Toroto City Council last week supprted my Motion unanimously to support an NHL outdoor hockey game in Toronto! I’m thinking t in the Skydome with the roof open…..and the CN Tower lit up in red and qwhite in the background!
Here are my speaking notes from the City Council discussion:
- This motion is a straightforward request: it simply asks Council to allow the City Manager and Economic Development staff to begin conversations with MLSE, the NHL, and Rogers about the possibility of hosting an outdoor hockey game here in Toronto.
- There is no commitment, no financial approval, and no obligation attached to this request. It does not ask the NHL to add a second Stadium Series game for 2027.
- This is just the first step—doing the due diligence and determining whether hosting an outdoor game in Toronto is feasible as we look ahead to the Maple Leaf’s 100th anniversary in 2027.
- Toronto is a hockey city—this sport is in our DNA. With the Maple Leafs’ 100th anniversary coming up in 2027, we have a once-in-a-century opportunity to do something truly special for fans.
- Outdoor games are iconic, high-energy events. And Toronto has never hosted one. For the hockey capital of the world, that’s surprising. Picture the Rogers Centre with the roof open, a rink on the field, and the CN Tower lit up above it—that’s a global moment.
- We’re simply asking Council to let us formally start the conversation. On March 10, the Executive Committee will consider a motion allowing the City Manager and Economic Development to begin talks with MLSE, Rogers, and the NHL. No commitment, no spending, just step one.
- This will support staff to understand logistics, timing, and feasibility. But we need to give staff direction to speak with the partners involved to get those answers.
- Having an outdoor game brings real benefits—visitors, economic activity, support for local businesses—and a sense of pride. It’s a chance to celebrate our hockey heritage in a big, bold way.
- This milestone doesn’t come again. Toronto deserves a celebration that matches the moment. Bringing this forward on March 10 says: let’s explore it and see what’s possible.
- This is an exciting opportunity to create something unforgettable for the city and for hockey fans. March 10 is simply the first step.
Background: NHL Outdoor Games and Toronto Context
NHL Outdoor Game Landscape (U.S.-Based)
The NHL stages two major outdoor games annually in the United States:
- Winter Classic (WC):
The league’s premier outdoor event, traditionally held around New Year’s Day each year at a U.S. venue. - Stadium Series:
A second annual outdoor game, typically held approximately one month later, also in the U.S.
2026 Season
- Winter Classic: Miami, Florida
- Stadium Series: Tampa, Florida (February 1, 2026)
2027 Season
- Winter Classic:
Hosted by the Utah Mammoth at Rice‑Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. This will be the first NHL outdoor game ever held in Utah, with the Mammoth hosting the Colorado Avalanche in early January 2027. - Stadium Series:
Hosted by the Dallas Stars at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on February 20, 2027, against the Vegas Golden Knights. This will be the first hockey game ever played at AT&T Stadium, continuing the NHL’s recent use of large NFL venues for this event.
These confirmed selections further reinforce that both the Winter Classic and Stadium Series remain consistently U.S.-based annual events.
Canadian Outdoor Game: Heritage Classic
Canada’s premier outdoor NHL game is the Heritage Classic (HC):
- The HC is typically staged every three years in a Canadian city.
- It is distinct from the Winter Classic and Stadium Series, which occur annually in the U.S.
Next Scheduled Heritage Classic
- Date: October 25, 2026
- Location: Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Toronto and the 2026 Heritage Classic
- Toronto, in partnership with MLSE, had previously engaged in discussions with the NHL regarding hosting the 2026 Heritage Classic.
- The proposal was contingent on the ability to retain temporary seating expansions at BMO Field following the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Ultimately, this proved not feasible, due to the timing requirements and site demands associated with the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).
- Following this determination, the NHL selected Winnipeg as host for the 2026 Heritage Classic.
Looking Ahead: 2029 Heritage Classic
- At a future date, the NHL is expected to initiate an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the 2029 Heritage Classic.
- As part of this process, the NHL Events team will undertake due diligence on proposed host cities, assessing:
- Venue readiness and capacity
- Operational feasibility
- Market strength and fan engagement
- Local and municipal partnership considerations
Toronto would be able to participate in this process once formally launched.
City of Toronto Support for Major One‑Off Sporting Events
A review of the past decade of major one‑off professional sporting events hosted in Toronto — including:
- MLS All‑Star Game (2008)
- NBA All‑Star Game (2016)
- World Cup of Hockey (2016)
- NHL Centennial Classic (2017)
- NHL All‑Star Game (2024)
consistent municipal approach:
- The City of Toronto has typically provided limited in‑kind support, rather than direct financial contributions.
- For the NHL All‑Star Game 2024, city in‑kind services were valued at approximately $18,000.