
Benson Boone to Headline NHL's 2027 Winter Classic Entertainment

By John Lasseter


By John Lasseter
Singer Benson Boone is slated to be the featured musical guest for the 2027 Discover Winter Classic, an outdoor event hosted by the National Hockey League. This highly anticipated game is scheduled for New Year's Eve in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will see the Utah Mammoth — an expansion team established in 2024 — playing their inaugural Winter Classic against the Colorado Avalanche at Rice Eccles Stadium. This marks the 32nd NHL franchise to host this regular-season outdoor spectacle.
Benson Boone, who recently concluded his successful Wanted Man tour, is set to deliver a memorable performance during the first intermission of the 2027 Discover Winter Classic. Known for his captivating stage presence and energetic shows, often incorporating impressive flips, the 24-year-old pop sensation will bring his unique style to the NHL event. His breakout hit, "Beautiful Things," earned him a Grammy nomination for best new artist in 2025, solidifying his status as a rising star in the music industry.
The NHL's decision to feature Boone underscores their commitment to enhancing the fan experience with top-tier entertainment. Steve Mayer, NHL president of events and content, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the goal is to transform the stadium into a "winter wonderland" and that Boone is the ideal artist to achieve this vision. Mayer praised Boone's showmanship and anticipated that his performance would create an unforgettable moment for both the live audience and those watching from home, continuing the league's tradition of combining sports with vibrant musical acts.
The National Hockey League has a rich history of incorporating musical performances into its major events, and the 2027 Winter Classic is no exception. This tradition was recently highlighted at the Heritage Classic, held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where various artists including Remi Wolf, Wolf Parade, Feist, and G Flip performed during the intermission. These acts served as a tribute to popular hockey-themed romance shows, such as Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, which have garnered significant attention in pop culture.
The upcoming Winter Classic continues this trend by bringing in a dynamic artist like Benson Boone to entertain fans. These performances not only add to the spectacle of the outdoor games but also draw a broader audience, bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment. The event will be broadcast on TNT, HBO Max, and TruTV in the U.S., and TVAS in Canada, ensuring that a wide viewership can experience the blend of high-stakes hockey and compelling musical artistry.
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Former chief creative officer of Pixar, whose principles of storytelling have shaped modern animation.

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