NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reveals which team could host an outdoor hockey game

Gary Bettman recently shared some important updates, including ‘good news’ for an NHL team regarding a potential future outdoor game—a move that is sure to excite the team’s fanbase.

According to Bettman, the future outdoor hockey game is set to take place in Utah, featuring the region’s hockey team, known as the Utah Hockey Club. “An outdoor game is in Utah’s future,” the commissioner stated confidently.

In addition to confirming Utah as a future host, Bettman expressed his certainty that the local community would embrace the event wholeheartedly. “Utah is going to get an outdoor game, and it’s going to be great because I know the reaction from the community is going to be as good as we’ve ever seen,” he added.

Although the event is set for the future, one venue option already being considered is the Rice-Eccles Stadium, the college football stadium home to the Utah Utes.

KEARNS, UTAH – OCTOBER 07: Head coach André Tourigny of the Utah Hockey Club handles practice at Utah’s Olympic Oval on October 07, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

When Will the Next Outdoor Hockey Games Take Place?

The next outdoor games are scheduled for 2026, with one on January 2nd featuring the Rangers and Panthers at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and another on February 1st at Raymond James Stadium between Tampa Bay and the Bruins. The most recent outdoor game was played on March 1st, 2025, with the Blue Jackets defeating the Red Wings 5-3.

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Utah Awaits Its Long-Overdue Outdoor Game

Utah’s outdoor game was initially planned for 2024 but was unfortunately canceled. As a result, Utah is one of only two NHL teams still awaiting an outdoor game. The other is the Panthers, who will play theirs in 2026. If projections hold, Utah’s outdoor game is expected in 2027.

Richard “Richie” Tovar is a bilingual sports writer with over 13 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in statistics. Born and raised in Venezuela, Richard has always had a deep connection with American sports, particularly the NFL, which he follows closely and covers extensively, along with College Football. Coming from a baseball-loving country, he also covers MLB every season. Since joining Bolavip US in 2021, Richard has continued to grow as a writer, showcasing his passion for numbers and statistics in many of his articles. Outside of sports, he enjoys programming, nature, going to the gym, and cooking homemade meals.