The NHL is breaking new ground as Florida prepares to host two historic outdoor games in 2026. The Winter Classic will feature the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers on January 2 at Miami’s loanDepot park, followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Boston Bruins in the Stadium Series on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. These events mark a bold step in celebrating hockey’s rapid growth in the Sunshine State.
Florida emerges as a hockey powerhouse
The Sunshine State, once considered an improbable home for hockey, has seen a remarkable transformation. Over the past two decades, hockey registration in Florida has soared by 212%, with participation among women increasing by 16% last year alone. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted this progress, noting, “Florida is a hockey hotbed, with Stanley Cups, sellout crowds, and a booming youth hockey scene.”
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have been instrumental in driving this growth. The Panthers, fresh off their 2024 Stanley Cup victory, and the Lightning, winners of three championships in recent years, have solidified the state’s reputation as a hockey destination. “This is no longer a non-traditional market,” said NHL President of Business Keith Wachtel. “Florida has become a hockey state.”
Two games, two rivalries, one unforgettable celebration
Each matchup brings its own unique narrative. The Winter Classic in Miami will reignite the longstanding rivalry between the Panthers and Rangers, who clashed in last season’s Eastern Conference Final. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will welcome the Bruins, with whom they share an intense playoff history, including battles during their respective Stanley Cup runs in 2011 and 2020.
The NHL’s decision to host separate games, rather than a Panthers-Lightning showdown, allows both teams to shine in their home markets while drawing in passionate fanbases from New York and Boston. “We wanted to celebrate both Florida teams without having to choose one over the other,” Wachtel explained. “By bringing in iconic rivals like the Rangers and Bruins, we ensure these games will be unforgettable for fans across the region.”
Why Florida’s climate isn’t a challenge for the NHL
Hosting outdoor hockey games in Florida’s warm and humid environment might seem like an uphill battle, but the NHL has devised innovative solutions to overcome the state’s climate challenges. In Miami, loanDepot park’s retractable roof will play a crucial role. The roof will remain closed during the ice-making process to maintain an optimal climate, ensuring a pristine playing surface. On game day, the roof will open, transforming the venue into an open-air arena while preserving the quality of the ice.
For Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the task is more complex. Without a roof, the NHL is partnering with a Dallas-based engineering firm to construct a temporary, climate-controlled enclosure over the rink during the ice preparation phase. “Think of it as a massive, industrial-grade warehouse built specifically for the ice,” Wachtel explained. “Once the ice is ready, the structure will be removed, leaving the players to face the elements, as they do in every outdoor game.”
These logistical efforts reflect the NHL’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience for both players and fans, regardless of the challenges posed by Florida’s environment.
Florida’s hockey journey reaches a milestone
These outdoor games represent a major milestone for hockey in Florida. For the Panthers, the Winter Classic will be their first-ever outdoor appearance, while the Lightning will participate in their second outdoor game following their 2022 Stadium Series victory over the Nashville Predators. Both franchises view these events as a testament to their growth and success.
“This celebration of our game is an honor earned by our fans,” said Panthers President of Hockey Operations Bill Zito. “Our sport is not only on the map in Florida; it is thriving and will only continue to grow.”
To amplify the excitement, the NHL is organizing a month-long grassroots hockey initiative across the state. The tour will feature interactive fan events, including ball hockey games, synthetic ice rinks, and community engagement activities in cities from South Florida to Orlando. “We don’t want the circus to leave town and be forgotten,” Wachtel noted. “This is about building lasting momentum for hockey in Florida.”
Making history in the Sunshine State
The 2026 Winter Classic and Stadium Series will be the 44th and 45th outdoor games in NHL history, cementing Florida’s place among elite hockey destinations. These events will showcase the state’s evolution from an overlooked hockey market to a thriving hub for the sport. For fans, these games are not just a spectacle—they’re a celebration of how far hockey has come in the Sunshine State.
Both the Panthers and Lightning have worked tirelessly to put Florida on the hockey map, and these games are a reflection of their success on and off the ice. As ticket sales are expected to soar and fans from across the country flock to Florida, the state is poised to deliver one of the most memorable outdoor hockey experiences in NHL history.
With bold engineering feats, marquee matchups, and a month-long celebration of the sport, the 2026 Winter Classic and Stadium Series are set to define a new chapter in Florida’s hockey narrative. As Bettman aptly stated, “Florida is no longer just a warm-weather destination—it’s a hockey destination.”
