as the Phoenix and Arizona Coyotes and, before that, the Winnipeg Jets. The team's participation makes Utah the final of the 32 active NHL teams to participate in the Winter Classic.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has lauded owners Ryan and Ashley Smith for their efforts since acquiring the team and relocating it to Salt Lake City in 2024. Ryan Smith expressed excitement about bringing the event to Utah, highlighting the desire to provide this experience for their players.

Rice-Eccles Stadium, with a seating capacity of over 51,000, previously hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics and is slated to do so again in 2034. Bettman noted the stadium's favorable sightlines and the anticipated presence of over 50,000 spectators.

The Colorado Avalanche will be making their fourth outdoor appearance. The Avalanche's president of hockey operations, Joe Sakic, expressed the team's pride in being selected for the event.

The Smiths emphasized Utah's suitability as a host, citing the state's winter sports heritage and the community's embrace of winter. Alcohol sales will be permitted during the Winter Classic, a departure from the usual restrictions during University of Utah athletic events.

BNN's Perspective: The NHL Winter Classic in Utah represents a significant opportunity to grow the sport in a new market. While the event's success will depend on various factors, including weather and ticket sales, the enthusiasm of the team owners and the state's established winter sports culture suggest a promising outlook. The game could provide a boost to the local economy and further solidify Utah's reputation as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Keywords: Utah Mammoth, NHL Winter Classic, Colorado Avalanche, Rice-Eccles Stadium, outdoor hockey, Ryan Smith, Ashley Smith, Gary Bettman, Joe Sakic, Salt Lake City, winter sports, hockey, sports, Utah, Colorado, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets, 2027 Winter Classic

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