The Colorado Avalanche are set to play in the NHL’s premier regular-season event in 2027. The league announced that the Utah Mammoth will face the Avs in the 2027 Winter Classic. The venue for said event will be Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
While the date of the game itself was not confirmed, the two participants are firmly entrenched, Rob Rossi of The Athletic reported on Wednesday.
Rice-Eccles Stadium is the home of the Utah Utes of NCAA football. The field is located on the campus of the University of Utah, making it an ideal spot for the NHL’s signature outdoor game.
NHL.com quoted Avalanche president Joe Sakic's remarks following the announcement:
“We’re excited and honored that the League selected us for the Winter Classic. 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.”
The 2027 Winter Classic will take place in a much colder environment than this year’s edition in Miami. The ice wasn’t precisely in the best condition for the event. That’s why Utah promises to offer much better conditions for this outdoor game.
Rice-Eccles Stadium was the site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Olympics. That year, Canada beat the United States in the final to capture gold. Then-Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic was the tournament MVP. Sakic led the Canadian side, scoring four goals and adding three assists for seven points in six games.
It’s also worth pointing out that the 2034 Winter Games will return to Utah. The Games are slated from February 10 to 26, 2034.
NHLers are assured participation in the 2030 Games in the French Alps. However, it’s unclear whether professional players will take part in the 2034 Utah Games. Of course, it’s far too soon to speculate about the 2034 Olympics. However, depending on how this year’s tournament goes, NHLers’ participation could come into question.
Needless to say, a successful tournament could pave the way for a rematch of the 2002 Olympics between the United States and Canada.
The last time the Avalanche played in an outdoor game was in 2021 at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Avalanche also played the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 Stadium Series game at Coors Field.