More fans and families will have the chance to be a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) ice hockey action this weekend, with activities, games and training creating a genuine game day experience for everyone to enjoy, made possible by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos celebrated the Southern-Hemisphere first which will see the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings will make history when they take to the ice for the 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbournethis Saturday and Sunday in front of packed crowds.
With Rod Laver Arena transformed for the iconic event, fans can see some of the world’s best ice hockey players in action in an open practice session on Friday from 10am – 1pm.
Crowds can meet team mascots Arizona’s Howler the Coyote and Los Angeles’ Bailey and take photos with the oldest trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup.
A free fan festival, the NHL Global Fan Tour will run from Friday to Sunday with fun hockey attractions open to the public. From 10am to 2pm each day, attendees of all ages will be able to test their goal-scoring, passing and stickhandling skills, and meet the mascots.
More than 100 visiting and local crew worked over seven days to transform Rod Laver Arena into a NHL-standard ice rink using 51-pallets worth of equipment shipped from the United States to give players and fans the true NHL experience.
As the first NHL matches in the Southern Hemisphere and a rare visit from one of the United States’ ‘big four’ leagues, the 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbourne cements Melbourne’s standing as a global sporting city.
More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the two-match series, with more than 40 per cent of ticket holders come from outside Victoria – boosting hospitality, hotels and retails across the state.
The 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbourneis the latest major international sporting event in a blockbuster calendar for 2023 which has featured the FIFA Women’s World Cup, F1 Australian Grand Prix, and Bledisloe Cup.
Tickets to the open practice, and a final release of tickets for both matches, are available to purchase via Ticketek.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“The NHL is set to take Melbourne by storm with two packed matches this weekend, an open practice session on Friday and a free fan festival from Friday to Sunday.”
“From boosting the economy through interstate and overseas visitation to offering free family friendly activities in the school holidays, the 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbourne is going to be a fantastic event for our city and we’re proud to support it.”
