Four possible cities that could host the next outdoor NHL game

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
August 19, 2024 (1:11 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

While there have been outdoor NHL games prior to 2008, the NHL really began marketing them well since then, and four other cities could soon host one.

The upcoming 2024-25 NHL season will be the 16th one that the league consecutively hosts an NHL Winter Classic, since the first one back in 2008. There have been 40 outdoor games to date.

This year, the NHL will host an outdoor game at Wrigley Field in Chicago where the Blackhawks will face off against the St. Louis Blues on New Year's Eve. There will be a second outdoor game as well, which will take place on March 1, 2025 at Ohio Stadium that will see the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings.

Where could the NHL host next? We take a look at four unique possibilities.

Miami Florida - LoanDepot Park

An outdoor game in Florida? Why not! The Miami Marlins currently play baseball there and people would flock to see the defending Stanley Cup Champs play. The stadium has air conditioning, so this would easily help keep the ice in good shape.

Stockholm - Strawberry Arena

The NFL has played some football games there, and with the NHL doing their annual Global Series in Europe, its a no-brainer for them to eventually play an outdoor game over in Europe. People in Sweden already love hockey, so this could be a perfect spot. Or, for those looking to play a game in the most unique ambiance, perhaps one being played outside with the Swiss or Italian Alps in the background. What a picture perfect scene!

Los Angeles - Sofi Stadium

There are 70,000 seats at this stadium, and it is a location that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played at, as well as the 2028 Summer Olympics. The roof is also retractable, so this venue would be perfect for hockey fans to flock to.

Salt Lake City - Rice-Eccles Stadium

This outdoor venue was the spot where the closing ceremony of the 2002 Olympics was held. Now that Utah will have their first ever professional NHL team next season, the NHL could look to further grow the game there with an outdoor experience. This stadium can hold 50,000 people and has stunning views of the mountains in the background.

Regardless of where the NHL chooses to play next, there is no shortage of stunning venues that can be used, and with many more decades to come with outdoor games, it's likely that all four locations in this list make the cut one day.

Source: Blades of Steel
Four locations the NHL should consider for an outdoor game