The 10 Best Cities to Travel to Watch the Dallas Stars on the Road (2025-26 Season)
There's something special about watching your team play on the road. The energy of an opposing arena, the camaraderie with fellow Stars fans who made the trip, and the chance to explore a new city before or after the game — it all adds up to an experience that's different from catching a game at American Airlines Center. The 2025-26 season gives Dallas Stars fans plenty of opportunities to plan memorable road trips, with away games spanning some of North America's best hockey cities.
How This List Was Chosen
We evaluated every Stars away game destination based on four key factors that matter most to Dallas travelers planning a hockey road trip:
Destination Appeal
Is this a city worth visiting beyond the game? Great food, walkable arena districts, and things to do before puck drop all factor in.
Travel Convenience
Can you fly nonstop from DFW? How long is the flight? Is driving realistic? We prioritized destinations with easy access from Dallas.
Game Significance
Rivalry matchups, competitive opponents, and special dates (like New Year's Day) make certain games more memorable than others.
Estimated Cost
We considered typical costs for flights, hotels, and game tickets to help you budget appropriately for each destination.
The Top 10 Dallas Stars Away Game Trips
1. Washington, D.C. — Washington Capitals
Game Date
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 — 6:00 PM CT
Washington D.C. combines world-class hockey with free access to America's best museums and monuments. Capital One Arena sits right downtown, steps from Chinatown and the Gallery Place Metro station. The Capitals have one of hockey's biggest stars in Alex Ovechkin — who's still chasing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record. This January game is part of the Stars' longest road trip of the season, and D.C. offers more off-ice activities than almost any other NHL city.
Getting There
Fly: About 3 hours nonstop from DFW. American has multiple daily flights to DCA (Reagan) or IAD (Dulles).
Drive: 20+ hours — not practical.
Why It's Worth It
See Ovechkin chase history, free Smithsonian museums, walkable downtown, and the arena sits directly above a Metro stop. January weather is cold but manageable.
Pro Tip: The Stars play Carolina the night before (Jan 6) and D.C. is just 4 hours from Raleigh. Consider a double-header road trip if you can swing two games in two nights.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada — Vegas Golden Knights
Game Date
Friday, February 20, 2026 — 9:00 PM CT
T-Mobile Arena has quickly become one of the must-see venues in professional sports. The Golden Knights' pre-game show is a full-blown Vegas production with pyrotechnics, drummers, and theatrical performances. The arena sits on the Strip, so you're surrounded by world-class entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Vegas transformed into a legitimate hockey town faster than anyone expected, and the energy inside T-Mobile is electric.
Getting There
Fly: About 3 hours nonstop from DFW. Multiple airlines including Frontier, Spirit, and American offer frequent service.
Drive: Not recommended — 18+ hours.
Why It's Worth It
Best pre-game show in hockey, Strip location with endless entertainment options, and a competitive opponent. The Knights have been a playoff team since their inaugural season.
Pro Tip: Hotel prices in Vegas fluctuate dramatically based on conventions and events. Check what else is happening in town before you book — midweek games often mean much cheaper rooms.
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3. Chicago, Illinois — Chicago Blackhawks
Game Date — New Year's Day
Thursday, January 1, 2026 — 7:30 PM CT
The New Year's Day game at United Center makes this trip extra special. Known as "The Madhouse on Madison," United Center is home to an Original Six franchise with six Stanley Cup championships. Even in rebuilding years, Blackhawks fans show up, and the arena atmosphere reflects Chicago's deep hockey tradition. Beyond the game, Chicago in winter means incredible food (deep dish, Italian beef), world-class museums, and festive holiday decorations still up through early January.
Getting There
Fly: About 2.5 hours nonstop from DFW. American, United, Frontier, and Spirit all fly the route.
Drive: 14+ hours — not practical for a game trip.
Why It's Worth It
New Year's Day game adds significance, Original Six history, incredible food scene, and one of the most iconic arenas in hockey. Perfect way to kick off 2026.
Weather Note: Chicago in January is cold — expect temperatures in the 20s-30s. Pack layers and a warm coat. The upside: fewer tourists than summer months.
4. Denver, Colorado — Colorado Avalanche
Game Date — Division Rivalry
Saturday, March 14, 2026 — 8:00 PM CT
This is the rivalry game. The Stars and Avalanche have playoff history going back to the late 90s when Dallas and Colorado were the two best teams in the Western Conference. Joe Sakic vs. Mike Modano. Patrick Roy vs. Ed Belfour. Multiple Game 7s. That history still simmers, especially when both teams are contending. Ball Arena sits in downtown Denver near Union Station, and the city offers craft breweries, excellent restaurants, and mountain views.
Getting There
Fly: Just over 2 hours nonstop from DFW. One of the most frequent routes with Southwest, Frontier, American, and United.
Drive: 12-13 hours — possible for a long weekend but flying is much easier.
Why It's Worth It
Historic rivalry with playoff stakes, great downtown scene, and easy access to mountain activities if you want to extend your trip. Denver's food and beer scene has exploded in recent years.
Pro Tip: Combine the game with a ski trip if the schedule allows. Winter Park and other resorts are just 90 minutes from Denver.
5. New York, New York — New York Rangers
Game Date — Bucket List Arena
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 — 6:00 PM CT
Madison Square Garden is a bucket-list venue for any hockey fan. Known as "The World's Most Famous Arena," MSG has hosted more iconic moments than almost any other building in sports. The Rangers' history, the Midtown Manhattan location, and the electric atmosphere make this trip feel special from the moment you walk in. Early December timing means holiday decorations are up throughout the city, and you're early enough to avoid the peak holiday tourist crush.
Getting There
Fly: About 3.5 hours nonstop to JFK, Newark, or LaGuardia. American has the most DFW-NYC options; Frontier and JetBlue also serve the route.
Drive: Not practical — 24+ hours.
Why It's Worth It
Bucket-list arena, Midtown Manhattan location, Original Six franchise, holiday season atmosphere. MSG sits directly above Penn Station, making it incredibly accessible.
Cost Reality: NYC is expensive — hotels, food, and tickets are all pricier than other destinations. But for many fans, seeing a game at MSG is worth the splurge at least once.
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Set Up Trip Alerts6. St. Paul, Minnesota — Minnesota Wild
Game Date — Rivalry (Former North Stars)
Thursday, December 11, 2025 — 7:00 PM CT
This game carries history that goes beyond typical rivalry. The Dallas Stars were the Minnesota North Stars until 1993, and many Wild fans still hold a grudge. Xcel Energy Center is consistently rated as one of the best arenas in the NHL for atmosphere — Minnesota takes its hockey seriously. The Twin Cities offer excellent food, breweries, and cultural attractions. December timing means you'll experience Minnesota hockey culture at its peak — cold weather, passionate fans, and playoff-race intensity.
Getting There
Fly: About 2.5 hours nonstop from DFW. Sun Country, Delta, and American offer service.
Drive: 15+ hours — not practical.
Why It's Worth It
Meaningful rivalry with franchise history, excellent arena atmosphere, hockey-obsessed fanbase, and budget-friendly destination compared to coastal cities.
7. Seattle, Washington — Seattle Kraken
Game Date — New Arena Experience
Friday, February 27, 2026 — 9:00 PM CT
Climate Pledge Arena is one of the newest and most architecturally impressive venues in the NHL. Seattle's hockey market is still developing its traditions, but the arena itself — built inside the historic Seattle Center — is stunning. The late February timing makes this trip a perfect winter getaway. Seattle offers world-class seafood, coffee culture, and plenty to explore from Pike Place Market to the Space Needle.
Getting There
Fly: About 4 hours nonstop from DFW. Alaska, American, and Delta fly the route with frequent service.
Drive: Not practical — 30+ hours.
Why It's Worth It
Brand-new arena experience, beautiful Pacific Northwest city, great food scene, and a Friday night game perfect for a weekend trip. February weather is mild by Seattle standards.
8. Los Angeles, California — Los Angeles Kings
Game Date — Escape the Winter
Monday, January 12, 2026 — 9:00 PM CT
Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) hosts both the Kings and the Lakers, making it one of the busiest arenas in sports. The Kings have won two Stanley Cups in the 2010s and have a dedicated following. January in LA means you're escaping Texas winter for 70-degree weather and sunshine. The arena sits in downtown LA near LA Live, with plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Getting There
Fly: About 3 hours nonstop from DFW. One of the highest-frequency routes with American, Southwest, Spirit, and others.
Drive: 20+ hours — not practical.
Why It's Worth It
Escape winter weather, iconic multi-sport arena, endless entertainment options, and easy flights from DFW. Extend the trip to beaches or theme parks.
9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh Penguins
Game Date — Back-to-Back Opportunity
Saturday, March 28, 2026 — 6:00 PM CT
Pittsburgh is an underrated hockey destination. The Penguins have won five Stanley Cups, including three this century with Sidney Crosby. PPG Paints Arena is modern and well-designed, and the city itself has transformed into a foodie destination with excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and revitalized neighborhoods. March timing means you'll catch the end of regular season when playoff positioning matters.
Getting There
Fly: About 3 hours with one stop (direct service varies). American connects through Charlotte or Philadelphia.
Drive: 18+ hours — not practical.
Why It's Worth It
Historic franchise, affordable city, excellent food scene, and potential to see Sidney Crosby before he retires. Pittsburgh also has the Stars' back-to-back partner in Philadelphia the next night.
Double-Header Option: The Stars play Philadelphia on March 29, the night after Pittsburgh. Plan a 3-4 night trip to catch both games — it's about a 5-hour drive between cities.
10. Vancouver, British Columbia — Vancouver Canucks
Game Date — International Trip
Monday, March 2, 2026 — 9:00 PM CT
Vancouver is arguably the most beautiful city in the NHL. Mountains meet ocean, and the downtown skyline is stunning. Rogers Arena sits right downtown, walking distance from Gastown, Yaletown, and the waterfront. Canadian hockey fans are passionate, and the Canucks have a strong following. March timing puts you past the darkest winter months while still enjoying potential late-season snow on the mountains for skiing if you want to extend your trip.
Getting There
Fly: About 4.5 hours nonstop from DFW. American offers direct service.
Drive: Not practical — 35+ hours. Plus border crossing.
Why It's Worth It
Most scenic NHL city, passionate Canadian hockey culture, excellent Asian food scene, and international travel experience. Don't forget your passport!
Back-to-Back Option: The Stars play Calgary on March 3, the night after Vancouver. Calgary is about a 1-hour flight or 10-hour drive from Vancouver — possible to combine both games in one Canadian road trip.
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Quick Comparison: Which Trip Is Right for You?
Best for Budget Travelers
Minnesota or Pittsburgh — Both are affordable destinations with reasonable flights, budget-friendly hotels, and passionate hockey atmospheres. Neither requires a rental car if you stay downtown.
Best for a Long Weekend
Denver — Quick 2-hour flight, plenty to do beyond the game (breweries, restaurants, mountain day trips), and rivalry stakes make the game itself more exciting.
Best for Families
Los Angeles — Combine the game with Disneyland, Universal Studios, beaches, or other family-friendly attractions. January weather is mild and pleasant.
Best Winter Escape
Las Vegas — Desert weather, world-class entertainment, and one of the best game-day experiences in the NHL. Perfect when you want sun without the beach.
Best Rivalry Atmosphere
Minnesota — The North Stars history creates genuine tension. Wild fans still haven't forgiven Dallas for taking their team. Expect a loud, passionate crowd.
Best Bucket-List Experience
New York (Madison Square Garden) — The World's Most Famous Arena. If you're going to splurge on one road trip, MSG in December with holiday decorations throughout the city is hard to beat.
Final Tips for Traveling to See the Stars on the Road
Plan Around the Schedule Early
The NHL releases the full schedule in summer. Once you identify which games you want to attend, book flights and hotels sooner rather than later — especially for popular destinations like Vegas, New York, or any weekend game. Flight prices and hotel availability both favor early planners.
Consider Back-to-Back Road Games
The NHL schedule often pairs nearby cities on consecutive nights. Pittsburgh-Philadelphia (March 28-29) and Vancouver-Calgary (March 2-3) are both doable double-headers. You'll spend more time traveling, but you'll also catch two games for one trip's worth of flights.
Pack for the Arena, Not Just the City
NHL arenas are cold. Even in warm-weather cities like LA or Vegas, bring a light jacket or hoodie for the game. Wear your Stars jersey with pride — you'll find fellow fans at every away arena, and road games create a sense of camaraderie among traveling supporters.
Build in Time Beyond the Game
Flying somewhere just for a 3-hour hockey game feels rushed. Add at least one full day to explore — try local restaurants, visit landmarks, or simply enjoy being somewhere new. The best road trips are the ones where the game is part of the experience, not the entire experience.
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The 2025-26 season offers Dallas Stars fans no shortage of compelling road trip options. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend in Denver, a bucket-list trip to Madison Square Garden, or a rivalry game in Minnesota with real playoff implications, there's a trip that fits your schedule and budget.
The best part of being a Stars fan in Dallas? You're based at one of the best-connected airports in the country. Nonstop flights to Denver, Chicago, Vegas, LA, Seattle, and D.C. mean most of these trips are genuinely easy to pull off — no complicated connections or full-day travel required.
Pick a game, book the trip, and go watch your team. Some of the best hockey memories happen away from home.
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