Dallas Stars to Host 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium

The Dallas Stars are bringing hockey back to North Texas in spectacular fashion, with the NHL announcing that the team will host the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at AT&;T Stadium on February 20, 2027. The game marks a historic first for “Jerry World,” as the iconic venue has never hosted a hockey game despite opening its doors in 2009. With the potential to draw more than 90,000 fans, this outdoor showcase represents the NHL’s continued commitment to expanding the game’s reach in non-traditional markets and capitalizing on the Stars’ recent on-ice success.

The announcement came during ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” before the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Arizona Cardinals, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joined by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Stars players Tyler Seguin, Wyatt Johnston, Jamie Benn, and Jason Robertson. The game will air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, though the Stars’ opponent has yet to be revealed, leaving fans to speculate whether Western Conference rivals like the Colorado Avalanche or Vegas Golden Knights will make the trip to Arlington.

Why the Dallas Stars 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium is a game-changer for outdoor hockey

The selection of AT&T Stadium represents a significant milestone for the NHL’s outdoor game initiative. Unlike traditional outdoor venues that are at the mercy of unpredictable winter weather, AT&T Stadium offers a climate-controlled environment with its retractable roof, ensuring optimal playing conditions and fan comfort. This technological advantage addresses one of the primary concerns that have occasionally plagued outdoor games—ice quality and temperature fluctuations that can affect gameplay.

The venue itself is a marvel of modern architecture and entertainment infrastructure. Home to the Dallas Cowboys and averaging 93,061 fans this season—the highest in the NFL—the stadium has established itself as one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment destinations. Its massive HD video board, which spans from 20-yard line to 20-yard line, is itself a spectacle that will add a unique visual element to the hockey experience. Commissioner Bettman noted the excitement around the venue’s features, saying, “That scoreboard, you can’t even describe it. It’s going to be very special, and people when they see the rink will go, ‘This is where they play football? This is where they should be playing hockey all the time!’”

Jerry Jones has been a long-time advocate for bringing NHL outdoor hockey to his stadium. “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. His persistence has finally paid off, and the partnership between the Cowboys, Stars, and NHL promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for hockey fans across Texas and beyond. The stadium has successfully hosted everything from Super Bowl XLV to NCAA Final Fours, WrestleMania events, and will host nine FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, proving its versatility as a world-class venue.

The timing of this announcement also coincides with the Stars’ sustained success on the ice. The team has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs six times in the past seven seasons, including three consecutive Western Conference finals appearances from 2023 to 2025. This consistent excellence has grown the team’s fanbase significantly, with the Dallas Stars establishing themselves as one of the most competitive franchises in the Western Conference. The 2027 Stadium Series will serve as both a celebration of this success and an opportunity to further expand hockey’s footprint in the Lone Star State.

Stars owner Tom Gaglardi expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the team’s confidence that the game will match or exceed the success of their previous outdoor venture. The organization views this as more than just a single game—it’s a statement about hockey’s growth and sustainability in Texas, a region that has embraced the sport with increasing passion over the past two decades.

Building on the success of the Dallas Stars 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium and the 2020 Winter Classic legacy

The Stars’ first outdoor game at the Cotton Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2020, set a high bar for future events. The team defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 in front of 85,630 fans, marking the third-largest crowd in NHL history at the time. That game wasn’t just about the numbers—it represented a cultural moment for hockey in Texas, showcasing the region’s appetite for the sport on a grand scale. The atmosphere at the Cotton Bowl was electric, with fans braving the elements to witness history and celebrate their team’s place in the NHL outdoor tradition.

Interestingly, AT&T Stadium was actually considered as a potential venue for the 2020 Winter Classic before the Cotton Bowl was ultimately selected. At the time, the league opted for the more traditional outdoor setting, but the overwhelming success of that event and Jones’s continued interest kept the idea alive. Now, five years later, the Stars and NHL are ready to take the next step with an even more ambitious undertaking. The lessons learned from the Cotton Bowl experience will undoubtedly inform the planning and execution of the 2027 Stadium Series.

The 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium has the potential to break attendance records. Only two NHL games have ever drawn more than 90,000 fans: the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium (105,491) and the 2024 Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium (94,751). With AT&T Stadium’s capacity exceeding 80,000 and the possibility of additional seating configurations, Bettman hinted at the potential for record-breaking numbers, saying, “We had a great experience at the Cotton Bowl with 84,000 people. My guess is that we’re going to beat that number.”

The evolution from Cotton Bowl to AT&T Stadium also reflects the Stars’ growing stature within the NHL landscape. While the Cotton Bowl provided a nostalgic, classic outdoor experience, AT&T Stadium offers modern amenities and infrastructure that can elevate every aspect of the fan experience. From concessions to sightlines to entertainment value, the 2027 game will set a new standard for what Stadium Series events can achieve. Fans can expect enhanced viewing experiences with the stadium’s enormous video displays providing up-close action from every angle, something that traditional outdoor venues simply cannot match.

Moreover, the Stars have continued to build their brand and strengthen their connection with the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Similar to how teams manage their roster through strategic lineup decisions, the organization has carefully cultivated its fanbase and community presence, ensuring that events like the Stadium Series resonate beyond just the game itself. The team’s success on the ice has translated to sustained interest off it, making them an ideal host for such a marquee NHL event.

The spectacle and atmosphere expected at the Dallas Stars 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium

Creating an outdoor hockey rink inside a football stadium is no small feat, even with a retractable roof. The NHL has perfected the process over years of outdoor games, but AT&T Stadium presents unique opportunities and challenges. The massive interior space will allow for creative fan experiences beyond just the game itself, with potential for interactive zones, concerts, and entertainment that maximize the venue’s capabilities. The league has consistently sought to make outdoor games multi-day festivals rather than single events, and AT&T Stadium’s location in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth entertainment corridor makes it ideal for this approach.

The climate-controlled environment is a significant advantage, particularly for a late-February date in Texas. While February temperatures in North Texas can be unpredictable—ranging from freezing conditions to mild 60-degree days—the retractable roof ensures that neither players nor fans will have to contend with rain, extreme cold, or oppressive heat. This allows the NHL to focus on creating perfect ice conditions without the weather-related anxieties that have occasionally plagued other outdoor events. The 2026 Stadium Series in Tampa will serve as another test case for warm-weather outdoor hockey, but AT&T Stadium’s roof provides an insurance policy that open-air venues cannot.

The in-game atmosphere will be unlike anything hockey fans have experienced before. AT&T Stadium’s state-of-the-art sound system and lighting capabilities can transform the venue into an immersive entertainment environment. Imagine player introductions with dramatic lighting effects, goal celebrations amplified by the massive speakers, and between-period entertainment that rivals Super Bowl halftime shows. The stadium’s proven track record of hosting major events—from college football championships to WrestleMania—demonstrates its ability to create memorable moments that transcend the sport itself.

For the players, competing in such a venue will be a career highlight. The Stars roster features a mix of veteran leadership and young talent that should be even more impressive by 2027. Players like Jason Robertson, who is already one of the league’s premier goal scorers, and Wyatt Johnston, a rising star in his own right, will have the opportunity to shine on one of hockey’s biggest stages. The experience of competing at such a high level in front of potentially over 90,000 fans will be something these players remember for the rest of their lives.

The opponent selection, while still to be determined, will play a crucial role in maximizing interest and attendance. Western Conference rivals like the Avalanche would bring star power with players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, while a matchup against the Golden Knights would reignite playoff rivalries. The NHL could also opt for an Original Six team like the Chicago Blackhawks or a Canadian franchise to bring broader appeal. Regardless of the opponent, the Stars’ recent playoff success and strong roster ensure that the game will feature meaningful competition, not just spectacle.

Economic and cultural impact of the Dallas Stars 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium on North Texas

The economic benefits of hosting a Stadium Series game extend far beyond ticket sales. These events typically generate millions of dollars in economic impact for the host region through hotel bookings, restaurant spending, and tourism. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, already one of the nation’s largest and most economically vibrant regions, will see a significant boost from the influx of hockey fans from across North America. Many fans will make a weekend of the trip, exploring the entertainment districts in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth while attending the game.

Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, will benefit tremendously from the event. Hotels in Arlington and surrounding areas will likely book solid for the weekend, while restaurants and bars will see increased traffic from fans looking for pre-game and post-game gathering spots. The event also provides a platform for local businesses to market themselves to a national audience, as Stadium Series games receive extensive media coverage and often feature local businesses in broadcasts and promotional materials.

From a cultural perspective, the 2027 Stadium Series reinforces hockey’s place in the Texas sports landscape. While the Stars have been part of the Dallas community since relocating from Minnesota in 1993, events like this elevate the sport’s profile and introduce it to new audiences. Families who might primarily follow the Cowboys, Rangers, or Mavericks will have an opportunity to experience NHL hockey in an accessible, festive environment. This cross-pollination of sports fandom is exactly what the NHL hopes to achieve with outdoor games in non-traditional markets.

The event also serves as a powerful marketing tool for youth hockey development in the region. Young players who attend the game or watch it on television will be inspired by seeing their sport played on such a grand stage. The Stars and NHL typically coordinate community programs and youth hockey initiatives around outdoor games, using them as focal points for growing grassroots participation. Texas youth hockey has grown significantly over the past two decades, and events like the Stadium Series accelerate that growth by generating excitement and visibility.

The international dimension cannot be overlooked either. With AT&T Stadium set to host nine FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, the venue will already be on the global sports map. The 2027 Stadium Series adds another chapter to that narrative, showcasing the venue’s versatility and the region’s ability to host world-class sporting events across multiple disciplines. This reputation benefits the entire Dallas-Fort Worth region, enhancing its status as a premier destination for major sporting events and potentially attracting future NHL All-Star Games or playoff showcases.

Logistical planning and preparation for the Dallas Stars 2027 Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium

Planning an event of this magnitude requires coordination between multiple organizations and begins years in advance. The NHL’s Events Group, which has extensive experience with outdoor games, will work closely with the Stars organization, Cowboys management, and AT&T Stadium operations to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly. From ice installation to seating configurations to security protocols, thousands of hours of planning go into making Stadium Series games successful.

The ice installation process itself is a technical marvel. Crews will construct the rink surface using specialized equipment and materials designed to maintain quality even in challenging conditions. While AT&T Stadium’s roof helps control environmental factors, the sheer volume of the interior space means that temperature and humidity must be carefully managed. The NHL has refined its outdoor ice-making techniques over years of experience, and they’ll employ state-of-the-art refrigeration and monitoring systems to ensure optimal playing conditions throughout the game.

Seating configurations will be crucial to maximizing attendance while maintaining sightlines and fan experience. Football stadiums aren’t designed for hockey, so creative solutions must be implemented to give as many fans as possible clear views of the rink. Premium seating options, including on-ice suites and club seats, will command significant prices while general admission seating will be configured to accommodate the largest possible crowd. The Stars and NHL will likely release ticket information at least a year in advance to allow fans to plan and purchase accordingly.

Transportation and parking represent another significant logistical challenge. AT&T Stadium regularly handles crowds exceeding 90,000 for Cowboys games, so the infrastructure exists, but coordinating with local authorities to manage traffic flow and provide adequate parking will require detailed planning. The venue’s location between Dallas and Fort Worth, accessible from multiple highways, helps, but fans should expect heavy traffic before and after the game. Public transportation options and ride-sharing services will be essential components of the overall transportation plan.

Security protocols will follow NFL and NHL standards, with multiple layers of screening and monitoring to ensure fan safety. The Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement agencies will coordinate with venue security to create a comprehensive safety plan. Given the venue’s experience hosting Super Bowls and other major events, these protocols are well-established, but the unique aspects of a hockey game—including fan traditions and potential outdoor elements if the roof is open—will require specific adaptations.

The 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium represents more than just another outdoor hockey game—it’s a celebration of the sport’s growth in Texas and a testament to the Dallas Stars’ place among the NHL’s elite franchises. With the potential for record-breaking attendance, world-class entertainment, and an unforgettable fan experience, the event will showcase what’s possible when visionary leadership from the NHL, Stars, and Cowboys comes together. With details continuing to emerge about ticketing, opponent selection, and ancillary events, excitement will build throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and across the hockey world. February 20, 2027, will mark another historic chapter for the Dallas Stars and for outdoor hockey, proving once again that Jerry World is truly a venue that can adapt to and elevate any sport.