Utah Mammoth to Host Colorado Avalanche in 2027 Winter Classic
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced on Wednesday that the Utah Mammoth will host the Colorado Avalanche in the 2027 Winter Classic at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. This highly anticipated event will mark the 47th NHL regular-season outdoor game and the first for the Utah franchise, making it a historic moment for the team and its fans.
The Utah Mammoth, in their third year of existence, have been making waves in the NHL since their relocation from Arizona. Ryan and Ashley Smith, the team’s owners, have been instrumental in bringing the franchise to Utah and have been working tirelessly to establish the team as a major player in the league. According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, the team has “earned” the opportunity to host a marquee league event, citing the “level of excellence” with which they launched the franchise and the reception it has received in Utah.
A New Era for the Utah Mammoth
Bettman praised the team’s owners, saying, “The level of excellence with which they launched this franchise and the reception that the franchise and NHL hockey has gotten is beyond anything that anybody could have expected.” He also highlighted Ryan Smith’s vision for the team, which includes hosting major league events such as the All-Star Game and outdoor games. Smith has been vocal about his desire to bring big events to Utah, and the 2027 Winter Classic is a major step towards achieving that goal.
The game will be held at the University of Utah’s on-campus football stadium, Rice-Eccles Stadium, which offers breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range and is situated 4,657 feet above sea level. The stadium has a rich history, having hosted the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in 2002 and set to host it again in 2034. Smith is hoping to capitalize on the stadium’s unique location, citing the seven ski resorts within 20 minutes of the venue as a major draw for fans. He envisions fans combining the Winter Classic with a family ski vacation, making it a unique and memorable experience.
A Showcase for Utah
Smith, a Utah native, sees the 2027 Winter Classic as an opportunity to showcase the state as an innovative tech hub with a young and vibrant demographic. He believes that the event will not only bring people together but also highlight the state’s business-friendly environment and efficient infrastructure. As he noted, “There are a couple things that are unique to Utah, and No. 1 is obviously what you’ll see around you. You’re going to be surrounded by the most epic mountainscape that you’ve ever seen.” He also emphasized the ease of doing business in Utah, saying, “Our state is incredibly easy to do business in, and it’s extremely efficient with how the structure and the infrastructure is.”
The 2027 Winter Classic is set to be a major event, not just for the Utah Mammoth but for the state of Utah as a whole. With its unique location, stunning natural beauty, and business-friendly environment, Utah is poised to host an unforgettable event that will bring people together and showcase the state’s many attractions. As Smith said, “I think that in a world where efficiency matters and ease of use and time with people, people are going to be able to come in, they’re going to be able to stay, they’re going to be able to get in and out and just have this moment and be like, ‘Wow, that was refreshing.'” The 2027 Winter Classic is sure to be an event to remember, and fans of the Utah Mammoth and the NHL are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the game’s date.
