Stadium Series at MetLife to Feature Park Theme
The NHL Stadium Series Park at MetLife Stadium will bring a park theme to the back-to-back outdoor games this weekend in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Transforming MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium will be transformed into "NHL Stadium Series Park" for the upcoming outdoor games. The ice rink will be surrounded by grass, and the venue will feature plants, pathways, park benches, and picnic tables. People can even jog, ride bikes, push strollers, and walk their dogs around the stadium while enjoying the games.
In addition to the park-like atmosphere, there will be NHL STREET rinks for kids to play on. These rinks will be decorated by local artists representing the four teams and will have chain-link fences and metal bleachers. It's a great way to showcase the NHL street hockey program and engage young fans.
But the entertainment doesn't stop there. The Jonas Brothers will be holding a pregame concert and another performance during the second intermission on Saturday. On Sunday, the indie pop band AJR will be performing during the first intermission. This adds an exciting musical element to the outdoor games.
Unique Outdoor Event
The 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series will be the League's 40th and 41st outdoor games, and it will be a unique event for several reasons. Not only is it the first NHL outdoor event in New Jersey, but it is also the first time that back-to-back games will be held in the same venue with fans in attendance.
The League always tailors the field design to the market and takes into account the local teams and their fans. This event presented new challenges and opportunities, which the NHL embraced. They wanted to celebrate New Jersey and the surrounding cities' connection to hockey, so they decided to lean into the park theme.
The park theme is a perfect fit because street hockey is a natural part of the culture in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. The NHL wanted to showcase different environments in which hockey thrives, whether urban or suburban, and this theme captures that essence.
NHL STREET and Growing the Game
The NHL STREET rinks, designed by local artists, will be a highlight of the event. But it's not just about the art; it's about growing the game of hockey. On top of the games at MetLife Stadium, more than 500 kids will participate in a free NHL STREET experience at the American Dream Mall. Youth hockey community groups will also have the opportunity to play on the NHL STREET rinks before the games and during intermissions.
NHL STREET was launched last year as a premier ball hockey experience for kids aged 6 to 16. The program aims to engage more youth in street hockey and currently has 60 operators across the United States. The NHL's goal is to double that number by the end of next year and have over 100,000 youth playing street hockey in the next decade.
By showcasing the NHL STREET program and creating a fun and competitive environment, the League hopes to inspire more kids to get involved in the game and engage broader communities. Whether it's playing in the street, at a park, or in a school gymnasium, hockey can be enjoyed anywhere.
