Florida to host NHL outdoor games
The NHL is set to bring outdoor hockey to Florida next season with two exciting games featuring top teams in the league. The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2, 2026, for the Winter Classic. Following that, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026, for a Stadium Series game.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring outdoor hockey to the Sunshine State, citing the success of the Panthers and Lightning in recent years. Both teams have been dominant in the Eastern Conference, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times and building strong fan bases.
The decision to host outdoor games in Florida has been a long time coming, with both franchises pushing for the opportunity. Panthers President Matthew Caldwell and Lightning CEO Steve Griggs are thrilled to finally see this dream become a reality for their teams and the local communities.
The unique challenge of hosting outdoor hockey in a warm climate like Florida has been addressed by the NHL. The games will be played in controlled environments, with loanDepot Park’s retractable roof in Miami and a temporary roof over the ice surface at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The league aims to create a winter wonderland atmosphere for fans to enjoy the outdoor hockey experience.
These games will mark the 44th and 45th regular-season outdoor contests in NHL history. The Rangers and Bruins have a strong track record in outdoor games, while the Panthers will be making their debut in such an event. Panthers GM Bill Zito is excited about the opportunity to showcase the sport to a larger audience and continue to grow the fan base in Florida.
Overall, the upcoming outdoor games in Florida promise to be a unique and exciting experience for hockey fans in the Sunshine State. With the support of the local communities and the NHL’s innovative approach to hosting outdoor games in warm climates, these events are sure to be a highlight of the upcoming season.
