Denver Pioneers to host 2028 Frozen Four at United Center in Chicago

The Denver Pioneers are getting a chance to host the Frozen Four again, only not in Denver.

The program announced Wednesday that it would serve as the hosts for 2028 Frozen Four at the United Center in Chicago.

"It is a distinct honor any time your institution is awarded the hosting of a national championship event," DU vice chancellor for athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said in a release.

DU clarified why Denver was not the host city in a post on 'X' saying, "Ball Arena was not in a position to bid during this most recent NCAA submission cycle. We’re looking forward to playing the 2025 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game and future events at Ball Arena.

"Chicago is also one of DU’s largest markets for alumni and current students."

Regardless, the NCAA men's hockey tournament is still coming back to Colorado in the coming years. The Pioneers were already scheduled to host a 2026 regional at Blue Arena (formerly known as the Budweiser Events Center) in Loveland and now will host another regional, also in Loveland, in 2027.

"I want to thank our partners at the United Center, the Chicago Sports Commission and Blue Arena in Loveland for playing such a meaningful and supportive role in the bid process," Berlo said. "We are excited about the opportunity to bring two more NCAA Regional events to our fans in Colorado, and for the opportunity to showcase our university to the country at the 2028 NCAA Frozen Four in Chicago, home to many of our alumni and host of our eighth hockey national championship in 2017."

The last time Denver hosted the Frozen Four was at the Pepsi Center (now Ball Arena) in 2008. The first 10 Frozen Fours (1948-1957) were held at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.

The Pioneers also announced that they will host a 2027 regional for the NCAA women's gymnastics tournament. DU recently hosted a regional at Magness Arena in 2023 and will host another at Magness in 2027.