NHL returning to Wells Fargo Arena; Utah to face St. Louis on Sept. 22

The stage is set for an electrifying evening of hockey as the Utah Hockey Club makes its NHL debut with a preseason game against the St. Louis Blues in Des Moines. The Des Moines Community Classic, presented by Community Choice, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at Hy-VeeTix.com

This historic event marks the first-ever competitive game for Utah Hockey Club since the NHL established a franchise in Utah in April 2024 following the sale of the Arizona Coyotes’ hockey assets to the new club. Hockey enthusiasts and sports fans alike can look forward to witnessing NHL action right in the heart of Des Moines. It will be the St. Louis Blues second time playing a preseason game at the arena after facing off with the Minnesota Wild back in 2018.

“We are excited to partner with Community Choice to bring this exciting event to Wells Fargo Arena,” said Chris Connolly, General Manager of the Iowa Events Center. “Whether you are a fan of one of these teams, the Wild, or the sport in general, it’s a fantastic opportunity for central Iowa sports fans to experience NHL-level hockey and kick off the season.”

For more information about the Des Moines Community Classic presented by Community Choice, including ticket availability and event details, please visit iowaeventscenter.com.

Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) established Utah’s first-ever NHL franchise in April 2024, with the team set to debut in the 2024-25 season. With this move, SEG introduced the second “Big Four” major professional sports league to Utah for the first time in state history. To be known as Utah Hockey Club for their inaugural season, the club was established with a competitive, dynamic roster and 34 draft picks spanning their first three consecutive seasons (2024-27). The team will compete at Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City, building on the renowned, energetic atmosphere for which Utah’s sports and entertainment scene has become known. For more information on Utah Hockey Club, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.UtahHockeyClub.com.