Avalanche to play in NHL Winter Classic next year, will head to Utah
The Avalanche are heading to Utah to take on the Mammoth at Rice-Eccles Stadium; the home of the Utes college football team in Salt Lake City
Watch: What were the BIG takeaways from Sean Payton's first camp press conference? | Freshly Grated | 24 mins
The Colorado Avalanche will play in their first NHL Winter Classic next year.
They’re heading to Utah to take on the Mammoth at Rice-Eccles Stadium. That’s the home of the Utah Utes college football team in Salt Lake City.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and representatives from the Mammoth made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon. There’s not yet a time or date for the contest, but it will be in 2027.
This Rocky Mountain Rivalry is heading outside 🏔️
We will take on the Utah Mammoth in the 2027 NHL Winter Classic! pic.twitter.com/WwjFadTikE
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 7, 2026
The Avalanche have played outdoor games before at Coors Field (2016), the Air Force Academy (2020) and Edgewood Tahoe Resort (2021). Those first two were part of the NHL’s Stadium Series, while the latter was titled “NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe.”
“We’re excited and honored that the League selected us for the Winter Classic,” said Avs president Joe Sakic in a release from team. “The Avalanche organization is always proud to be in consideration for marquee events like this. We’re looking forward to being matched up with a great team and represent the Rocky Mountain region in a game that appeals to these two markets in this part of the country.”
It’s always cool to see the game in a different setting, especially in a cold-weather stadium. The Avalanche are 1-2 overall, losing to the Red Wings in 2016, Kings in 2020 and topping the Golden Knights in 2021.
The Winter Classic was first played in 2008 and has been held 17 times. It’s surprising with their great history that Colorado has never been officially in it, but again, it’s not like the Avalanche have been ignored for other outdoor opportunities.
Fans will get a chance to see Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and other Colorado greats skate in a massive football stadium in 2027, which should be a treat.
Related
Avalanche name new head coach for AHL affiliate Eagles
Five most important Avalanche games during the 2026-27 season
NHL drops schedule for 2026-27 Avalanche season
First Avalanche game of 2026-27 season announced, it’s in September
Avs make three more depth signings, including forward with 477 NHL games
Avalanche sign depth defenseman from the Flyers
Comments
0 Comments