Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Benson Boone will perform during the first intermission of the NHL Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Dec. 31, 2026, the National Hockey League announced Wednesday. The pop superstar is set to headline the entertainment lineup for the New Year's Eve outdoor matchup between the Utah Mammoth and the Colorado Avalanche in Salt Lake City.
Winter Classic Entertainment Lineup
The announcement from the NHL confirms that Boone, known for his 2024 hit "Beautiful Things," will bring his high-energy performance to the stadium during the first intermission of the game. The matchup, which is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. MT, serves as a major component of the Discover NHL Winter Classic celebrations.
Historic Outdoor Game in Utah
This event marks the first time the NHL Winter Classic will be hosted in Utah. The Utah Mammoth will participate as the 32nd franchise to compete in the league's outdoor game series. The Colorado Avalanche are making their fourth regular-season outdoor appearance as part of the event.
Post-Game Celebrations
The festivities surrounding the Winter Classic extend beyond the rink. Following the game, the celebration is expected to shift downtown at the Delta Center. Earlier this year, the Smith Entertainment Group announced that Post Malone is scheduled to headline a concert alongside Alesso at the venue following the NHL event.
Boone's Musical Rise
Boone enters the performance following the conclusion of his Wanted Man tour. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter has achieved significant global success, including a Diamond-certified hit with "Beautiful Things," which was the most-streamed song in the world in 2024. His recent musical output includes the 2025 sophomore album, American Heart, which features tracks such as "Sorry Im Here for Someone Else" and "Mystical Magical."
Career Milestones
The singer's career has seen rapid growth, including a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Boone's recent professional activities include starring in a Super Bowl advertisement with Ben Stiller and headlining a set for the Super Bowl LX concert series. His latest single is titled "The Time of My Life."
Previous Salt Lake City Plans
While Boone is scheduled to perform, a previous appearance by the singer in Salt Lake City did not materialize. Boone was originally scheduled to play in the city as part of a music festival that was planned for last month at the Utah State Fairpark, though that event was later canceled under mysterious circumstances, according to reporting from Fox13 News.
Ticket and Broadcast Information
As of Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, the NHL reported that a limited number of tickets for the Discover NHL Winter Classic remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. The game will be televised exclusively on TNT, HBO Max, and truTV in the United States, and on Sportsnet and TVAS in Canada. Additional details regarding the Winter Classic are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
