Are Hockey Games Cold? (5 Variables & Tips To Stay Warm)

Ice hockey is a favorite sport of many people, and I don’t wonder why. It’s fascinating, even rich, fast, and fierce. However, it’s also cold, which brings up many hiccups, one of them being warm during a hockey game. In this article, you’ll learn whether hockey games are cold, what affects the temperature as all rinks aren’t the same, and how to prepare yourself, so you never get cold. Before anything, though, are hockey games cold?

Generally, hockey games are chilly, with a temperature range between 50 to 65°F (10-18°C). Local hockey games are colder, 50-60°F, whereas professional games at 65°C are pleasant instead of cold. In addition, the closer to ice you sit, the colder you’ll be because the cold air will spread to nearby areas.

The official definition of cold weather is “Any temperature not exceeding 46 °F (8°C)”. As local and professional indoor hockey games are played at or above 50°F (10°C), they aren’t cold. However, if you don’t dress properly for a hockey game, you will surely get chilly.

Now, let’s examine the mentioned variables and others that all affect how chilly a hockey game will be.

What Affects The Temperature Of Hockey Games?

There are five main reasons affecting the temperature of hockey games; arena type, seating area, outdoor temperature & heating, amount of people, and the specific hockey rink. Let’s start with the biggest factor, the arena type.

1. Arena Type

There are two differences in hockey arenas; location and level of play.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor

The location of a hockey rink can be indoors or outdoors. All professional and the vast majority of amateur and junior hockey games are played in a hall. However, recreational and occasional games can be played outdoors, drastically affecting how cold there will be.

As I explained, the temperature in hockey halls usually is 50 to 65°F (10-18°C), which isn’t even considered cold if we look at the definition. However, you can get cold there if you don’t wear enough clothing.

Now, outdoor rinks are as cold as the temperature outside, which is always below 32°F (0°C) because that’s the lowest temperature ice will be ice without melting. That said, a hockey rink outdoor usually is 23°F-5°F, depending on where you live.

Professional Vs. Local

The second hockey arena temperature difference is whether the game is in a local hall for amateur players or a professional stadium such as in the NHL, KHL, or country-specific leagues.

Professional hockey corporations don’t lack funds, so the stadiums are equipped with quality technology and built better with more insulation.

In contrast, local hockey associations and teams usually struggle with money which reflects in the stadiums that aren’t the same quality as pro stadiums. Thus, local games are colder.

2. Seating Area

In hockey halls, the ice rink is chilled to around 25°F(-4°C), so it’s perfect for skating.

Now, that’s cold, and the air around the rink will spread. The biggest effect of the spreading cold air is the nearby benches, so if you sit there, you will be colder than people seated at the back, where the air can’t spread as effectively.

3. Outdoor Temperature & Heating

Suppose you’re going to a hockey game, and it’s -22 (-30). In that case, the indoor temperature can change, especially in poorly insulated local hockey halls with low-quality heating equipment or no heating at all.

When comparing that to professional stadiums where the indoor temperature will be hardly affected by the outdoor temperature, it’s clear that when it’s freezing outside, local rinks will be far colder than pro stadiums.

4. Amount of People

If you haven’t already noticed, when you are in a crowded space, we humans emit heat. The reason we give out heat is that our cells burn energy that produces heat.

Now, when you are alone or with someone, you will hardly notice it. However, when you are in a crowded space, cheering in a hockey game, for example, you will notice it.

That said, if the game is sold out and there’s someone on each bench, it will be warmer than if the game isn’t even half sold because there will be less heat in the environment.

5. Specific Hockey Rink

There are differences between local hockey rinks and professional stadiums, so the exact temperature in a hockey game will depend on the stadium, construction, technology, and other variables. Stadiums aren’t the same, and with that, the temperatures aren’t either.

How To Stay Warm During A Hockey Game

Next, I’ll reveal my best tips to stay warm in a hockey game, and I might reveal that it’s really easy if you know how to prepare.

1. Dress Warm

The most important thing to do if you want to be warm when going to a hockey game is to wear enough clothes. Going from the head down, I like to wear;

• Beanie
• Thin jacket
• Hoodie (or jersey)
• T-shirt
• Jeans
• Regular socks
• Sneakers

That are basic and warm clothes for me when I’m going to a professional hockey game. For a local hockey game, I would wear a warmer jacket, mittens, and even some long johns such as Thermaljohn’s underwear as a man, and for women, leggings under other pants run the same thing.

To learn more about how to dress for a hockey game, check out my informative article.

2. Bring A Seat Warmer

The only part of your body that touches cold material during a hockey game is your but. If your butt gets cold, other body parts will quickly follow, so it’s important to keep it warm.

If warm underwear and regular pants such as jeans or sweatpants aren’t enough, I recommend getting a seat warmer such as Thermaseat under your butt so it won’t get so cold.

3. Bring a Hot Drink

Hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or warm juice will keep you warm internally, reflecting your whole body temperature and feeling.

That said, a quality thermos bottle such as Stanley Classic Thermos keeps your drink hot for up to 24 hours. It’s a great addition to hockey games, providing warmth and a delicious drink.

4. Go Somewhere Warm Afterwards

Nothing is worse than being cold and not knowing when it will end. However, if you see an end to your suffering (a bit of an exaggeration if you don’t go naked to the game), you will get through it much better.

After a hockey game, I always like to eat with my friends and get a couple of cold ones, or if you’re cold, a couple of warm ones will do the same. Go somewhere warm after a game, and you’ll withstand chilly temperatures better.

Still, remember to dress warmly as it’s the best means against cold.

Are Hockey Jerseys Warm?

As a hockey fan, you probably want to support your favorite team and wear a jockey jersey. It gives you a great sense of belonging; they are comfortable and stylish and show others that you’re a true fan. However, are they warm enough to be worn in a hockey game?

Hockey jerseys are warm like sweaters. However, they aren’t warm enough to be worn without any other layer or clothing. I recommend wearing a t-shirt underneath the jersey and bringing a thin jacket as an extra layer to ensure you will stay warm through the game.

A beanie (or cap) and gloves will keep your total body temperature higher as well, so I would bring them with you as well.

You should also note that there are different types of jerseys and others are warmers than others. Some jerseys are perforated and thin, whereas others don’t have perforation and are thicker and heavier. Often, the heavier jerseys are more expensive, but in my opinion, it’s worth the cost as they look far better most of the time.

If you don’t already have a jockey jersey, you browse a wide selection of jerseys at NHL Shop!

Related: Why Are Hockey Jerseys Expensive? (& How To Find Cheap Ones)