Pensacola Ice Flyers Return for 18th Season
This month, the hangar is welcoming home the Pensacola Ice Flyers as they enter a new season full of heated matches and fun fan events.
The Flyers will hit the ice for their 2026-2027 season on Oct. 17 at the Pensacola Bay Center. With 30 home games on the schedule as part of the team’s stacked 60-game season, there will be plenty of opportunities for longtime fans and newcomers alike to catch a game, take part in fan events and experience the team’s lineup of theme nights throughout the season.
“Every year we’ve been building on the last one — more fans, more energy in the building, more people in this community who’ve made an Ice Flyers game part of their fall and winter,” Ice Flyers Owner Greg Harris said. “What gets me excited this year is that we’re not just adding things because we can. We’re adding things because our fans told us what they want more of.”
Fans can look forward to a mix of new and veteran players on the roster this season, along with the exciting return of former goalie Rico DiMatteo. After playing goalie for the Ice Flyers last season, DiMatteo recently moved to Pensacola with his family and will re-join the team this season, ready to hit the ice and take on the competition.
“I wanted to come back this season because of how much Pensacola made me feel like family last season,” DiMatteo said. “The organization is first class and takes such good care of me and all of the other players.”
Alongside a thrilling lineup of games, the team is also bringing back a full slate of theme nights throughout the season. From special activities and merchandise to unique entertainment and fan experiences, these events give fans even more ways to connect with the team, get involved in the community and show their Ice Flyers team spirit.
“We build the calendar like we are planning nights out for a lot of different people, because we are,” Ice Flyers Senior Director of Operations Brendan Arney explained. “A grandparent, a season ticket holder, a family with young kids and a group of college friends should all be able to look at the slate and find a night that feels made for them.”
Some longtime community favorite theme nights are making their return this season. The beloved wiener dog and small dog races are welcoming some of the area’s cutest canines onto the ice to compete for the fastest finish.
“Minor league hockey is at its best when it does not take itself too seriously,” Arney said.
Other returning favorites include Day of the Dead Night, Bushwackers Night, Blue Angels Night and Star Wars Night. Furthermore, several new theme nights will debut this season, such as Retro Video Games Night and Ice Pirates, adding some new ways for fans to make the most of their game-night experiences.
The season will also feature several holiday theme nights, including two for Christmas, Holiday Movie Night and Home for the Holidays, along with a Mardis Gras and St. Patrick’s Day theme night celebrations. Other notable theme night events include youth and adult jersey giveaways beginning Nov. 13, along with Military Appreciation Nights and $5 Nights at both the beginning and end of the season.
“Between the $5 Nights, the military pricing and the jersey giveaways for adults and kids, there is a way for just about any family to get in the building and have a great time without overthinking the cost,” Arney said. “That was intentional. We want the Hangar to be for everybody.”
Theme nights are not the only returning community events. Continuing a team tradition, the Ice Flyers Foundation will partner with SWAN Capital to host its Charity of the Month Program throughout the season. Each month, a local nonprofit will be featured during the team’s home games, giving fans an opportunity to learn more about its mission and support its work. The featured organization will also set up a table at games throughout its designated month, providing another way for fans to connect with the charity and get involved.
Both full- and half-season tickets are now available for purchase online. Single-game tickets range from $20 to $30 dollars depending on seating, and those can be purchased online or in-person at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office.
Group packages are also available for youth sports teams, military units, church groups and more. The Pensacola Ice Flyers are also reinstating popular mini-plans for fans to save money on tickets. The 3-Game Hat Trick Plan includes three games and a free hat for each ticket purchased, with the option to claim silver or gold seating.
The 5-Game Plan allows patrons to book tickets for any five games of their choosing. These plans allow fans to experience the thrills of their most anticipated games while working them around their schedules and budgets.
“I’m excited to see everyone on night one and feel the support from everyone through the ups and downs of this upcoming season,” DiMatteo said. “I can’t wait to hear the energy every single night. It truly does help our team.”
With all of these opportunities to experience these games, the Ice Flyers’ 18th season is a prime time to support the team, enjoy the various theme nights, learn about great causes and connect with a welcoming, passionate community.
“We’re trying to be something this community is proud of and leans on,” Harris said. “Between the games themselves and the work we do through the Ice Flyers Foundation, we want people to feel like this team gives back more than it takes. Pensacola has a lot of options for how people spend a Friday or Saturday night and how they spend their money, so we take it seriously that families choose us.”
To purchase tickets, view the full season schedule or explore fundraising and donation opportunities, visit iceflyers.com. Follow @pcolaiceflyers on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on new announcements and keep up with the team.
