The 2024 NHL Winter Classic is an annual event that rotates around the country pitting two popular hockey teams against each other in a unique outdoor venue. In 2024, the Winter Classic is heading to Seattle, where the Kraken will host the Las Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park.
What is the NHL Winter Classic?
The NHL Winter Classic takes hockey back to its roots by playing an outdoor game in the middle of winter. Instead of playing inside a team’s arena, the games are held in a local stadium to embrace the weather and history of the game.
Typically, the stadium has its own history and special place in the hearts of fans. For example, Boston hosted a game inside Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox), and Detroit hosted its game at The Big House (University of Michigan).
Who is playing in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic?
The National Hockey League rotates which teams compete every year. This year, the Seattle Kraken is hosting the game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Over the last five years, the following teams have matched up:
- 2023. Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
- 2022. St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- 2021. Did not play due to COVID.
- 2020. Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
- 2019. Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.
Visit the NHL website to see a complete history of outdoor hockey games.
The Seattle Kraken will be the 29th different team to participate in an NHL outdoor hockey game. While most hockey teams have participated in one of these games, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, and Arizona Coyotes still haven’t punched their ticket to this annual event.
When is the NHL Winter Classic 2024?
The 2024 NHL Winter Classic will be played on January 1, 2024. Winter Classic games are usually held around New Year’s Day, but the date can change from year-to-year. In 2023, the hockey game was played on January 2nd.
Where is the 2024 Winter Classic being played?
The Seattle Kraken normally plays its games at Climate Pledge Arena. For the 2024 Winter Classic, they’re hosting the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park, which is the home of the Seattle Mariners.
T-Mobile Park is located at 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134. It is about one mile from Downtown Seattle. It is an easy 30-minute walk, or you can catch an Uber or Lyft. I recommend that you avoid driving, so you don’t have to hassle with traffic or pay huge fees to park.
How do you buy tickets for the NHL Winter Classic?
Pre-sale ticket opportunities for the 2024 NHL Winter Classic will be released to Seattle Kraken season ticket holders first. While this is a regular season game, they are not included in a season ticket package. Prices for the Seattle Kraken season ticket package will be reduced by one game to compensate for the Winter Classic game not being included.
Tickets will be available to the public at a later time in 2023. You can register your interest in buying Winter Classic tickets to be among the first to have access.
Learn more about the Winter Classic 2024 in Seattle, Washington, on the NHL website.
Which hotel should you book for the NHL Winter Classic?
With the 2024 Winter Classic being hosted at T-Mobile Park, there are several great hotel options nearby. However, Seattle is an easy city to get around, so you don’t have to book a hotel in the shadow of the stadium. This is especially true if you’re planning on staying in Seattle for a few days before or after the hockey game to explore the city.
Some of my favorite hotels near T-Mobile Park include:
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square
- Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
- Thompson Seattle
You can book your flights and hotel stay through our affiliate partner, Expedia. View flight and hotel options below.
For fans that like to use airline miles and hotel points to pay for travel expenses, our friends at Awayz have you covered.
What are the best things to do in Seattle?
If you’re coming to Seattle for the NHL Winter Classic, you should take a little time to explore the city’s rich culture and history. We love visiting Pike’s Place Market, the Original Starbucks, (Rock n Roll Museum), and other local attractions.
Check out the Seattle podcast interview I did with my friends Jon and Ben from NoMasCoach.
And you can book fun activities through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide.
The bottom line
The 2024 NHL Winter Classic is destined to be a memorable hockey game. It is a matchup of two of the NHL’s newest teams at the home of the Seattle Mariners. This unique, outdoor event is extremely popular with hockey fans and will sell out. Grab your tickets as soon as they’re released, so you don’t miss out.
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