The Stanley Cup Finals 2025 will take place in early to mid-June 2025, featuring the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences battling in a best-of-7 series for hockey’s ultimate prize. As the culmination of the NHL playoffs, the Stanley Cup Finals represent the pinnacle of professional hockey, where the two remaining teams compete for the oldest and most revered trophy in North American sports. The Stanley Cup Finals schedule will be finalized once the Conference Finals conclude, with games expected to begin in early June. With the Conference Finals currently underway, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting championship series filled with intensity, skill, and the drama that only playoff hockey can deliver. Stanley Cup Finals tickets will become available shortly after the participating teams are determined.
Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025 Format and Path to Finals
The Stanley Cup Playoffs follow a structured format that determines which teams advance to the Finals:
Playoff Structure
The NHL playoff format features 16 teams—eight from each conference—competing in a four-round elimination tournament. Each round consists of best-of-7 series, with teams needing to win four games to advance.
Current Conference Finals Status
As of late May 2025, the Conference Finals are well underway:
Eastern Conference Final: Florida Panthers lead the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0
Western Conference Final: Edmonton Oilers lead the Dallas Stars 2-1
The winners of these series will advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, with the team holding the better regular-season record gaining home-ice advantage.
Stanley Cup Finals Format
The Stanley Cup Finals follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format, meaning:
- Games 1 and 2 at the home of the team with better regular-season record
- Games 3 and 4 at the other team’s arena
- Game 5 back at the first team’s arena
- Game 6 at the second team’s arena
- Game 7 (if necessary) at the first team’s arena
This format ensures both teams have the opportunity to host multiple games while rewarding regular-season performance with potential home-ice advantage in a decisive Game 7.
Stanley Cup Finals 2025 Schedule
While the exact dates will be determined once the Conference Finals conclude, the Stanley Cup Finals typically begin 3-4 days after both Conference Finals are complete. Based on the current playoff timeline, here’s the projected schedule for the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals:
Game 1: Approximately June 5-7, 2025 – Higher seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET
Game 2: Approximately June 7-9, 2025 – Higher seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET
Game 3: Approximately June 10-12, 2025 – Lower seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET
Game 4: Approximately June 12-14, 2025 – Lower seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET
Game 5: Approximately June 15-17, 2025 – Higher seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET (if necessary)
Game 6: Approximately June 18-20, 2025 – Lower seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET (if necessary)
Game 7: Approximately June 21-23, 2025 – Higher seed home arena – 8:00 PM ET (if necessary)
All games are scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern Time, though weekend games occasionally start earlier. The NHL has announced that the last possible date for the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals is June 23, 2025, meaning the series will conclude by this date regardless of how many games are played.
Where to Watch the Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals are broadcast across multiple platforms, ensuring hockey fans can follow the action regardless of their preferred viewing method:
Television Broadcast
The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals will be broadcast nationally in the United States on a combination of networks:
- ABC/ESPN: Primary broadcaster for most Stanley Cup Finals games
- TNT: May broadcast select games as part of the NHL’s television rights agreement
In Canada, coverage will be available on:
- Sportsnet (SN): Primary English-language broadcaster
- CBC: Simulcasts Sportsnet’s coverage on free over-the-air television
- TVA Sports: French-language coverage
Streaming Options
For cord-cutters and digital viewers, several streaming platforms will carry the Finals:
- ESPN+: Streams all ESPN/ABC broadcasts in the United States
- MAX: Streams all TNT broadcasts in the United States
- Sportsnet NOW: Streams all games in Canada
- NHL.tv: International streaming (blackout restrictions apply in the US and Canada)
International Viewing
Outside North America, the Stanley Cup Finals will be available through:
- Sky Sports (United Kingdom)
- ESPN (Latin America, Australia)
- Nova Sports (Greece)
- Viaplay (Nordic countries)
- Various regional sports networks worldwide
Public Viewing Options
Many fans prefer the communal experience of watching with fellow hockey enthusiasts:
- Sports bars: Most sports-oriented establishments will feature the games with sound
- Official watch parties: Both finalist teams typically host official watch parties for away games
- Arena viewing: Some teams open their arenas for fans to watch away games on the jumbotron
Stanley Cup Finals Tickets
Securing tickets to the Stanley Cup Finals is challenging but possible with proper planning:
Ticket Release Process
- Season Ticket Holders: Get first priority, usually 24-48 hours after their team qualifies for the Finals
- Team Insiders/Subscribers: Second priority, typically gaining access 24 hours after season ticket holders
- General Public: Limited availability, usually released 3-5 days after team qualification
- NHL Official Packages: Premium experiences available through the league’s official partners
Official Ticket Sources
- Team websites: The most reliable source for face-value tickets
- Ticketmaster: Official ticketing partner for most NHL teams
- NHL.com: Links to official team ticketing platforms
- On Location Experiences: NHL’s official premium experience provider
Expected Price Ranges
Stanley Cup Finals tickets are among the most expensive in sports, with prices varying by market:
- Upper level seating: $800-$1,500
- Mid-level seating: $1,500-$3,000
- Lower level seating: $3,000-$5,000
- Premium/Glass seating: $5,000-$10,000+
- Luxury suites: $25,000-$50,000+ (typically accommodates 12-20 people)
Prices typically increase for later games in the series, with potential Game 7 tickets commanding the highest premiums.
Secondary Market Considerations
While secondary markets like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats offer additional inventory, buyers should be aware of:
- Significant markups: Often 2-3 times face value
- Verification requirements: Ensure tickets are transferable and verified
- Timing strategies: Prices sometimes drop closer to game time as sellers become motivated
- Buyer protections: Use platforms with money-back guarantees
Stanley Cup Finals Venues
Based on the current Conference Finals standings, the most likely venues for the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals are:
Florida Panthers – Amerant Bank Arena
Location: Sunrise, Florida
Capacity: 19,250 for hockey
Notable Features:
- Modern amenities throughout the arena
- FLA Live Club for premium experiences
- Multiple dining options and bars
- Interactive fan zones
Transportation Options:
- By Car: Located off the Sawgrass Expressway; on-site parking available ($30-$50 for Finals games)
- Public Transit: Limited options; rideshare recommended
- Shuttle Services: Special event shuttles from select locations during Finals
Edmonton Oilers – Rogers Place
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Capacity: 18,347 for hockey
Notable Features:
- State-of-the-art facility opened in 2016
- Connected to ICE District plaza for pre-game activities
- Premium Club and Loge seating options
- Cutting-edge technology throughout
Transportation Options:
- By Car: Downtown location with multiple parking facilities ($25-$40)
- Public Transit: Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) with dedicated arena stop
- Pedway System: Connected to downtown hotels and businesses
Carolina Hurricanes – PNC Arena
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Capacity: 18,680 for hockey
Notable Features:
- Spacious concourses with Carolina-themed concessions
- The Eye team store
- Premium Arena Club and suite levels
- Stormy’s Kid Zone for younger fans
Transportation Options:
- By Car: Located off I-40; extensive on-site parking ($30-$40 for Finals)
- Public Transit: Limited options; special event shuttles during Finals
- Rideshare: Designated pickup/dropoff zones
Dallas Stars – American Airlines Center
Location: Dallas, Texas
Capacity: 18,532 for hockey
Notable Features:
- Victory Plaza pre-game entertainment area
- Multiple premium clubs and restaurants
- Interactive fan experiences throughout concourses
- Distinctive architecture and design
Transportation Options:
- By Car: Downtown location with adjacent parking ($30-$45)
- Public Transit: DART Rail to Victory Station
- Trinity Railway Express: Connection to broader metro area
Bag Policy and Arena Rules
NHL arenas enforce consistent security policies during the Stanley Cup Finals:
Approved Bags
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- Small clutch bags or purses not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″
- Diaper bags (when accompanied by an infant)
- Medical bags (subject to inspection)
Prohibited Items
- Backpacks and large bags
- Hard-sided coolers
- Glass containers
- Outside food and beverages
- Weapons of any kind
- Drones
- Noisemakers (except thundersticks provided by the team)
- Laser pointers
- Selfie sticks
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
Security Screening
- All spectators will pass through metal detectors
- All bags will be inspected
- Random secondary screenings may occur
- No re-entry is permitted once you leave the arena
Entry Tips
- Arrive early (doors typically open 90 minutes before game time)
- Consider going bag-free for fastest entry
- Have tickets ready on mobile device
- Expect enhanced security for championship events
Where to Stay During the Finals
Accommodations near Stanley Cup Finals venues fill quickly. Here are recommendations for each potential Finals city:
Sunrise, Florida (Panthers)
- Luxury: AC Hotel by Marriott Sawgrass Mills, The Westin Fort Lauderdale
- Mid-range: DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise-Sawgrass Mills, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale SW
- Budget-friendly: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sunrise, Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation
Edmonton, Alberta (Oilers)
- Luxury: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
- Mid-range: Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites, Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel
- Budget-friendly: Days Inn by Wyndham Edmonton Downtown, Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Edmonton
Raleigh, North Carolina (Hurricanes)
- Luxury: The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
- Mid-range: Hyatt Place North Raleigh-Midtown, Courtyard Raleigh Midtown
- Budget-friendly: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Raleigh Crabtree, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh NE
Dallas, Texas (Stars)
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Omni Dallas Hotel
- Mid-range: Hyatt House Dallas/Uptown, AC Hotel by Marriott Dallas Downtown
- Budget-friendly: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Downtown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas Downtown
Booking Tips:
- Reserve accommodations immediately after Conference Finals conclude
- Look for flexible cancellation policies
- Consider locations near public transportation
- Check for special Stanley Cup Finals packages
- Book through hotel loyalty programs for potential upgrades
Traveling for the Stanley Cup Finals
Many fans travel between cities to attend multiple Finals games:
Flight Options
Major airlines serve all potential Finals cities:
- Sunrise/Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Edmonton: Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
- Raleigh: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Dallas: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Flight Booking Tips:
- Book immediately after Conference Finals conclude
- Consider flexible fare options
- Check for hockey-specific charter packages
- Use airline miles for last-minute availability
- Monitor prices daily as they fluctuate based on team performance
Ground Transportation in Host Cities
- Sunrise: Rental car recommended; limited public transportation
- Edmonton: Public transit and rideshare services connect arena to downtown
- Raleigh: Rental car recommended; limited public transit to arena
- Dallas: DART rail system connects airport to arena area; rideshare widely available
Planning for Home and Away Games
For fans attending multiple games across cities:
- Allow at least one travel day between games
- Book flexible accommodations
- Consider purchasing travel insurance
- Join team fan groups for potential group travel opportunities
- Look for multi-game ticket packages that include transportation
Luggage Storage Solutions with Radical Storage
Hockey fans traveling to the Stanley Cup Finals often face the challenge of managing luggage between hotel check-out times and evening games. Radical Storage offers the perfect solution with convenient luggage storage locations in all potential Finals cities.
Radical Storage provides secure, affordable luggage storage near all possible Stanley Cup Finals venues and at key locations around each host city, including airports, downtown areas, and transportation hubs. For just $6 per bag per day, travelers can store any size luggage with no weight restrictions.
The process is simple: book online through the Radical Storage website or mobile app, drop off your bags at the designated location (called “Angels”), and enjoy the game luggage-free. Each item is secured with a security seal and covered by a guarantee against damage, loss, or theft.
For Finals attendees, Radical Storage locations near arenas provide the convenience of storing souvenirs, backpacks, or other items that don’t comply with arena policies. This service is particularly valuable for fans attending multiple games in different cities or those with late flights after evening games.
Radical Storage locations near each potential Finals venue include:
- Sunrise: Near Amerant Bank Arena and Fort Lauderdale Airport
- Edmonton: Throughout the ICE District and near Rogers Place
- Raleigh: Near PNC Arena and downtown Raleigh
- Dallas: Near American Airlines Center and in downtown Dallas
Visit RadicalStorage.com or download the Radical Storage app to find the most convenient location for your needs and book your storage spot in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals will likely begin in early June, approximately 3-4 days after both Conference Finals conclude. The exact start date will be announced once the Conference Finals are complete, but the series must conclude by June 23, 2025.
In the United States, games will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN and potentially TNT, with streaming available on ESPN+ and MAX. In Canada, coverage will be on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports. International viewers can access games through regional sports networks or NHL.tv.
Official tickets are available through team websites and Ticketmaster once teams qualify for the Finals. Season ticket holders get first priority, followed by team subscribers and then the general public. Secondary markets like SeatGeek offer additional options, though typically at premium prices.
Most venues allow clear plastic bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and small clutch bags not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″. Prohibited items include backpacks, outside food and beverages, weapons, and professional cameras with detachable lenses. All bags are subject to inspection.
The team with the better regular-season record (higher seed) hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. This 2-2-1-1-1 format ensures both teams have the opportunity to host multiple games.
Radical Storage offers convenient and affordable luggage storage locations near all potential Stanley Cup Finals venues and throughout each host city. For $6 per bag per day, you can store any size luggage with no weight restrictions.
Conclusion
The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals represent the culmination of the NHL season, where the best teams from each conference compete for hockey’s ultimate prize. Whether you’re planning to attend games in person or watch from home, the Finals promise to deliver the excitement, skill, and drama that make playoff hockey so compelling.
For fans traveling to attend the Finals, proper planning is essential. Secure your tickets as soon as they become available, book accommodations immediately after the Conference Finals conclude, and consider using Radical Storage’s convenient luggage storage solutions to make your Stanley Cup experience hassle-free.
As the Conference Finals progress and the Stanley Cup Finals matchup becomes clear, stay updated on schedules, ticket availability, and venue information to ensure you don’t miss any of the action in this prestigious championship series.
