Winter Classic
2026

The 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic -- Utah Mammoth vs Colorado Avalanche

The 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic brings outdoor hockey to Salt Lake City for the first time. The Utah Mammoth, one of the newest franchises in the NHL, will host the Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium on the campus of the University of Utah. The game is set for December 31, 2026 -- a New Years Eve showdown that doubles as one of the biggest sporting events of the holiday season.

Rice-Eccles Stadium is no stranger to hosting major events. The venue served as the site for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and seats more than 54,000 for football. Converted for hockey, the stadium will offer a dramatic open-air setting with the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop -- one of the most scenic Winter Classic venues in the history of the event.

This game carries extra significance for the Utah franchise. When the puck drops on December 31, all 32 NHL teams will have participated in an outdoor game, completing a milestone for the league. For the Mammoth, it is a chance to make a statement in front of a massive crowd in just their second season. The Avalanche, meanwhile, bring star power and a roster built around some of the most talented players in the sport, making this a matchup with real on-ice intrigue.

The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT in the United States and on Sportsnet in Canada. Past Winter Classics have featured pre-game concerts, alumni games, and fan festivals in the days leading up to puck drop, and the Salt Lake City edition is expected to follow suit with a full slate of events surrounding the game.

How to Get 2027 NHL Winter Classic Tickets

Where can I buy 2027 Winter Classic tickets?

Tickets are available through NHL Experiences, Ticketmaster, and trusted resale marketplaces like BigStub. BigStub offers verified tickets with no hidden fees and backs every order with a 100% buyer guarantee.

How much are Winter Classic tickets?

Prices vary based on section and proximity to the ice. Upper bowl seats at Rice-Eccles Stadium offer an affordable entry point, while lower sections and seats near the rink carry a premium. Outdoor NHL games are bucket-list events for many fans, so prices tend to be higher than regular-season games. Comparing across sellers is a smart move.

What time does the 2027 Winter Classic start?

The game is scheduled for December 31, 2026 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The exact puck drop time has not been announced yet but Winter Classics traditionally start in the afternoon or early evening. Check back closer to the event for the confirmed start time.

What should I wear to an outdoor hockey game?

Dress for the weather -- Salt Lake City in late December can be cold, with temperatures often in the 20s or 30s. Layer up with thermal base layers, a warm coat, gloves, a hat, and insulated boots. The stadium seats will be cold, so bringing a seat cushion or blanket is a great idea. Many fans wear their team jerseys over their winter gear.

Is there parking at Rice-Eccles Stadium?

Parking is available on the University of Utah campus in multiple lots and garages surrounding the stadium. For a major event like the Winter Classic, expect heavy traffic and consider arriving early. The UTA TRAX light rail has a stop near campus and is a convenient alternative to driving.

Get Your 2027 Winter Classic Tickets Now

Hockey under the open sky, the Wasatch Mountains in the background, and a New Years Eve atmosphere -- the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic is shaping up to be one of the best outdoor games in NHL history. Utah Mammoth vs Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium is a game you do not want to miss, and with over 54,000 seats available, there is room for every kind of hockey fan.

Find your seats at BigStub, where fans have trusted verified tickets for more than two decades. Every purchase comes with a full buyer guarantee and no hidden fees, so you can focus on planning your trip to Salt Lake City. Grab your tickets today and ring in 2027 with the best outdoor hockey event of the year!