The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to expand its reach across North America with its inaugural "Takeover Tour,” featuring nine neutral-site games beginning this January. This initiative aims to introduce PWHL hockey to new audiences, providing fans the chance to witness world-class women’s hockey players live, and to significantly grow the league’s fanbase.
One of the highlights of this tour will be the matchup between the Boston Fleet and the New York Sirens on February 23, 2025, at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. Scheduled to puck drop at 4 p.m., this event is not just about hockey; it's also seen as a pivotal moment to celebrate the advancements women’s hockey has made and to inspire future generations of female athletes.
Amy Scheer, the PWHL's Senior Vice President of Business Operations, emphasized the importance of this tour, stating, "Bringing PWHL games to fans across both countries is a natural next step as we continue building our audience. When exploring potential locations for a PWHL game, the enthusiasm from cities eager to engage with our league was incredibly encouraging. The PWHL 'Takeover Tour' lets us showcase our game and exceptional athletes across a wider North American footprint—a significant moment for our players and our business as we look toward future expansion."
During the PWHL’s takeover, matches will occur across various U.S. locations, from the Pacific Northwest’s Seattle to the East’s Quebec City, and even extending as far south as Raleigh, North Carolina. Notably, Ball Arena, home to Colorado's NHL team, the Avalanche, will host the Minnesota Frost against the Montreal Victoire on January 12, 2025. This strategic location was selected to tap the existing hockey culture within the region, setting the stage for impactful fan engagement.
Alongside Buffalo and Denver, other cities hosting games include Detroit, Raleigh, and St. Louis, with additional matches slated for Seattle and Vancouver. These games are viewed as significant steps toward establishing the PWHL as not just competitive but also integral to the fabric of professional sports.
Despite the challenges faced in women's hockey historically—with the Premier Hockey Federation folding last year—this marks the PWHL's commitment to reversing those trends and championing women’s sports. The league is benefiting from prior successes, recently recognized as the Sports Breakthrough of the Year by Sports Business Journal, and is building its roster with many of the world’s top female hockey players.
Ticket presales for the PWHL's neutral-site games will kick off soon; fans can access tickets starting at 10:00 AM on Thursday morning, with general sales following on Friday morning, November 22. The push is clearly on to get supporters involved early.
To summarize the PWHL Takeover Tour schedule: it launches with Montreal taking on Boston on January 5 at Climate Pledge Arena, and runs through to the concluding match on March 29, highlighted by key contests across some of the sport's most vibrant markets. This tour is not just about hockey; it's about creating community, inspiring youth, and showcasing how far women’s professional sports have come—a narrative the league hopes will resonate strongly with both old and new fans alike.
