The New Jersey Devils will open their 2026-27 home schedule on Thursday, October 1, when they host the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:00 p.m. ET at Prudential Center. The game will air on ESPN+/Hulu.
The club is planning a full-scale celebration around the opener, starting well before puck drop. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. on Championship Plaza, with Red Carpet arrivals presented by BMW set for approximately 4:00 p.m. After that, Fan Fest presented by Citizens takes over the plaza with in-arena host Jenna Lemoncelli, performances by Lulu and The Scouts and TJ the DJ, plus food trucks, games, activities, and appearances from NJ Devil, Woo Crew and Devils Alumni.
Fans attending the opener will also receive an LED light stick courtesy of Citizens.
Citizens said the event fits into its broader partnership with the team and arena. "As the Official Bank of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, we're excited to kick off another season of Devils hockey and connect with fans and communities through the experiences and passions that matter most to them," said Yajaira Hafley, Tri-State Metro Retail Market Executive, Citizens. "This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the New Jersey community, and our Citizens Game Ready Bankers look forward to welcoming fans throughout the season and help them achieve their financial goals."
Fan Fest will also bring in the Citizens Mobile Branch Unit, “NJ’s Ride,” a mobile esports fan experience, and the Devils Experience Mobile Tour, where fans can play video games and test their hockey skills before heading inside.
Several partners are scheduled to activate during Fan Fest as well. Premio Foods and Shore Good Eats, the Devils 2025 Enrich Program winner, will operate food trucks.
RWJBarnabas Health will promote the ‘Running with the Devils 5k and Walk’ and feature a spin wheel with giveaways. Athletic Brewing, Goya and Soubourbon Life will provide samples, Garage Beer will set up a trailer for mingling and cornhole, and BMW will have a car display along with Devils-branded premium giveaways.
Inside the building, the opener will include player introductions for the 2026-27 Devils, followed by the first National Anthem of the season, performed by Arlette with organist Pete Cannarozzi.
The home opener also serves as the debut for several new presentation elements. TJ the DJ is moving to Section 2 with a new booth in the crowd, while a new feature called Sounds of the Game will let fans submit songs to shape the night’s soundtrack. The Devils are also adding more live entertainment throughout the season, including more performances on the Devils Sound Stage in Section 16, which will launch during the opener with The Benjamins performing before the game and during both intermissions.
The Woo Crew will return with a new look, including an updated logo and redesigned uniforms. NJ’s Sin Bin in Section 115 is being reworked into a family destination with face painting, sign-making stations, gaming consoles and interactive photo opportunities, along with new graphics, branding and props.
NJ Devil will also get his own intro video in the opening sequence, with a nod to the Pine Barrens. The scoreboard presentation is getting a refresh too, with new graphics and enhanced visual elements from puck drop to the final horn. The Devils will also add mixed reality graphics for features such as the Citizens Coin Shuffle and Prudential Rock Your Moment.
Prudential is taking over the T-Shirt Toss this season with custom-designed shirts and an enter-to-win sweepstakes. Fans can also stop by the Citizens concourse activation space outside Section 18 for photos, games and prizes.
Hockey in New Jersey will serve as the night’s 50/50 beneficiary presented by BetRivers.
Tickets for the Home Opener are available at newjerseydevils.com/tickets, at Prudential Center’s Box Office, or by calling 973-757-6000. Fans can also visit NewJerseyDevils.com/Tickets for on-sale alerts and early access opportunities for future home games, learn more about Devils Black and Red Membership, or find group and premium seating options through the team’s website and Prudential Center.
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