Why the Dallas Stars have the loudest home crowd in the NHL right now
The Dallas Stars have quietly built one of the most passionate and rowdy fan bases in the NHL, and American Airlines Center is starting to feel like one of the toughest places to play.
From the chants echoing across the building to the viral memes that spread online after every game, the Stars' crowd has become just as much a story as the action on the ice.
Fans in Dallas have created a unique identity. The chants of «Stars!» during the national anthem are legendary, and lately, the «Otter» cheers for
Jake Oettinger have taken on a life of their own.
Social media clips of fans waving signs and even editing otter memes after his big saves have made the rounds, showing how creative and connected this fan base is.
It's not just about noise, it's about timing and energy. Opposing players often mention how difficult it is to settle into games at the AAC when the crowd is roaring from puck drop.
The fans feed off big hits, scrums, and of course, goals from players like
Jason Robertson and
Roope Hintz. That constant energy builds pressure, and in the playoffs, it can make all the difference.
The Dallas Stars' home crowd atmosphere has become one of the NHL's best stories
Dallas has also leaned into this culture. The team has embraced memes and fan-driven moments, amplifying them online through official channels. When Oettinger outdueled
Connor Hellebuyck in the postseason, the otter jokes reached a fever pitch, and the team fully supported it.
The same goes for
Thomas Harley's breakout moments, where fans chanted his name and pushed his highlights across social platforms.
According to
NHL.com, Stars playoff games consistently rank among the league's loudest, with decibel readings comparable to traditional Canadian markets.
Even Sportsnet ran features on how the AAC has transformed into a cauldron of noise during key games, putting Dallas in the conversation for best crowd in the league.
I think what makes it stand out is how organic it feels, these aren't just pumped-in sound effects, it's real fan passion.
And when you combine that with a winning team, it's a recipe for something special.
Previously on Bladeofsteel
POLL |
AOUT 19 | 32 ANSWERS Why the Dallas Stars have the loudest home crowd in the NHL right now Do you think the Dallas Stars have the best crowd in the NHL? |
Yes | 30 | 93.8 % |
No | 2 | 6.3 % |
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