Dallas Stars to Host Outdoor NHL Game at AT&T Stadium in 2027
Get ready, North Texas! The NHL has officially announced that the Dallas Stars will host another thrilling outdoor game, this time at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 20, 2027, as hockey makes a grand return to a massive Texas venue.
The Big Announcement: Stars Join Stadium Series
The Dallas Stars are set to host a game as part of the NHL’s prestigious Stadium Series on February 20, 2027. This marquee event will take place at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and is scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop, broadcast nationally on ABC. While the Stars’ opponent is yet to be revealed, the excitement is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable night of hockey.
A Triumphant Return to North Texas
This isn’t the first time the NHL has brought an outdoor spectacle to Dallas. The league famously hosted the Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl on January 1, 2020. NHL executives initially worried about filling 70,000 seats, but demand far exceeded expectations, leading to a sellout crowd of 85,630. This made it the third-most attended outdoor game in NHL history, proving Dallas’s passion for hockey. Steve Mayer, NHL President of Content and Events, recalled the success, stating, “To see the reaction to that particular day and that many people and just how everybody took to the game, we asked the question of when are we going to do this again?”
Why AT&T Stadium? The Iconic Venue
AT&T Stadium has long been eyed by the NHL, but scheduling a game at JerryWorld, especially on New Year’s Day for the Winter Classic, proved difficult due to the NFL playoffs. The league needs at least two weeks to construct the elaborate rink setup, a period that often clashes with the Cowboys’ postseason schedule. However, Cowboys Owner, President, and General Manager Jerry Jones and his team maintained contact, ensuring the dream of an NHL game at AT&T Stadium never faded. “They never let it die,” Mayer said.
Beyond football, AT&T Stadium boasts a remarkable track record of hosting global events, including the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff national championship, NBA All-Star Game, NCAA Men’s Final Four, WrestleMania, and upcoming FIFA World Cup matches in 2026. This extensive experience makes it a prime location for another major sporting event.
Potential for Record-Breaking Attendance
With AT&T Stadium’s seating capacity of 80,000 and the potential to accommodate over 100,000 spectators with standing room and on-field seating, the 2027 Stadium Series game could shatter previous NHL attendance records. It has the potential to surpass the 2020 Winter Classic’s impressive turnout and even become the most attended NHL game in history. Brad Alberts, Stars President and CEO, highlighted the significance: “It’s certainly going to be another marquee opportunity for us to showcase this franchise at probably the most iconic football venue in the world.”
A Unique Fan Experience Awaits
NHL officials are committed to making this an authentic “outdoor series” game, intending to open AT&T Stadium’s retractable roof for the event. The flexibility of the roof also aids in maintaining ideal temperatures during the two-week rink construction. Being a night game, fans and players won’t have to worry about blinding sunlight.
While specifics are under wraps, the NHL promises an even more spectacular atmosphere than the “quintessential Texas” theme of the Cotton Bowl game, which featured mechanical bulls, horses for the national anthem, and Stars-themed pig racing. “We take so much pride in making it different and better,” Mayer assured. “I will guarantee that when somebody walks in that building and takes in this game, it’s going to feel completely different than it did at the Cotton Bowl.”
Comparing North Texas NHL Outdoor Games
| Event | Date | Venue | Attendance (Actual/Potential) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Winter Classic | January 1, 2020 | Cotton Bowl, Dallas | 85,630 (Sellout) |
| 2027 Stadium Series | February 20, 2027 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 80,000+ (Potential 100,000+) |
Highlighting Texas Hockey on a National Stage
The Stars’ consistent success, including multiple Western Conference Finals appearances and a Stanley Cup Final run in 2020, has earned them a prominent position within the league. This 2027 Stadium Series game, following their participation in the 2024 NHL Global Series in Finland, underscores the league’s strategy to showcase growing, non-traditional hockey markets like Dallas. The NHL also plans to host the 2026 Stadium Series in Tampa and the 2026 Winter Classic in Miami, further emphasizing this trend.
“This city is a hockey town now, and the rest of the world should see and know more about it,” Mayer declared. Alberts added, “It was always part of the plan to get us back to this level, to not just be another team in this league, to be a marquee team in this league. I think we’re there.” This event solidifies the Dallas Stars’ role as a crucial and exciting franchise for the NHL.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the 2027 NHL outdoor game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2027, with a 7 p.m. CST start time. - Where will the game be played?
The Dallas Stars will host the game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. - What is the NHL Stadium Series?
The Stadium Series is an annual NHL event featuring outdoor regular season games held in large football or baseball stadiums, distinct from the Winter Classic. - Who will the Dallas Stars play?
The opponent for the Dallas Stars in the 2027 Stadium Series game has not yet been announced by the NHL. - Will the AT&T Stadium roof be open?
Yes, NHL officials have stated their intention for the AT&T Stadium roof to be open for this “outdoor series” game.
This upcoming outdoor game is more than just a hockey match; it’s a testament to Dallas’s growing reputation as a vibrant hockey market and a must-see event for sports fans across North Texas.
Dallas Stars to host outdoor game at ATT Stadium
