2027 NHL Winter Classic: Date, Teams, Stadium & What to Wear
The Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on New Year’s Eve 2026, the first outdoor NHL game in Utah.
The 2027 NHL Winter Classic is on Thursday, December 31, 2026: the Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, the first outdoor NHL game ever played in Utah.
- Event
- 2027 NHL Winter Classic
- Dates
- Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · Late afternoon local time
- Venue
- Rice-Eccles Stadium
- Location
- Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Organizer
- NHL
Checked against the official source (nhl.com) on November 2, 2026. Schedules can change, so confirm before you travel.
Winter Classic 2027: date, teams and stadium
- Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026 (New Year's Eve).
- Teams: Colorado Avalanche at Utah Mammoth.
- Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
- Start time: late afternoon local time, according to the NHL. The exact puck drop and TV channel are confirmed closer to the game.
A first for Utah
Utah joined the NHL in 2024, and this is the state's first outdoor regular-season game. Rice-Eccles Stadium is the University of Utah's football stadium and hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. For the Winter Classic, a full rink is built on the football field, with seats all around it.
The Avalanche are the Mammoth's neighbors to the east, which makes this a natural Rocky Mountain rivalry game.
What the weather is like on New Year's Eve in Salt Lake City
Late December in Salt Lake City is usually cold, with daytime highs often in the 30s °F and temperatures dropping after sunset. A late-afternoon start means the game will likely finish in the dark, when it is coldest. Snow is possible. Check the forecast the week of the game and plan for freezing temperatures.
What to wear to an outdoor hockey game
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings, not cotton.
- Mid layer: fleece or a hoodie; a heated vest is great for a three-hour game.
- Outer layer: a warm, windproof winter coat (team jersey on top if you like).
- Feet: wool socks and insulated, waterproof boots. Concrete stands get very cold.
- Hands and head: gloves or mittens, a beanie, and rechargeable or disposable hand warmers.
Check the stadium's rules on blankets and bags before you go. Most big stadiums use a clear bag policy, and many do not allow seat cushions.
Cold-weather gear for outdoor games
Our guides to staying warm in the stands.
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Related guides
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 NHL Winter Classic?
Thursday, December 31, 2026, New Year’s Eve, with a late-afternoon local start time.
Who is playing in the 2027 Winter Classic?
The Colorado Avalanche visit the Utah Mammoth.
Where is the 2027 Winter Classic?
At Rice-Eccles Stadium, the University of Utah’s football stadium in Salt Lake City.
Is this the first outdoor NHL game in Utah?
Yes. It is the first outdoor NHL game played in the state.
How cold will it be at the Winter Classic?
Late-December highs in Salt Lake City are often in the 30s °F, and it gets colder after sunset. Dress for freezing temperatures.
What should I wear to the Winter Classic?
Thermal base layers, a fleece or heated vest, a windproof winter coat, wool socks, insulated boots, gloves, a beanie and hand warmers.
Dates, times and venues are checked against the official organizer and may change. We update this page when they do. Some links on this page go to our buying guides, which may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.
