Meet the Coachella Valley Firebirds
Palm Desert's Professional Hockey Team
If you think of Palm Desert as a place for sunshine, golf, swimming pools and desert hikes, you might be surprised to learn that professional hockey has become one of the Coachella Valley's hottest attractions.
That's right — Palm Desert is home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Seattle Kraken.
And their home arena? It's right here in Palm Desert at Acrisure Arena.
For visitors staying in our Palm Desert condo, catching a Firebirds game can be a fun addition to a desert getaway — whether you're a lifelong hockey fan or simply looking for something different to do while you're in town.
🔥 The Story Behind the Coachella Valley Firebirds
The Coachella Valley Firebirds began playing in the Coachella Valley in 2022, becoming the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.
The team quickly became part of the local sports scene, bringing professional hockey to a region better known for its warm weather and world-famous music festivals.
The Firebirds play their home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, a modern arena that opened in 2022 and was built to bring major sports, concerts and entertainment to the Coachella Valley.
And there's something pretty fun about watching hockey in the middle of the desert.
You can spend the afternoon enjoying the sunshine, grab dinner, and then walk into an arena where the ice is ready for a night of fast-paced professional hockey.
The Firebirds are now entering their fifth season, and the 2026–27 season features a 72-game regular-season schedule.
🏒 Where Do the Firebirds Play?
All home games are played at:
Acrisure Arena
75702 Varner Road
Palm Desert, California
The arena is part of the same entertainment complex that includes the Berger Foundation Iceplex, the Firebirds' training center.
For our guests, this is one of the attractions that makes Palm Desert such a fun place to stay — you can enjoy a professional sporting event without having to travel into Los Angeles or San Diego.
📅 2026–27 Firebirds Home Game Schedule
The Firebirds have a busy home schedule throughout the fall, winter and spring.
Here are some of the home games and special nights worth putting on your calendar:
October
Friday, October 2 — Ontario Reign — 7 PM
🔥 Opening Night
The official start of Season Five. Fans will receive a Jersey Scarf, while supplies last.
Friday, October 9 — San Diego Gulls — 7 PM
Sunday, October 11 — Ontario Reign — 3 PM
Friday, October 23 — San Jose Barracuda — 7 PM
🍺 Oktoberfest
Giveaway: Kokko Bobblehead
Wednesday, October 28 — Tucson Roadrunners — 7 PM
Friday, October 30 — Henderson Silver Knights — 7 PM
💀 Dia de los Muertos
November
Wednesday, November 4 — Colorado Eagles — 7 PM
Thursday, November 12 — San Jose Barracuda — 7 PM
Sunday, November 15 — Abbotsford Canucks — 3 PM
🎗️ Cancer Awareness Night
Friday, November 27 — Bakersfield Condors — 7 PM
Saturday, November 28 — Henderson Silver Knights — 6 PM
🇺🇸 Military Appreciation Night
December
Friday, December 4 — Calgary Wranglers — 7 PM
🍹 Margarita Valley
Sunday, December 6 — Bakersfield Condors — 5 PM
🛣️ Route 66 Night
Tuesday, December 8 — Calgary Wranglers — 7 PM
Wednesday, December 16 — San Jose Barracuda — 7 PM
Sunday, December 20 — San Diego Gulls — 5 PM
🧸 Teddy Bear Toss
This is one of those games you might want to put on your calendar early. The Teddy Bear Toss is a longtime hockey tradition where fans throw teddy bears onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal, with the bears then collected for charitable purposes.
Sunday, December 27 — Ontario Reign — 3 PM
Thursday, December 31 — San Diego Gulls — 5 PM
🎉 New Year's Eve
What better way to finish the year than with hockey?
January
Friday, January 8 — Henderson Silver Knights — 7 PM
Saturday, January 9 — Henderson Silver Knights — 6 PM
🏳️🌈 Pride Night
Wednesday, January 13 — Calgary Wranglers — 7 PM
🇨🇦 Canadian Night
Sunday, January 17 — San Diego Gulls — 5 PM
👨👩👧 Kids' Night
Saturday, January 23 — Bakersfield Condors — 6 PM
🚒 First Responders Night
February
Wednesday, February 3 — Tucson Roadrunners — 7 PM
Friday, February 12 — Calgary Wranglers — 7 PM
Friday, February 19 — Colorado Eagles — 7 PM
Saturday, February 20 — Colorado Eagles — 6 PM
🏒 Kraken Night
Saturday, February 27 — Bakersfield Condors — 6 PM
🏀 Coachella Valley Lakers Night
This is a particularly interesting night for sports fans because the Coachella Valley Lakers are also part of the Acrisure Arena family.
March
Wednesday, March 3 — San Jose Barracuda — 7 PM
Friday, March 12 — Texas Stars — 7 PM
🎸 Yacht Rock / '80s Night
Expect plenty of throwback fun, neon and '80s nostalgia.
Sunday, March 14 — Colorado Eagles — 3 PM
🎂 Fuego's Birthday
Giveaway: Fuego Plush Keychain
Wednesday, March 17 — Texas Stars — 7 PM
☘️ St. Patrick's Night
Friday, March 26 — Tucson Roadrunners — 7 PM
Wednesday, March 31 — Abbotsford Canucks — 7 PM
🍎 Teacher Appreciation Night
April
Saturday, April 3 — Ontario Reign — 6 PM
🎉 Fan Appreciation Night
Giveaway: Hockey Stick Can Cooler
The Firebirds' schedule is subject to change, so guests should check the team's official schedule before making plans.
⭐ Games to Put on Your Radar
If you're visiting Palm Desert and want to combine your vacation with a Firebirds game, a few dates stand out for their special-event programming.
October 2 — Opening Night
Perfect for experiencing the excitement of a brand-new Firebirds season.
October 23 — Oktoberfest
A fun choice for a group getaway, complete with a Kokko Bobblehead giveaway.
December 20 — Teddy Bear Toss
One of the most recognizable traditions in hockey and a great family-friendly experience.
December 31 — New Year's Eve
A 5 PM game against the San Diego Gulls gives you plenty of time afterward to enjoy New Year's Eve in the desert.
February 20 — Kraken Night
A fun choice for Seattle Kraken fans and anyone interested in the Firebirds' NHL connection.
February 27 — Coachella Valley Lakers Night
A unique opportunity to experience two of the region's professional sports brands together.
March 12 — Yacht Rock / '80s Night
For anyone who likes their hockey with a little nostalgia.
March 14 — Fuego's Birthday
A Sunday afternoon game with a birthday celebration and Fuego plush keychain giveaway.
April 3 — Fan Appreciation Night
A fun way to wrap up the regular-season home schedule.
The Firebirds' official promotional calendar includes additional community celebrations and special events throughout the season, including Military Appreciation Night, Pride Night, First Responders Night, Kids' Night and Teacher Appreciation Night.
🏡 Make a Firebirds Game Part of Your Palm Desert Getaway
One of the things we love about having our vacation condo in Palm Desert is that there is always something happening nearby.
You might come to the desert for golf.
Or hiking.
Or a girls' weekend.
Or Stagecoach.
Or simply because you need a few days of sunshine.
And now, professional hockey can be part of the itinerary, too.
Our 4-bedroom condo at Desert Falls Country Club gives you plenty of room to relax before or after the game, with space for up to six guests, multiple community pools and spas, tennis and pickleball, fast Wi-Fi and an 85-inch TV for those nights when you decide to stay in.
So grab your Firebirds tickets, spend the afternoon exploring Palm Desert, head over to Acrisure Arena for some hockey, and then come back to your own comfortable desert home.
That's a pretty great Palm Desert weekend.
🔥 Planning a Firebirds Weekend?
If you're coming to Palm Desert for a Firebirds game, check the schedule for your travel dates and look for one of the special theme or giveaway nights.
And if you're traveling with friends or family, our 4-bedroom Palm Desert condo at Desert Falls Country Club makes a comfortable home base for your Coachella Valley getaway.
Come for the hockey. Stay for the desert.
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