Gladiators Release 2026 Kelly Cup Playoff First Round Schedule

Duluth, GA — The Atlanta Gladiators, proud affiliate of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League and the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League, have announced the dates and times for their opening-round series against the South Carolina Stingrays in the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Atlanta, the No. 3 seed, will face the No. 2 seeded Stingrays in a best-of-seven series beginning April 24. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time and are subject to change.

The Gladiators return to the postseason for the first time since 2022, renewing a familiar playoff rivalry with South Carolina. It marks the fifth playoff meeting between the two teams, with Atlanta holding a 2-2 record in series play. All previous matchups came in the quarterfinal round (2006, 2008, 2012, and 2013). Notably, the Gladiators have won each of their series victories against the Stingrays via sweep, including a 3-0 series win in 2006 and a 4-0 sweep in 2013. Atlanta’s last playoff series victory also came in 2013 against South Carolina.

2026 Kelly Cup Playoff Schedule: Atlanta vs. South Carolina

Game One — April 24, 2026, 7:05 p.m. EDT
Atlanta (#3) at South Carolina (#2)
North Charleston Coliseum — North Charleston, SC

Game Two — April 25, 2026, 6:05 p.m. EDT
Atlanta (#3) at South Carolina (#2)
North Charleston Coliseum — North Charleston, SC

Game Three — April 27, 2026, 7:10 p.m. EDT
South Carolina (#2) at Atlanta (#3)
Gas South Arena — Duluth, GA

Game Four — April 28, 2026, 7:10 p.m. EDT
South Carolina (#2) at Atlanta (#3)
Gas South Arena — Duluth, GA

Game Five — May 1, 2026, 7:05 p.m. EDT*
Atlanta (#3) at South Carolina (#2)
North Charleston Coliseum — North Charleston, SC

Game Six — May 4, 2026, 7:10 p.m. EDT*
South Carolina (#2) at Atlanta (#3)
Gas South Arena — Duluth, GA

Game Seven — May 5, 2026, 7:05 p.m. EDT*
Atlanta (#3) at South Carolina (#2)
North Charleston Coliseum — North Charleston, SC

*If necessary

Playoff tickets are on sale now as the Gladiators begin their pursuit of their first-ever Kelly Cup championship. Get your playoff tickets HERE