Connecticut pups take center stage as Puppy Bowl XXII returns Feb. 8

The cutest showdown in sports is back next month — and this year, several Connecticut rescue dogs will be in the national spotlight.

Puppy Bowl XXII airs Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. ET, bringing together 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands for a three-hour celebration of pet adoption. The event will simulcast on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+.

Connecticut 2026 Puppy Bowl dogs — Amelia – Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue

Among the all-star lineup are eight pups representing Connecticut-area rescues: Amelia from Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue; Maverick and Nova from the Connecticut Humane Society; Polly and Roly from Lucky Dog Rescue; Sugar and Macadamia from Danbury Animal League; and Teigan from Perfect Imperfect Rescue.

2026 Puppy Bowl Connecticut dogs — Macadamia – Danbury Animal League

The annual broadcast, now in its 22nd year, blends sports-style competition with heartwarming adoption stories. Referee Dan Schachner returns for his 15th season to oversee the action as Team Fluff and Team Ruff compete for the coveted Walmart “Lombarky” Trophy — and, more importantly, the chance for each puppy to find a forever home.

“Puppy Bowl XXII celebrates the spirit of the underdog with a gameday celebration that combines the excitement of a sports matchup with uplifting adoption stories,” said Joseph Boyle, head of content for Discovery Channel. “By introducing new segments like our senior spotlight and enhancing fan-favorite elements, we are creating a deeper connection to our audience.”

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top January events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our patrotic merch to celebrate America’s 250

This year’s game opens at the Marriott Bonvoy Puppy Bowl Hotel before shifting to Progressive Stadium, where the Pedigree Starting Lineup makes its sprint through the spirit tunnel. Reigning champions Team Fluff will defend their title, while Team Ruff looks to bring the trophy home behind a roster of energetic newcomers.

In addition to the main matchup, 15 special-needs dogs will take the field, including Wynonna, a three-legged pup, and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired. For the first time, the broadcast will also feature a senior-dog exhibition game, as Team Oldies and Team Goldies square off in the Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown.

Celebrity appearances add extra star power, with Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir set to make a cameo while highlighting the importance of adoption. Social media influencer Isabel Klee, known as SimonSits, will also appear, introducing a senior foster dog competing in the new halftime matchup.

Fan-favorite elements return throughout the broadcast, including Adoptables segments featuring puppies available for adoption, commentary from sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks, puppy cheer squads, kittens in the Temptations Skybox and Wisdom Panel DNA reveals offering insights into each dog’s breed mix.

Before the main event, the Puppy Bowl XXII Kickoff Show airs at 1 p.m. ET, featuring a Puppy Combine and draft selection, along with a spotlight on BISSELL Pet Foundation’s ongoing adoption initiatives.

For Connecticut viewers, the game brings added pride as Amelia, Maverick, Nova, Polly, Roly, Sugar, Teigan and Macadamia represent local shelters on one of television’s most heartwarming stages — proving that in Puppy Bowl XXII, every tail wag is a win for adoption.

Don’t miss

• Quilt exhibition at Westport Library connects Connecticut artists with Gee’s Bend legacy
• Fairfield University to receive Holocaust memorial sculpture in 2026
• Spark: The Experience ignites the stage at Ridgefield Theater Barn

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January events at Fairfield Theatre Company

1/13 – Albert Lee
1/14 – Robert Anthony Jones
1/16 – Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
1/18 – Railroad Earth
1/23 – FTC’s 90s Dace party
1/24 – Deconstructing the Beatles’ Rubber Soul
1/26 – FTC Theatre Education
1/27 – Lee Dewyze
1/28 – LFO
1/29 – Shakedown Citi
1/30 – Dylan Conner
1/31 – Rock & Roll Payhouse – Chappell Roan

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.

Click here for more information.

January events at PeoplesBank Arena

1/15 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1/16 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1/17 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1/18 – Disney on Ice, click here to purchase tickets
1./23 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
1/24 – Villanova vs UConn Mens Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
1/24 – Toronto Marlies vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
1/28 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
1/30 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

12/27 – Harlem Globetrotters, click here to purchase tickets
12/31 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

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Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

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Connecticut pups take center stage as Puppy Bowl XXII returns Feb. 8