List of ice hockey games with highest attendance

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 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 UM 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]		 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]		 Michigan Stadium, Ann ArborJanuary 1, 20142014 NHL Winter ClassicDetroit Red Wings2–3
(SO)		Toronto Maple Leafs
385,630[6] Cotton Bowl, DallasJanuary 1, 20202020 NHL Winter ClassicDallas Stars4-2Nashville Predators
477,803[7] Veltins-Arena, GelsenkirchenMay 7, 20102010 IIHF World Championship United States1–2
(OT)		 Germany[8]
574,554[9] Spartan Stadium, East LansingOctober 6, 2001Cold WarMichigan State Spartans (men)3–3Michigan Wolverines (men)
671,381[10] Gazprom Arena, Saint PetersburgDecember 16, 2018Euro Hockey Tour Russia5–0 Finland
771,217[11] Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard ParkJanuary 1, 20082008 NHL Winter ClassicBuffalo Sabres1–2
(SO)		Pittsburgh Penguins
870,205[12] Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CaliforniaFebruary 21, 20152015 NHL Stadium SeriesSan Jose Sharks1–2Los Angeles Kings
968,111[13] Heinz Field, PittsburghJanuary 1, 20112011 NHL Winter ClassicPittsburgh Penguins1–3Washington Capitals
1067,877[14] Gazprom Arena, Saint PetersburgDecember 15, 2019Euro Hockey Tour Russia2–0 Finland
1167,318[15] Heinz Field, PittsburghFebruary 25, 20172017 NHL Stadium SeriesPittsburgh Penguins4–2Philadelphia Flyers
1267,246[16] Gillette Stadium, FoxboroughJanuary 1, 20162016 NHL Winter ClassicBoston Bruins1–5Montreal Canadiens
1362,921 Soldier Field, ChicagoMarch 1, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesChicago Blackhawks5–1Pittsburgh Penguins
1457,167[17] Commonwealth Stadium, EdmontonNovember 22, 20032003 Heritage ClassicEdmonton Oilers3–4Montreal Canadiens
1555,031[18] Camp Randall Stadium, MadisonFebruary 6, 2010Camp Randall Hockey ClassicWisconsin Badgers (women)6–1Bemidji State Beavers (women)
Wisconsin Badgers (men)3–2Michigan Wolverines (men)
1655,000[9] Lenin Stadium, MoscowMarch 5, 19571957 Ice Hockey World Championships Soviet Union4–4 Sweden
1754,194 BC Place, VancouverMarch 2, 20142014 NHL Heritage ClassicVancouver Canucks2–4Ottawa Senators
1854,099 Dodger Stadium, Los AngelesJanuary 25, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesLos Angeles Kings0–3Anaheim Ducks
1952,051 Soldier Field, ChicagoFebruary 17, 2013OfficeMax Hockey City ClassicNotre Dame Fighting Irish (men)2–1Miami RedHawks (men)
Wisconsin Badgers (men)3–2Minnesota Golden Gophers (men)
2051,125[19] ESPRIT arena, DüsseldorfJanuary 10, 20152015 DEL Winter GameDüsseldorfer EG3–2Kölner Haie
2150,426 TCF Bank Stadium, MinneapolisFebruary 21, 20162016 NHL Stadium SeriesMinnesota Wild6–1Chicago Blackhawks
2250,105 Yankees Stadium, New York CityJanuary 26, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesNew Jersey Devils3–7New York Rangers
2350,095 Coors Field, DenverFebruary 27, 20162016 NHL Stadium SeriesColorado Avalanche3–5Detroit Red Wings
2450,027 Yankee Stadium, New York CityJanuary 29, 20142014 NHL Stadium SeriesNew York Islanders1–2New York Rangers
2550,000[20] Stadion Nürnberg, NurembergJanuary 5, 20132013 DEL Winter GameThomas Sabo Ice Tigers4–3Eisbären Berlin
2647,011[21] RheinEnergieStadion, CologneJanuary 12, 20192019 DEL Winter GameKölner Haie2–3 (OT)Düsseldorfer EG
2746,967[22] Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaJanuary 2, 20122012 NHL Winter ClassicPhiladelphia Flyers2–3New York Rangers
2846,556 Busch Stadium, St. LouisJanuary 2, 20172017 NHL Winter ClassicSt. Louis Blues4–1Chicago Blackhawks
2945,808[23] Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaDecember 31, 2011NHL Winter Classic Alumni GamePhiladelphia Flyers Alumni3–1New York Rangers Alumni
3045,653[24] Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaJanuary 6, 20122012 AHL Outdoor ClassicAdirondack Phantoms4–3
(OT)		Hershey Bears
3145,021[25] TCF Stadium, MinneapolisJanuary 17, 20142014 Hockey City ClassicMinnesota Gophers (men)1–0Ohio State Buckeyes (men)
3244,592[26] Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard ParkDecember 29, 20172018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships United States4-3 (SO) Canada
3342,832[27] Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.January 1, 20152015 NHL Winter ClassicWashington Capitals3–2Chicago Blackhawks
3441,022[28] McMahon Stadium, CalgaryFebruary 20, 20112011 Heritage ClassicCalgary Flames4-0Montreal Canadiens
3540,890[29] Lambeau Field, Green BayFebruary 13, 2006Frozen Tundra Hockey ClassicWisconsin Badgers (men)4–2Ohio State Buckeyes (men)
3640,818[30] Wrigley Field, ChicagoJanuary 1, 20092009 NHL Winter ClassicChicago Blackhawks4–6Detroit Red Wings
3738,472[31] Fenway Park, BostonJanuary 8, 2010Frozen FenwayNortheastern Huskies (women)3–5New Hampshire Wildcats (women)
Boston College Eagles (men)2–3Boston University Terriers (men)
3838,456[32] Fenway Park, BostonJanuary 7, 2012Frozen Fenway 2012UMass Minutemen (men)3–2
(OT)		Vermont Catamounts (men)
Maine Black Bears (men)5-4
(OT)		New Hampshire Wildcats (men)
3938,112 Fenway Park, BostonJanuary 1, 20102010 NHL Winter ClassicBoston Bruins2–1
(OT)		Philadelphia Flyers
4037,592[33] Ford Field, DetroitApril 10, 20102010 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship GameBoston College Eagles (men)5–0Wisconsin Badgers (men)
4136,644[34] Helsinki Olympic Stadium, HelsinkiFebruary 5, 20112011 SM-liiga Winter Classic (Talviklassikko)Jokerit3–4HIFK
  • The Big Chill at the Big House, the highest ever attendance of an ice hockey game.
  • 2010 IIHF World Championship Opening Game
  • The Cold War, held November 6, 2001 at Spartan Stadium, had the highest ever attendance of an ice hockey game at that time.
  • The 2008 NHL Winter Classic has the fourth-highest ever attendance of an ice hockey game, and the second highest for a game in a professional league.
  • The 2009 NHL Winter Classic, held at Wrigley Field.
  • SCL Tigers versus SC Bern during the 100th match of the Tigers-Bern derby.
  • The 2010 NHL Winter Classic, held at Fenway Park.
  • Talviklassikko 2011, Helsinki, Finland

See also

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. Associated Press (2010-12-11). "Record crowd watches hockey game". ESPN.com. 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. 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.
  7. "Historic win for Germany". International Ice Hockey Federation. 2010-05-07. Archived from the original on 2010-05-12. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  8. The USA was the designated home team for this game by IIHF seeding criteria, despite Germany being host of the World Championships.
  9. Finsterwalder, Brandon (2001-10-08). "Outdoor hockey game". The Badger Herald. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  10. Kuznetsova, Elena (2018-12-16). "Можем и с Канадой сыграть, и 120 тыс. собрать». Ротенберг – о нашем хоккее". championat.com. Retrieved 2018-12-16.
  11. Burnside, Scott (2008-01-01). "Winter Classic: We're live from Buffalo". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  12. "Kings' Marian Gaborik sends most of 70,205 home unhappy". The LA Times. 2015-02-21. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  13. Associated Press (2011-01-01). "Eric Fehr leads Capitals to victory over Penguins in soggy Winter Classic". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  14. "2019 CHANNEL ONE CUP. RUSSIA - FINLAND - 2:0". Russian Ice Hockey Federation. 2019-12-15. Retrieved 2019-12-15.
  15. "2017 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ to Include Pittsburgh Penguins Against Philadelphia Flyers at Heinz Field". NHL.com. March 9, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  16. "Game Summary Canadiens at Bruins". 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  17. The Canadian Press (2003-11-22). "Fuhr, Ranford shine at Heritage Classic". CBC Sports. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  18. "Can Camp Randall Hockey Classic do it again?". Retrieved 2013-07-13.
  19. "DEL Winter Game bricht Europarekord: 51.125 Zuschauer in Düsseldorf" (in German). Retrieved 2015-01-10.
  20. "Deutsche Eishockey-Liga: Nürnberg siegt im "Winter Game"" (in German). Retrieved 2013-07-13.
  21. "DEG gewinnt in der Overtime, Doppelpack von Ex-Hai Philip Gogulla". www.del.org (in German). Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  22. Associated Press (2012-01-02). "Rangers turn away Flyers as Mike Rupp, Henrik Lundqvist fuel Winter Classic rally". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2012-01-03.
  23. Dave Lozo (2012-12-31). "Legion of Doom, Parent power Flyers". NHL.com. Retrieved 2011-12-31.
  24. "Attendance record shattered in Philly". theahl.com. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  25. "JANUARY 17, 2014 - TCF BANK STADIUM, MINNEAPOLIS". thehockeycityclassic.com. 2014-01-17. Retrieved 2015-03-23.
  26. "Game Summary" (PDF). IIHF. 2017-12-29. Retrieved 2019-04-16.
  27. "Game Summary Blackhawks at Capitals". 2015-01-01. Retrieved 2015-02-15.
  28. "Flames blank Canadiens in NHL Heritage Classic". 2011-02-20. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  29. Albright, David (2006-02-14). "On top of the ol' Tundra, a great day for hockey". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  30. Burnside, Scott (2009-01-01). "Another successful outdoor tilt gives NHL its signature event". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  31. "Frigid Fenway: College players get thrills, chills in baseball cathedral". CNN. 2010-01-09. Retrieved 2010-05-08.
  32. "Maine 5, New Hampshire 4". uscho.com. 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2013-07-13.
  33. "BC wins second title in three years". ESPN.com. 2010-04-10. Retrieved 2010-04-10.
  34. "Tulosseuranta: Jokerit 3–4 HIFK" (in Finnish). SM-liiga. 2011-02-05. Archived from the original on 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
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