List of ice hockey games with highest attendance

☆ Save On Wikipedia ↗

This is a list of ice hockey games with the highest attendance on record. All of the games on this list were held in stadiums designed for field sports such as association football, gridiron football, and baseball. Four of the "games" listed were actually doubleheaders, in which a single ticket provided admission to two games held back-to-back. The fixed-roof Ford Field in Detroit hosted one doubleheader and a single game, and another was held at the retractable-roof Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany (with the roof closed for that game); all other games on the list were held in open-air venues. Most of these games were staged as special events, and all but one were played in the 21st century.

Attendance in the 30,000 range was once quite common for major international matches held outdoors in the 1940s and 50s in Moscow's Lenin Stadium. Figures of this type are still common in bandy, a relative of ice hockey played outdoors.

The record for a Stanley Cup playoff game, as well as for an NHL game played in a teams' regular home stadium, is 28,183, which was set on April 23, 1996, at the Thunderdome during a Tampa Bay Lightning – Philadelphia Flyers game.[1]

A new record was set on December 11, 2010, when the University of Michigan's men's ice hockey team faced cross-state rival Michigan State in an event billed as "The Big Chill at the Big House". The game was played at Michigan's football venue, Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, with a capacity of 109,901, as of the 2010 football season. Ultimately, a crowd announced by the University of Michigan as 113,411, at that time the largest in the stadium's history (including football), saw the homestanding Wolverines win 5–0. Guinness World Records, using a count of ticketed fans who actually entered the stadium instead of UM's figure of tickets sold, announced a final figure of 104,173.[2][3]

Rank Attendance Location Date Event Home team Final score Visiting team
1113,411 (announced)[3]
104,173 (certified)[2]		United States Michigan Stadium, Ann ArborDecember 11, 2010The Big Chill at the Big HouseMichigan Wolverines (men)5–0Michigan State Spartans (men)
2105,491 (announced)[4]
< 104,173 (certified)[5]		United States Michigan Stadium, Ann ArborJanuary 1, 20142014 NHL Winter ClassicDetroit Red Wings2–3 (SO)Toronto Maple Leafs
394,751[6][7]United States Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OhioMarch 1, 20252025 NHL Stadium SeriesColumbus Blue Jackets5–3Detroit Red Wings
485,630[8]United States Cotton Bowl, DallasJanuary 1, 20202020 NHL Winter ClassicDallas Stars4–2Nashville Predators
579,690[9]United States MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordFebruary 18, 20242024 NHL Stadium SeriesNew York Islanders5–6 (OT)New York Rangers
677,803[10]Germany Veltins-Arena, GelsenkirchenMay 7, 20102010 IIHF World Championship United States1–2 (OT) Germany[11]
776,126[12]United States Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IndianaJan 1, 20192019 NHL Winter ClassicChicago Blackhawks2–4Boston Bruins
8 74,575[13] United States Beaver Stadium, State College January 31, 2026 Hockey Valley in Beaver Stadium Penn State Nittany Lions (men) 4-5 (OT) Michigan State Spartans (men)
974,554[14]United States Spartan Stadium, East LansingOctober 6, 2001Cold WarMichigan State Spartans (men)3–3Michigan Wolverines (men)
1071,381[15]Russia Gazprom Arena, Saint PetersburgDecember 16, 2018Euro Hockey Tour Russia5–0 Finland
1171,217[16]United States Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard ParkJanuary 1, 20082008 NHL Winter ClassicBuffalo Sabres1–2 (SO)Pittsburgh Penguins
1270,328[17]United States MetLife Stadium, East RutherfordFebruary 17, 20242024 NHL Stadium SeriesNew Jersey Devils6–3Philadelphia Flyers
1370,205[18]United States Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CaliforniaFebruary 21, 20152015 NHL Stadium SeriesSan Jose Sharks1–2Los Angeles Kings
1469,620United States Lincoln Financial Field, PhiladelphiaFebruary 23, 20192019 NHL Stadium SeriesPhiladelphia Flyers4–3 (OT)Pittsburgh Penguins
1568,619[19]United States Nissan Stadium, NashvilleFebruary 26, 20222022 NHL Stadium SeriesNashville Predators2–3Tampa Bay Lightning
1668,111[20]United States Heinz Field, PittsburghJanuary 1, 20112011 NHL Winter ClassicPittsburgh Penguins1–3Washington Capitals
1767,877[21]Russia Gazprom Arena, Saint PetersburgDecember 15, 2019Euro Hockey Tour Russia2–0 Finland
1867,770[22]Russia Gazprom Arena, Saint PetersburgDecember 22, 2018Hockey Classic St. Petersburg 2018[23]SKA St. Petersburg1–4HC CSKA Moscow
1967,318[24]United States Heinz Field, PittsburghFebruary 25, 20172017 NHL Stadium SeriesPittsburgh Penguins4–2Philadelphia Flyers
2067,246[25]United States Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughJanuary 1, 20162016 NHL Winter ClassicBoston Bruins1–5Montreal Canadiens
2162,921United States Soldier Field, ChicagoMarch 1, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesChicago Blackhawks5–1Pittsburgh Penguins
2257,167[26]Canada Commonwealth Stadium, EdmontonNovember 22, 20032003 Heritage ClassicEdmonton Oilers3–4Montreal Canadiens
2356,961United States Carter-Finley Stadium, RaleighFebruary 18, 20232023 NHL Stadium SeriesCarolina Hurricanes4–1Washington Capitals
2455,411Canada Commonwealth Stadium, EdmontonOctober 29, 20232023 NHL Heritage ClassicEdmonton Oilers5–2Calgary Flames
2555,031[27]United States Camp Randall Stadium, MadisonFebruary 6, 2010Camp Randall Hockey ClassicWisconsin Badgers (women)6–1Bemidji State Beavers (women)
Wisconsin Badgers (men)3–2Michigan Wolverines (men)
2655,000[14]Soviet Union Lenin Stadium, MoscowMarch 5, 19571957 Ice Hockey World Championships Soviet Union4–4 Sweden
2754,194Canada BC Place, VancouverMarch 2, 20142014 NHL Heritage ClassicVancouver Canucks2–4Ottawa Senators
2854,099United States Dodger Stadium, Los AngelesJanuary 25, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesLos Angeles Kings0–3Anaheim Ducks
2952,051United States Soldier Field, ChicagoFebruary 17, 2013OfficeMax Hockey City ClassicNotre Dame Fighting Irish (men)2–1Miami RedHawks (men)
Wisconsin Badgers (men)3–2Minnesota Golden Gophers (men)
3051,125[28]Germany ESPRIT arena, DüsseldorfJanuary 10, 20152015 DEL Winter GameDüsseldorfer EG3–2Kölner Haie
3150,426United States TCF Bank Stadium, MinneapolisFebruary 21, 20162016 NHL Stadium SeriesMinnesota Wild6–1Chicago Blackhawks
3250,105United States Yankee Stadium, New York CityJanuary 26, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesNew Jersey Devils3–7New York Rangers
3350,095United States Coors Field, DenverFebruary 27, 20162016 NHL Stadium SeriesColorado Avalanche3–5Detroit Red Wings
3450,027United States Yankee Stadium, New York CityJanuary 29, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesNew York Islanders1–2New York Rangers
3550,000[29]Germany Stadion Nürnberg, NurembergJanuary 5, 20132013 DEL Winter GameThomas Sabo Ice Tigers4–3Eisbären Berlin
3647,313[30]United States T-Mobile Park, SeattleJanuary 1, 20242024 NHL Winter ClassicSeattle Kraken3–0Vegas Golden Knights
3747,011[31]Germany RheinEnergieStadion, CologneJanuary 12, 20192019 DEL Winter GameKölner Haie2–3 (OT)Düsseldorfer EG
3846,967[32]United States Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaJanuary 2, 20122012 NHL Winter ClassicPhiladelphia Flyers2–3New York Rangers
3946,556United States Busch Stadium, St. LouisJanuary 2, 20172017 NHL Winter ClassicSt. Louis Blues4–1Chicago Blackhawks
4045,808[33]United States Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaDecember 31, 2011NHL Winter Classic Alumni GamePhiladelphia Flyers Alumni3–1New York Rangers Alumni
4145,653[34]United States Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaJanuary 6, 20122012 AHL Outdoor ClassicAdirondack Phantoms4–3 (OT)Hershey Bears
4245,523United States FirstEnergy Stadium, ClevelandFebruary 18, 2023Faceoff on the LakeOhio State Buckeyes (men)4–2Michigan Wolverines (men)
4345,021[35]United States TCF Stadium, MinneapolisJanuary 17, 20142014 Hockey City ClassicMinnesota Gophers (men)1–0Ohio State Buckeyes (men)
4444,592[36] United States Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard ParkDecember 29, 20172018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships United States4–3 (SO) Canada
4542,832[37]United States Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.January 1, 20152015 NHL Winter ClassicWashington Capitals3–2Chicago Blackhawks
4641,022[38]Canada McMahon Stadium, CalgaryFebruary 20, 20112011 Heritage ClassicCalgary Flames4–0Montreal Canadiens
4740,933[39]United States Wrigley Field, ChicagoDecember 31, 20242025 NHL Winter ClassicChicago Blackhawks2–6St. Louis Blues
4840,890[40]United States Lambeau Field, Green BayFebruary 13, 2006Frozen Tundra Hockey ClassicWisconsin Badgers (men)4–2Ohio State Buckeyes (men)
4940,818[41]United States Wrigley Field, ChicagoJanuary 1, 20092009 NHL Winter ClassicChicago Blackhawks4–6Detroit Red Wings
5040,163[42]Germany RheinEnergieStadion, CologneDecember 3, 20222022 DEL Winter GameKölner Haie4–2Adler Mannheim

References

  1. Kreiser, John (2017-04-23). "Lightning made NHL history at Thunderdome". NHL.com. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
  2. Janela, Mike (14 December 2010). "Highest ice hockey game attendance". guinnessworldrecords.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  3. "Record crowd watches hockey game". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 2010-12-11. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  4. Allen, Kevin (2014-01-01). "Maple Leafs win Winter Classic in shootout". USA Today. Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  5. Cotsonika, Nick (2014-01-24). "NHL won't get credit for Guinness world record at Winter Classic". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  6. Hedger, Brian (March 1, 2025). "Columbus Blue Jackets' first outdoor game draws second-highest NHL outdoor attendance". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on March 2, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  7. Benatar, Orri (March 1, 2025). "Most watched hockey games: Where the Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium rank". NBC4i. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  8. Bell, Scott (2020-01-01). "Winter Classic notebook: NHL attendance history, Corey Perry's ejection and more from Stars-Predators". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2020-01-02.
  9. Cherwoo, Vin A. (February 18, 2024). "Panarin rallies Rangers to 6-5 win over Islanders in outdoor game at MetLife Stadium". The Associated Press. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  10. "Historic win for Germany". International Ice Hockey Federation. 2010-05-07. Archived from the original on 2010-05-12. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  11. The USA was the designated home team for this game by IIHF seeding criteria, despite Germany being host of the World Championships.
  12. "#SportsReport: Bruins Beat Blackhawks At Winter Classic".
  13. "No. 5 Men's Hockey Falls to No. 2 Michigan State, 5-4, in OT-Thriller at Beaver Stadium". Penn State - Official Athletics Website. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  14. Finsterwalder, Brandon (2001-10-08). "Outdoor hockey game". The Badger Herald. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  15. Kuznetsova, Elena (2018-12-16). "Можем и с Канадой сыграть, и 120 тыс. собрать». Ротенберг – о нашем хоккее". championat.com. Retrieved 2018-12-16.
  16. Burnside, Scott (2008-01-01). "Winter Classic: We're live from Buffalo". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  17. Cotsonika, Nicholas J. (February 18, 2024). "Stadium Series highlights spirit of New Jersey in 1st outdoor game in state". nhl.com. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  18. "Kings' Marian Gaborik sends most of 70,205 home unhappy". The LA Times. 2015-02-21. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  19. Rosen, Dan (2022-02-27). "Stamkos, Lightning hold off Predators in Stadium Series". NHL.com. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  20. "Eric Fehr leads Capitals to victory over Penguins in soggy Winter Classic". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 2011-01-01. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  21. "2019 CHANNEL ONE CUP. RUSSIA - FINLAND - 2:0". Russian Ice Hockey Federation. 2019-12-15. Retrieved 2019-12-15.
  22. "Матч СКА — ЦСКА стал самым посещаемым в истории европейского клубного хоккея" (in Russian). 2018-12-22. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
  23. ""Hockey Classic. St. Petersburg 2018" at the Saint Petersburg Stadium". Russian Ice Hockey Federation. 2018-11-08. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
  24. "2017 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ to Include Pittsburgh Penguins Against Philadelphia Flyers at Heinz Field". NHL.com. March 9, 2016. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  25. "Game Summary Canadiens at Bruins". 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  26. The Canadian Press (2003-11-22). "Fuhr, Ranford shine at Heritage Classic". CBC Sports. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  27. "Can Camp Randall Hockey Classic do it again?". Retrieved 2013-07-13.
  28. "DEL Winter Game bricht Europarekord: 51.125 Zuschauer in Düsseldorf" (in German). Retrieved 2015-01-10.
  29. "Deutsche Eishockey-Liga: Nürnberg siegt im "Winter Game"" (in German). Retrieved 2013-07-13.
  30. Baker, Geoff (January 1, 2023). "Kraken's Joey Daccord shines in shutout win over Vegas in NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  31. "DEG gewinnt in der Overtime, Doppelpack von Ex-Hai Philip Gogulla". www.del.org (in German). 12 January 2019. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  32. "Rangers turn away Flyers as Mike Rupp, Henrik Lundqvist fuel Winter Classic rally". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 2012-01-02. Archived from the original on December 6, 2017. Retrieved 2012-01-03.
  33. Dave Lozo (2012-12-31). "Legion of Doom, Parent power Flyers". NHL.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved 2011-12-31.
  34. "Attendance record shattered in Philly". theahl.com. 2012-01-06. Archived from the original on 2012-01-08. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  35. "JANUARY 17, 2014 - TCF BANK STADIUM, MINNEAPOLIS". thehockeycityclassic.com. 2014-01-17. Retrieved 2015-03-23.
  36. "Game Summary" (PDF). IIHF. 2017-12-29. Retrieved 2019-04-16.
  37. "Game Summary Blackhawks at Capitals". 2015-01-01. Retrieved 2015-02-15.
  38. "Flames blank Canadiens in NHL Heritage Classic". 2011-02-20. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  39. Rosen, Dan. "Fowler, Blues defeat Blackhawks in NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field". NHL.com. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  40. Albright, David (2006-02-14). "On top of the ol' Tundra, a great day for hockey". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  41. Burnside, Scott (2009-01-01). "Another successful outdoor tilt gives NHL its signature event". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  42. "Kölner Haie gewinnen das Winter Game 40163 Fans im Kölner Fußball-Stadion". 2022-12-03. Retrieved 2022-12-04.