SEATTLE — Once the New Year is rung in in Seattle, the city will play host to one of professional hockey's most beloved traditions.
T-Mobile Park will be the site of the 2024 edition of the NHL Winter Classic, pitting the Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights against each other in the first outdoor NHL game in Seattle since the sport returned to the Pacific Northwest.
Here's what western Washingtonians planning to attend the game should know before heading down to SODO on New Year's Day for the game.
When does the game start?
The Winter Classic will begin at noon PT at T-Mobile Park. Gates will open two hours before puck drop (10 a.m.) and fans should plan for lengthy lines to enter the venue.
Parking and transportation
Per the NHL, parking will be quite limited at the Mariners Garage across the street from T-Mobile Park. There are additional parking lots in the surrounding area, but expect elevated costs for a marquee event like the Winter Classic being played on a national holiday. Check out the Mariners' full parking guide for T-Mobile Park for additional information.
Sound Transit is offering extended Sounder trains to and from the King Street Station before and after the Winter Classic, as well as Link light rail and bus services for New Year's Day.
Free bicycle parking is also available around the ballpark. Check out the Mariners' gameday guide for specific locations.
The Mariners' Rideshare Lot is located just east of T-Mobile Park on 3rd Avenue between Holgate and Royal Brougham, offering a pick-up and drop-off location for Uber, Lyft and other services.
Bag policy
The Winter Classic has one notable difference from the typical policy at T-Mobile Park: clear bags will not be allowed inside the venue. Only bags 4 inches by 6 inches by 1.5 inches or smaller, which the NHL's website says is the size of a small purse or clutch. There will be exceptions for diaper bags and bags containing necessary medical equipment. All bags will be checked before being allowed to enter T-Mobile Park.
Concessions
Remember that T-Mobile Park is a cashless venue. Only credit/debit card payments and mobile payment methods will be accepted inside. The ballpark has eight kiosks for fans to convert cash into a prepaid debit card that can be used for concessions and merchandise.
T-Mobile Park will be featuring many new menu options for its first-ever NHL game. Some notable ones include a Poutine Burger from Lil Woody's (The Pen), a footlong Dungeness Crab Roll (Walk-Off Markets) and Crab Pizza (MOTO Pizza).
NHL Fan Village
The league will be hosting an official fan festival in the north lot of Lumen Field. The Fan Village will feature interactive hockey games, attractions, special appearances and an opportunity for a picture with the Stanley Cup, the NHL's storied championship trophy.
The festival is open from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and is open from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 –7:00 p.m. on Monday.
Fans will be required to fill out a free enrollment form in order to enter the Fan Village. More information can be found on the Fan Village web page.