The NHL is set to bring excitement to Florida with two outdoor games in 2026. The Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami on January 2, 2026. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning will welcome the Boston Bruins for a Stadium Series matchup at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2026.
This decision highlights Florida’s growing status as a hockey hub. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted the success of the Panthers and Lightning, stating that their impressive performance in recent Stanley Cup Finals and dedicated fan bases have paved the way for these outdoor events.
Panthers President Matthew Caldwell expressed enthusiasm for finally having an outdoor game in Florida, calling it a deserved milestone for the franchises. The Marlins’ ballpark in Miami can seat around 37,000 fans, while Raymond James Stadium can hold approximately 65,000, providing ample opportunity for fans to enjoy the games.
However, hosting outdoor hockey games in Florida comes with its challenges. Jan. 2 and Feb. 1 in recent years have seen high temperatures of 78 and 66 degrees, respectively, making traditional outdoor ice setups tricky. Steve Mayer, the NHL’s president of content and events, acknowledged the risks but emphasized viewing it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
To ensure the games maintain the spirit of winter, loanDepot Park will utilize its retractable roof, allowing for air conditioning to keep things cool. The Panthers-Rangers game will be played at night with the roof open. For the Lightning-Bruins game, a temporary roof will be constructed over the ice surface in the open-air stadium.
These outdoor games will mark additional milestones in NHL history, as they are set to be the 44th and 45th regular-season outdoor contests. With the Rangers and Bruins boasting strong records in past outdoor games, and the Panthers seeking their first win, these events promise to create memorable experiences for hockey fans in Florida.
This initiative reflects the NHL’s commitment to expanding the sport and reaching new audiences, with the potential for over 100,000 fans enjoying hockey outdoors in the Sunshine State. Indeed, the passion for hockey in Florida is thriving and continues to grow.
