> At a Glance
> – Utah Mammoth will host the 2027 NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium
> – This will be the first outdoor game in franchise history for the team formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes
> – The Colorado Avalanche will be the opponent, marking their 4th outdoor appearance
> – Why it matters: The game solidifies Utah’s place in the NHL and celebrates the state’s winter sports culture
The Utah Mammoth, the NHL’s newest franchise, will finally get its moment under the open sky. The team will host the 2027 Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium, becoming the last of 32 teams to play in an outdoor game.
A Long-Awaited Outdoor Debut
The Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes and originally the Winnipeg Jets, have never played in an outdoor game. That will change in 2027 when they face the Colorado Avalanche in the league’s premier regular-season event.
Ryan Smith, who owns the team with wife Ashley Smith, called the opportunity “a dream.”
> “We actually came up here early in the process of even getting the team because we said this is what we want. We wanted our players to be able to have it.”
Game Details and Venue
- Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, University of Utah
- Capacity: 51,444 seats
- Alcohol Sales: Permitted (private event exemption)
- Event Type: Private NHL event, not a university game
Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the venue’s setup and the Smiths’ leadership.
> “This stadium sets up very well from a sight line perspective. There’s an intimacy here. We expect to have 50,000-plus here.”
Colorado’s Outdoor History
The Avalanche are no strangers to outdoor games. This will be their fourth appearance, with a current record of 1-2-0 in previous matchups.
Joe Sakic, president of hockey operations for Colorado, said in a release:
> “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.”
Utah’s Winter Sports Identity
The Smiths emphasized how the Winter Classic aligns with Utah’s culture.
Ashley Smith noted:
> “We don’t hide from the winter here. We live in the mountains. It’s what we breathe. It’s very authentic to us and all of Utah.”
Rice-Eccles Stadium previously hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies and is scheduled to do so again in 2034.
Key Takeaways
- Utah Mammoth will host the 2027 NHL Winter Classic, their first outdoor game
- The game will be held at Rice-Eccles Stadium, home of the University of Utah football team
- Colorado Avalanche will be the opponent, making their 4th outdoor appearance
- The event marks a milestone for the franchise, which relocated from Arizona in 2024
The Winter Classic continues to be a marquee event for the NHL, and Utah’s debut will be a historic moment for both the team and the league.
