Hockey Is Coming Home
This March, the Shanghai Dragons return to Shanghai for two official KHL home games at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center — their first time playing on home ice here in six years.
Mark the Dates
March 5 vs Sibir Novosibirsk
March 7 vs Barys Astana
Both games are part of the 2025/26 Kontinental Hockey League season.
But for local fans, it's simpler than that: this is top-tier professional hockey back in Shanghai, in an 18,000-seat arena built for big-event energy.
If you were around during the Dragons' previous run between 2016 and 2020, you'll remember the mix in the stands — die-hard hockey expats, curious first-timers, families testing out a different kind of night out. It's fast, physical, easy to get hooked on. You don't need to understand every rule to feel the pace of it.
Not a Low-Key Restart
This isn't a quiet comeback.
The pre-game show for both nights features Russian figure skating star Kamila Valieva, performing a newly arranged program.
The production team includes veterans from the Beijing Winter Olympics and major international sporting events, along with musician Hu Tingyang. Expect lighting, sound, and presentation closer to international tournament standards than "local club night."
Built for Big Moments
The Oriental Sports Center has hosted everything from world-class figure skating to esports championships. It's comfortable, modern, and big enough to make the atmosphere count when the crowd shows up.
More importantly, these are real home games.
Not exhibitions.
Not touring friendlies.
Actual KHL fixtures with points on the line.
That means proper intensity, proper lineups, and no one coasting through for show.
A Temperature Check for the City
When the Dragons last played here regularly, interest in winter sports was still niche. Post–Beijing 2022, that landscape has shifted. Youth hockey programs have grown. Casual fans know more.
The question now is simple: does the city still want pro hockey back for real?
If you've been missing live sport that isn't football or basketball, this is your shot.
If you've never seen hockey in person, it's louder and quicker than you expect.
And if you just want a night out that feels different from the usual bar-and-brunch rotation, this qualifies.
Tickets
Tickets are running out fast, sill some available now, and you can buy them directly through SmartShanghai.
Grab yours via SmartTicket here:
KHL Returns to Shanghai: Ice Hockey, Stars & Playoff Drama
Two nights. Home ice. Actual stakes.
Shanghai Dragons are back.
