Honeywell Partners with NHL to Build Smarter, Greener Arenas
Honeywell and the National Hockey League (NHL) have unveiled a multi‑year global partnership that will see the two entities join forces to modernize arenas, practice facilities and community rinks across North America. The collaboration is framed around making hockey venues more resilient, energy‑efficient and technologically sophisticated.
At the heart of the initiative is Honeywell’s suite of AI‑enabled building automation solutions. By integrating systems that can anticipate power and cooling loads, the companies say operators will be able to improve operational performance, reduce unnecessary downtime and deliver a smoother experience for fans attending games.
AI‑Driven Efficiency Meets Fan Experience
Juan Picon, President of Honeywell Building Automation, underscored the importance of reliability in venues where millions of spectators gather each season. “Efficiency and reliability are critical in hockey arenas,” he said, noting that the partnership will help venue owners meet growing performance expectations while lowering operating costs.
David Lehanski, NHL Executive Vice President, added that the sport’s expanding popularity demands facilities that can adapt quickly. “Interconnectivity and flexibility are essential to delivering best‑in‑class experiences,” he remarked, highlighting the league’s commitment to supporting both elite arenas and grassroots rinks.
Community Rinks Get a Boost
The partnership arrives at a time when attendance figures are hitting record levels. This season, more than 23 million fans are expected to watch NHL regular‑season games, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. Such momentum places greater demands on facilities, prompting the need for smarter infrastructure that can scale with the sport’s trajectory.
Honeywell’s platforms, including the cloud‑based Honeywell Forge, are designed to monitor building performance in real time. By optimizing energy use and flagging maintenance needs before they become problems, the technology aims to keep arenas running smoothly while cutting waste.
Beyond day‑to‑day operations, the alliance will explore forward‑looking concepts such as the “Rink of the Future.” This initiative seeks to blend digital experiences with physical upgrades, creating venues that are not only more sustainable but also more engaging for younger fans.
The collaboration also reflects the NHL’s broader social mission. Through programs like NHL Unites, the league promotes inclusion and community development, using hockey as a catalyst for healthy, vibrant neighborhoods across North America.