Melbourne will become the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to host the National Hockey League (NHL) with two pre-season games to be played at Rod Laver Arena in September, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings will make history when they meet in the 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbourne on 23 and 24 September. They will compete in front of fans from around the country and overseas, with millions more watching the global broadcast.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined NHL Senior Executive Vice President David Proper, Los Angeles Kings legend Dustin Brown and Arizona Coyotes alumni Darcy Hordichuk to announce the games this morning.
Rod Laver Arena will be transformed to provide a temporary ice hockey rink to NHL standards, and there will be activities and entertainment throughout the event precinct.
The NHL is the most popular ice hockey league in the world and spectators at the Melbourne series can expect the same excitement, drama and fast-paced action on the ice as seen in North America.
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.
The two-match series is expected to sell out and Melbourne will be showcased to millions of sporting fans around the world through global broadcasts.
The history-making games are expected to attract interstate ice-hockey fans, and Coyotes and the Kings will be offering travel packages to attract visitors from North America.
The 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbourne joins a blockbuster calendar of international sporting events in Melbourne including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, F1 Australian Grand Prix and Bledisloe Cup.
Tickets go on sale at 1pm on Tuesday, 18 April via ticketek.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“No city does major events like Melbourne and that’s why we are able to attract the biggest sporting spectacles from around the globe.”
“Securing the NHL’s first ever games in the Southern Hemisphere is a win for fans and will deliver big benefits for our tourism businesses.”
“These games will promote Melbourne and Victoria to millions of potential visitors watching around the world.”
As stated by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
“We are delighted to bring the excitement and passion of the National Hockey League to the dynamic city of Melbourne and the great sports fans of Australia with the 2023 Global Series games.”
“The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings are two of our League’s rising young teams and among our most innovative and adventurous franchises. We know this history-making visit will thrill our many avid fans in Australia.
