The 2024 Winter Classic Seattle Kraken Fan Guide
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On January 1, 2024, T-Mobile Park will Zamboni over home plate and set up a clean sheet of ice. That’s because the National Hockey League’s Winter Classic, an annual outdoor hockey game, is coming to town, starring our Seattle Kraken and recent Stanley Cup winners, the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Winter Classic has the typical buzz of an all-star game (although the NHL has one of those too), with a special jersey and extra fan festivities tied to the event. Even the players, many who grew up playing pond hockey in Canada and colder climes, are jazzed about the opportunity to participate.
“I think it’s going to be really cool to see T-Mobile Park filled in for a hockey game,” says Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak, who adds that many players fly their families out for the occasion. “I mean it’s never happened here before, so it’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m excited for that.”
Despite the loads of extra fanfare, the Winter Classic is still an actual game that counts toward the Kraken’s regular-season record. As of mid-December, the Kraken were a lower-tier sixth in the Pacific division, some (gulp) 20 points behind the division-leading Golden Knights…their Winter Classic opponent.
Puck drop is scheduled for noon, and gates open at 10am. Tickets are still available, going for $125 and up on Ticketmaster.
If you’re not interested in freezing out in the stands, though, there will be watch parties aplenty, including at 32 Bar and Grill at Kraken Community Iceplex and Hatback Bar and Grille across the street from T-Mobile Park—or at any number of bars and restaurants in the area. And for the true homebodies, the game will be broadcast on TNT.
Seattle Winter Classic Fan Events
Skate with Buoy in Everett
Dec 15, 3–4pm | Pacific Ice at Waterfront Place, Everett
T-Mobile isn’t the only outdoor rink in the region. Join Kraken mascot Buoy at the Port of Everett’s pop-up covered ice rink for a late-afternoon skate. Then stick around afterward for free s’mores from 6–10pm.
Long Shot Contest
Dec 16 & 17, noon–5pm (Sat) and 7pm (Sun) | Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center
Passersby can get a feel for that Winter Classic life on the roof of Fisher Pavilion, where you can show off your hockey skills for the chance to win some prizes, including $100,000.
Skate with Buoy in Olympia
Dec 18, 4:30–5:15pm | Oly on Ice, Olympia
Maybe you’re down in our state’s capital for the day. Maybe you’re just obsessed with the Kraken mascot. Enjoy the scheduling serendipity with a public skate alongside Seattle’s most famous sea troll.
NHLAA Welcome Event
Dec 30, 7pm–midnight | Emerald City Trapeze Arts
A fund-raising event for the NHL Alumni Association, this all-inclusive evening affair features acrobatic performances, live music, comedy, dinner, and unlimited drinks, alongside a Q&A session with hockey great Wayne Gretzky, Kraken commentator Eddie Olczyk, and TNT commentator and Spittin’ Chiclets podcast host Paul Bissonnette.
Fan Village
Dec 31, 4:30–8pm & Jan 1, 9–11:30am, 3–7pm | Lumen Field North Parking Lot
This free festival is open to all hockey fans, regardless of whether they have a ticket to the Winter Classic. Expect interactive games, appearances from hockey greats, and a photo-op with the Stanley Cup. Just don’t touch it.
TNT Open Ice Breakaway Event
Jan 1, starting at 9am | Hatback Bar and Grille
According to the Seattle Times, TNT will host pregame festivities at Hatback, across the street from T-Mobile Park. Kraken-themed challenges (yes, there's supposedly going to be a fish toss) combine with ice sculptures and performances from local and national talent, including Fitz and the Tantrums and homegrown band The Head and The Heart.
