Hockey fans in Florida, prepare to experience a cool twist—NHL action is heating up the Sunshine State! For the first time ever, both the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will host outdoor regular-season games during the 2025-26 season. Yes, you heard that right—Florida is taking NHL excitement outdoors for a truly epic showdown!
Save the dates: On January 2, 2026, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, will face off against the New York Rangers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami. But that’s just the beginning! On February 1, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning will clash with the Boston Bruins in the 2026 NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
This marks a historic moment for Florida hockey enthusiasts as the state hosts its first-ever outdoor NHL game. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is thrilled, noting that these events highlight the sport’s growth in Florida. “Stanley Cups, sellouts, and the flourishing youth hockey scene in Florida prove this state is a hockey hotbed,” Bettman said. “Outdoor NHL games in Florida? Challenge accepted!”
Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk is equally excited: “It’s going to be unreal. Hosting this game is monumental for us, the franchise, and hockey in Florida. We’re ready!”
Both the Panthers and Lightning are riding high from remarkable seasons—Florida secured its first Stanley Cup in 2024, and Tampa Bay captured back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021. These achievements have ignited a surge in youth hockey interest across Florida, with a 212% rise in registrations since 1999. Even more inspiring is the 16.1% year-over-year increase in girls’ hockey participation, showing the sport’s widespread growth.
Wondering where to catch these iconic matchups? The Winter Classic will take place at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, making it the 12th MLB stadium to host an NHL outdoor game. Meanwhile, Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will host the Stadium Series, becoming the 9th NFL venue to do so!
For the Lightning, this will be their second outdoor game after their victory over the Nashville Predators at the 2022 NHL Stadium Series. The Rangers, with an undefeated outdoor record of 5-0-0, promise an exciting rivalry!
Don’t miss these unforgettable games, broadcast live on TNT for the Winter Classic and ESPN for the Stadium Series in the U.S. Canadian fans can tune in to Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
Looking for the ultimate game day experience? GoodSeats.com offers premium seating for these historic events. Whether you want the best view or an unmatched atmosphere, GoodSeats has the perfect spot for you. Secure your tickets now and be part of Florida hockey history!
Get ready to cheer on your favorite teams as Florida sunshine meets NHL thrills—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
