Norfolk to Host 2023 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic

The 2023 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic will be held in Norfolk, Virginia, the league and hometown Admirals announced. The game will be played at Norfolk Scope Arena on January 16, 2023, making the city one of only two two-time hosts in the game’s history.

Events surrounding the game include an All-Star Fan Fest and the 15th ECHL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The annual showcase is attended by representatives from the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.

“Norfolk proudly serves as the cultural and economic hub of the region and hosting the 2023 ECHL All-Star Classic further solidifies Norfolk as Hampton Roads’ home for sports,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. “Over the 33-year history with the Admirals’ organization, the city continues to build on our strong partnership with the team’s leadership, players and fans. We look forward to welcoming ECHL hockey’s most skilled and accomplished players to Norfolk in 2023.”

The event traditionally generates an estimated $1 million in economic impact as guests, players, coaches, and fans occupy hotel rooms and spend three days in the host city. The 2023 ECHL All-Star Classic marks the second time Norfolk has hosted the event after hosting in 1994. The only other two-time host is Reading, Pennsylvania, in 2005 and 2009.

“Bringing the annual ECHL celebration of professional hockey to Norfolk for the generations of Hampton Roads hockey fans is an early highlight of the new look Norfolk Admirals,” said Norfolk Admirals Owner Patrick Cavanagh. “Norfolk is a wonderful, highly cultural destination city. The Admirals are excited to bring the eyes of the hockey world to our hometown with the 2023 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic.”

“The Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic is about bringing our players, fans, and staff together for a celebration of hockey,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “To be able to bring this showcase to Norfolk nearly 30 years after the city originally hosted the event, we are really looking forward to bringing the festivities back to one of the original ECHL markets and honoring Tidewater’s deep hockey history.”