Salt Lake City is gearing up for an unprecedented celebration of sports and music as Smith Entertainment Group unveils its Winter Weekend lineup. The multi‑day event, set to begin on December 31, 2026, combines a headline‑making New Year’s Eve concert by Post Malone with marquee NBA and NHL action, all staged at the Delta Center and nearby venues.
New Year’s Eve Concert and Outdoor Hockey Classic
On December 31, the Delta Center will host a special performance by music star Post Malone, who will close the year with a high‑energy show. The concert is part of a broader vision to make Utah a destination for fans across the country during the holiday season.
That same night, the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic will kick off at Rice‑Eccles Stadium, featuring the Utah Mammoth against the Colorado Avalanche. This marks the first Winter Classic appearance for both franchises and Utah’s inaugural outdoor NHL game.
NBA Showdown and Continued Hockey Action
January 1 will see the Utah Jazz welcome the Boston Celtics to the Delta Center for a marquee NBA matchup. The following day, the Mammoth return to the Delta Center to face the Vancouver Canucks, extending the hockey excitement into the new year.
Youth Hockey Camps and Tournaments
In addition to professional games, the Select Health Ice Center will host youth tournaments and camps throughout the weekend. The Gretzky Hockey School will run a camp for players ages 6‑14 from December 27‑30, offering skill development and mentorship. Registration details are available online.
The Utah Mammoth Winter Cup begins on January 1, featuring youth and girls teams ranging from 10U A to 16U AA. The multi‑day tournament culminates with championship games on Sunday, January 3.
Community Impact and Ticket Information
Ryan Smith, chairman and CEO of Smith Entertainment Group, emphasized the event’s community focus: “We wanted to create a weekend unlike anything Utah has experienced before. An outdoor NHL game, Post Malone and special guest Alesso at the Delta Center, the Jazz and Mammoth playing throughout the weekend—this is about giving Utahns and visitors a reason to celebrate together.”
Tickets go on sale on October 30 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time. Organizers expect the combination of world‑class entertainment and top‑tier sports to draw fans from across the nation, boosting local businesses and showcasing Salt Lake City’s capacity to host large‑scale events.
Looking Ahead
Winter Weekend sets a new benchmark for holiday‑season programming in Utah, blending music, professional sports, and youth development. As the city prepares for the influx of visitors, local hotels, restaurants, and retailers anticipate a significant economic boost, reinforcing Salt Lake City’s reputation as a vibrant, family‑friendly destination.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Salt Lake City — read the source article.
