Post Malone to perform after NHL outdoor game in Utah

The upcoming New Year’s weekend in Utah promises a dynamic blend of sports and live music, anchored by an unprecedented NHL event. For the first time in the Utah Mammoth’s history, an outdoor NHL game will be held, marking a significant milestone for the franchise and offering fans a unique experience on the ice.

Adding a musical dimension to the weekend, Grammy-nominated artist Post Malone will take the stage for a concert at the Delta Center immediately following the outdoor game. Malone, a resident of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, is no stranger to Mammoth games, often seen enjoying matches alongside team owner Ryan Smith from an exclusive rink-side suite.

This concert event will also feature performances by Swedish DJ and music producer Alesso, known for his electronic hits including “Heroes.” The combined presence of these artists aims to enhance the celebratory atmosphere, providing entertainment that extends beyond the rink.

The festivities are part of the broader “Winter Weekend,” an initiative by Smith Entertainment Group designed to showcase Utah through a series of hockey and music events. The lineup includes a youth hockey tournament called the Winter Cup, catering to players aged 10 to 16, and the Gretzky Hockey School clinics for children between 6 and 14 years old. These clinics are administered by the legendary Wayne Gretzky and his son, Ty, emphasizing skill development for young athletes.

Scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., the Winter Classic outdoor game will lead into the concert kickoff at 10 p.m., creating a full day of entertainment for attendees. Organizers have sought to keep the event accessible, releasing over 6,000 tickets priced at $125 or less, with presales launching on a Thursday morning via the Winter Weekend website.

The collaboration between sports and music during this weekend is part of a broader vision articulated by Mammoth owner Ryan Smith, who has expressed hopes that the event will evolve into a signature occasion comparable to an All-Star Game. The goal is to create an attraction that not only highlights the state’s sporting culture but also its capacity for large-scale, multifaceted events.

While the Winter Weekend program is still emerging, the combination of a major NHL outdoor game with high-profile musical acts underscores a strategic effort to blend athletic and entertainment experiences, potentially setting a precedent for future events in the region.

As details continue to unfold, this innovative convergence of hockey and live performance offers an exciting prospect for both sports enthusiasts and music fans, further enriching Utah’s cultural calendar as the new year approaches.