Predicting the 2026 Stadium Series and Beyond (Why Las Vegas Will Eventually Have Two, Too)

No, a Stadium Series game isn't going to take place at Allegiant Stadium in 2025. That distinction goes to Ohio Stadium, with the Detroit Red Wings hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. In case you're wondering, that was the site of Super Bowl 58, where the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, 25-22.

Allegiant Stadium wouldn't be the best site for an outdoor hockey game, anyway. It is an indoor stadium, after all. But there is one place that would make sense for Las Vegas to host a Stadium Series game (more on that later). In fact, there might be two if things swing the way of Sin City.

As for the game itself, it proved to be a massive success in 2024. With nearly 150,000 people in attendance for both games combined, this year's installment was a hit in the New Jersey area. MetLife Stadium was rocking and it had some funny moments involving Gritty, everyone's favorite chaotic good character.

With that, let's build on this, shall we? Where are we going to see Stadium Series games and who will play who? When will Las Vegas get one?

1. 2026: Fedex Field: Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. Washington Capitals

Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are the hockey equivalent of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. The two legends defined a generation of the NHL for numerous fans. So why not send them off with a legendary Stadium Series game? The fans deserve one more matchup in a special setting like the outdoors.

3. 2028: Comerica Park: Boston Bruins Vs. Detroit Red Wings

A baseball stadium that has yet to host an NHL outdoor game? Check. Two "Original Six" teams? Check. Two passionate fanbases? Check. This has the hallmarks of a great Stadium Series game, where the NHL can promote its history and two competitive franchises. Plus, hockey in the freezing elements always draws good. That's no different with metro Detroit, which always supports its Red Wings.

4. 2029: New Highmark Stadium: Toronto Maple Leafs Vs. Buffalo Sabres

I know what you're thinking: Buffalo hasn't had a competitive NHL franchise in forever. Why should the Sabres get a Stadium Series game like this? For one, Terry Pegula owns the Sabres. Coincidentally, he also owns the Buffalo Bills, where he's currently constructing a new NFL stadium in Orchard Park. Set to be complete in 2026, Pegula can swing a deal to have the Stadium Series come to Buffalo. Also, the fight for Lake Ontario would be nice.

5. 2030: Lumen Field: Vancouver Canucks Vs. Seattle Kraken

With the wild success of the most recent Winter Classic, it would make sense for a Stadium Series game exclusive to the northwest. The Vancouver Canucks and the Seattle Kraken can have an incredible game set in the Seahawks's home. Plus, Lumen Field would be perfect considering how loud the stadium gets.

6. 2031: New White Sox Stadium? Detroit Red Wings Vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Strangely, this man hasn't even been mentioned once in this article yet. Well, here we are. What better way to showcase Connor Bedard than to have him go up against Chicago's hated rival, the Detroit Red Wings? You get to revigorate an old rivalry between two midwestern cities. The Blackhawks are an outdoor staple, too. Therefore, you can't go wrong with this matchup.

7. 2032: New A's Stadium (?): San Jose Sharks Vs. Vegas Golden Knights

This is contingent on if the Oakland A's organization doesn't mess up their move to Las Vegas. With John Fisher's track record, things aren't looking up. But if it were the case, let's feature the Sharks and the Golden Knights. The two teams have some history and are constantly chirping at each other on Twitter.

8. 2033: Beaver Stadium: Philadelphia Flyers Vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2019, we had the Keystone State matchup between the Penguins and the Flyers in Philadelphia. So let's bring it closer to Pennsylvania's center, where the Nittany Lions play. You could also use PNC Park in Pittsburgh as an alternate. But Happy Valley is a sizable stadium that can host a quality event like this.