Copyright NHL.com
Outdoor hockey is getting bigger in Texas. The Dallas Stars will play at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, when they host the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on Feb. 20, 2027. The game will begin at 8 p.m. ET and broadcast on ABC. An opponent will be named at a later date. "The National Hockey League is thrilled to bring the spectacle of an NHL Stadium Series game to Arlington and one of the world's most spectacular sports settings, AT&T Stadium," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Ever since its opening in 2009, Jerry Jones has been advocating for an outdoor game at this amazing venue. And we are delighted to partner with the Cowboys and Stars -- two franchises dedicated to the fans of North Texas -- and to create another unique fan experience for a market that has long been a hockey success story and welcomed us so enthusiastically when the 2020 NHL Winter Classic was played at the Cotton Bowl." The announcement was made before the Cowboys hosted the Arizona Cardinals on "Monday Night Football." In addition to Bettman and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Stars forwards Tyler Seguin, Wyatt Johnston, Jamie Benn and Jason Robertson were on hand for the announcement at "Jerry World," the nickname for the spectacular stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys are averaging 93,061 this season, the most in the National Football League. "Hosting the NHL Stadium Series with the Dallas Stars is another great example of the vision we've always had for what AT&T Stadium could be beyond football," Jones said. "The game will be another proud moment for us and being able to provide a world class fan and team experience in partnership with two outstanding organizations, the NHL and the Stars, will be very special." The Stars drew 85,630, the third-largest crowd in NHL history, when they defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 in the Winter Classic at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas on Jan. 1, 2020. Only two NHL games have drawn more than 90,000 fans. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in a shootout before 105,491 in the Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Jan. 1, 2014. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Red Wings 5-3 before 94,751 in the Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on March 1. This will be the second outdoor game for Dallas. "Our organization is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium," Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said. "Five years ago, the 2020 NHL Winter Classic was a celebration of the growth and success of hockey in the Lone Star State, which was the third-highest attended outdoor game in League history. We have no doubt that our upcoming Stadium Series game will be met with the same enthusiasm and passion from our fan base. We would like to thank NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Dallas Cowboys owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones and the entire Jones family for their support in making this game a reality. AT&T Stadium is one of the premier entertainment venues in the world and is the perfect place to host our next outdoor game." The Stars have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs six times in the past seven seasons, advancing as far as the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. The 2027 Stadium Series will be the latest major event to be held at AT&T Stadium since it opened in 2009, including Super Bowl XLV in 2011, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the 2018 NFL Draft. The stadium has been a regular host for the Big 12 Conference Championship Game, and annual host of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, since 2010. Outside of professional and college football, AT&T Stadium hosted the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men's Division I Final Four, numerous CONCACAF soccer matches and WrestleMania 32 (2016) and 38 (2022). Prior to the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, the venue will host nine FIFA World Cup matches during Summer 2026, from the group stage through a semifinal.
