The first ticket sales phase starts on July 16, 2026.
The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Germany 2027™ returns to a special venue: the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with a capacity of 61.574 spectators. Team Germany will open the tournament on Thursday, May 13, 2027 – one day before the official start – against the reigning World Championship runner-up, Switzerland. Puck drop is at 8:20 p.m. Seventeen years after the 2010 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, the arena will once again host an opening game of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. In the legendary 2010 opening game, Germany defeated Team USA 2-1 in overtime. The announcement of the opening match also marks the start of the first ticket sales phase for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Germany 2027™. From Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM, Fans Secure the first tickets. Available at launch:
- Tickets for the opening match in Gelsenkirchen
- VIP Venue Packages (all games)
- Matchday packages for the quarter-finals
- Final round packages in Düsseldorf (semi-finals as well as bronze and gold medal matches)
Tickets from €39 are available via the official ticket platform of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
Available in Germany 2027™: 2027.iihfworlds.com/tickets
FanInformation about the opening match in Gelsenkirchen
The official FanTeam Germany's section is located in the north curve of the Veltins Arena. For Fans Blocks V and W are available to the Swiss national team.
Further ticket sales phases
Ticket sales will take place in several phases. The full schedule will be published in September 2026, at which time the official pre-sale of day packages will begin. Individual tickets will be available from February 2027. Further information on the various hospitality packages will follow in late summer. In addition, Fans Register now to receive early information about the start of advance ticket sales for day packages in September and to secure exclusive ticketing benefits: 2027.iihfworlds.com/register
Claus Gröbner, Managing Director, Organizing Committee, Ice Hockey World Championship 2027™: "With the announcement of the opening game, the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Germany 2027™ will be open for the Fans For the first time, it's becoming tangible. After a long period of planning and preparation, the tournament is now gradually taking shape. An opening game is always a special moment – it kicks off an international sporting festival and creates memories that last far beyond the first day of competition. The fact that the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship™ in Germany begins with such a highlight is truly something special. With the start of ticket sales, the Fans "Starting tomorrow, become part of this journey and secure your place early for an extraordinary ice hockey experience."
Matti Nurminen, Secretary General of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF): "Gelsenkirchen made ice hockey history in 2010. With the opening game of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Germany 2027™ at this iconic venue, reigning vice world champions Switzerland bring together two of the leading ice hockey nations in a duel that promises an unforgettable start to the tournament."
Daniel Hopp, Managing Director of SAP Arena Mannheim and Ticketing by SAP Arena: "For many, the start of ticket pre-sales marks the beginning of a new era." Fans The anticipation for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Germany 2027™ is palpable for us in two ways: As the host city and venue of the IIHF World Championship 2027™, we are preparing the SAP Arena for the tournament with targeted construction measures and organizational preparations. At the same time, as the exclusive ticketing partner, we are supporting the Fans "From the very first ticket purchase. Our goal is to create the best conditions for a first-class experience, both in Mannheim and in ticketing – because the journey to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2027™ begins long before the first face-off."
Kim Lachmann, Managing Director of D.LIVE/D.SPORTS: "The host city of Düsseldorf and the Düsseldorf Dome are preparing for a special international sporting event. With the construction of two new team locker rooms, additional seating for ice hockey fans, a new rink board, and other structural and technical measures, we are creating the conditions for a modern stage at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2027™." ParaAs ticket pre-sales begin, preparations on site are continuing at full speed. Our shared goal is to provide teams, Fans and to offer partners optimal conditions and to enable an IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Germany 2027™ at the highest level.”
Source: 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship Organizing Committee Ltd.
Photo: © 2026 Michael Schmidt – www.schmidt.fm