PWHL Shatters U.S. Attendance Record with Historic Night at Madison Square Garden
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) reached a new milestone on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as a sold-out crowd of 18,006 fans packed Madison Square Garden. The event, which saw the New York Sirens host the Seattle Torrent, set a new U.S. Arena attendance record for a women’s hockey game and marked the first time fans have ever occupied the stands for a women’s professional hockey game at the iconic venue.
Sirens Secure Shootout Victory in ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, characterized by roaring crowds and “Let’s go, Sirens!” chants. The game lived up to the hype, going the full distance before the New York Sirens prevailed with a 2-1 victory in a shootout.
The significance of the evening extended beyond the scoreboard. Stan Kasten, a PWHL Advisory Board member and president and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers, noted that the league had not forecasted this level of growth by year three. Billie Jean King, also a member of the advisory board, described the moment as “really special” and “perfect” for the players.
A Growing Legacy of Record-Breaking Crowds
This event marks the eighth time the PWHL has broken the U.S. Arena attendance record for women’s hockey since the league’s inception in January 2024. The growth has been particularly aggressive during the 2025-26 season, with four records set this year alone. Either the Sirens or the Torrent were involved in all four of those milestones.
The road to the MSG record included several previous high-water marks:
- February 27, 2026: The previous record of 17,335 fans was set at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
- January 18, 2026: New York drew 17,228 fans during a Takeover Tour™ matchup at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
- November 28, 2025: Seattle set a mark with 16,014 fans for its inaugural home opener at Climate Pledge Arena.
Star-Studded Support and Ceremonial Highlights
Presented by e.l.f. Cosmetics, the game featured a high-profile guest list that underscored the expanding reach of women’s sports. The ceremonial puck drop was performed by sports legends Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss, alongside LSU basketball star and WNBA prospect Flau’jae Johnson.
Other notable attendees included:
- Amanda Serrano: The celebrated boxer read the lineups for the New York Sirens.
- Kelley O’Hara: The soccer star read the lineups for the Seattle Torrent.
- Robin Roberts: The Good Morning America host was in attendance.
- JT Miller: The New York Rangers captain joined the crowd to support the league.
Key Takeaways: PWHL MSG Debut
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Attendance | 18,006 (Sold Out) |
| Final Score | New York Sirens 2, Seattle Torrent 1 (SO) |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Record Status | New U.S. Arena attendance record for women’s hockey |
What’s Next for the New York Sirens?
Following their historic win at MSG, the New York Sirens will head to Minnesota for their next contest. They are scheduled to face the Minnesota Frost on Saturday, April 11, at 1:00 PM ET at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, MN.
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