NHL Explores Mexico City as a Potential Destination for International Games

In recent developments, the NHL is contemplating Mexico City as one of the potential locations for future international games. Steve Mayer, the Chief Content Officer for the NHL, shared this exciting prospect in an interview with ESPN’s “The Drop” podcast. He mentioned that “Mexico City is on a short list because our teams are very interested in going there and exploring that market.”

The NHL, in its pursuit of global expansion, resumed its Global Series tours back in 2017. These tours include both preseason and regular-season games held in various international locations, from the traditional hockey hotspots of Sweden and Finland to uncharted territories.

Notably, last month, the Arizona Coyotes and the Los Angeles Kings made history by playing two preseason games in Melbourne, Australia, marking the NHL’s first-ever event on the Australian continent. This venture underscores the NHL’s commitment to exploring new markets and making hockey more accessible worldwide.

Mayer acknowledged the substantial interest from the international community and emphasized the positive feedback received from individuals who have organized major events in prominent cities around the globe. They recognize the potential for hockey to thrive in their countries and have expressed their enthusiasm.

Moreover, NHL teams themselves have shown interest in playing games in burgeoning markets like Mexico City. Mayer revealed that several teams are eager to embrace the opportunity, with the Arizona Coyotes being particularly vocal about their desire to tap into the Latino fanbase, a group they have actively engaged with over the years.

Xavier A. Gutierrez, the Coyotes’ team president, emphasized the significance of American sports events in Mexico, stressing that they generate a massive response within the country. This demonstrates the vast potential of the Mexican market for NHL games.

Furthermore, the NHL has already laid some groundwork in Mexico City. Teams like the Dallas Stars and the Los Angeles Kings have organized hockey camps in the city, further fostering interest and potential fan engagement.

Notably, Auston Matthews, one of the NHL’s brightest stars who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has expressed his support for the idea of playing games in Mexico. Given his Mexican heritage, Matthews has a personal connection to the country and has stated, “It’d be awesome to literally play a hockey game in Mexico and just see what happens.”

Of course, when considering international games, venue logistics play a crucial role. In the case of the recent games in Australia, they were hosted inside Rod Laver Arena, a venue primarily known for hosting tennis matches. In the case of Mexico City, there is speculation about the possibility of playing a game at the iconic Azteca Stadium, known for its capacity of 105,000 fans. However, Mayer mentioned that indoor game options are also being explored as an alternative, given the climate challenges in Mexico City.

The NHL’s interest in Mexico City mirrors the NBA’s longstanding presence in the city. The NBA has played games in Mexico City over 30 times since 1992, with regular-season games frequently taking place at the Arena CDMX, which can accommodate over 20,000 fans.

In summary, the NHL’s consideration of Mexico City as a potential destination for international games reflects the league’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and making the sport of hockey accessible to fans around the world. This exciting possibility opens up new horizons for the league and the sport itself.