Sunshine State to showcase premier hockey events in 2026
In a groundbreaking move, the National Hockey League (NHL) announced that Florida will host two major outdoor games in the 2025-2026 season. It will be the first time the Sunshine State will feature such events, which just goes to show the region’s growing passion for hockey.
Winter Classic in Miami
The Florida Panthers will host the 2026 NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers on January 2, 2026. The game will take place at loanDepot Park in Miami, home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins. The venue was chosen to provide an optimal experience for both players and fans because of its retractable roof, which offers flexibility to accommodate varying weather conditions.
Stadium series in Tampa
Following the Winter Classic, the Tampa Bay Lightning will face the Boston Bruins in the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. Scheduled for February 1, 2026, this matchup will be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the home field of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unlike loanDepot Park, Raymond James Stadium is an open-air venue. However, a temporary roof will be built over the surface of the ice, which will subsequently be removed a few hours before the game starts.
Implications for Florida’s hockey landscape
The decision to host these marquee events in Florida highlights the state’s potential for becoming the next big hub for hockey. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked, “Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts, and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed.”
Both Florida-based NHL teams have achieved considerable success in recent years. The Florida Panthers secured their first Stanley Cup championship in 2024, while the Tampa Bay Lightning have clinched three championships, including back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021.
Challenges and preparations
Hosting outdoor hockey games in warm climates naturally comes with unique challenges, especially when it concerns ice quality and player safety. However, the NHL has prior experience managing such conditions, having successfully organized outdoor games in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Nashville. The retractable roof at loanDepot Park provides an added advantage, which will allow organizers to control the environment as needed.
Dean Matsuzaki, NHL Executive Vice President of Events, noted, “In Miami, we have every intention of playing with the roof open, but the retractable roof gives us some options and helps protect our rink build.” In Tampa, the open-air nature of Raymond James Stadium means that the rink construction will be more exposed, requiring careful planning to ensure optimal ice conditions.
Fan excitement grows
The announcement has generated a rush of excitement among Florida’s hockey fans. Season ticket holders and local supporters view these events as a gateway to the sport’s growth in the region. The outdoor games are expected to attract large crowds, which will provide an opportunity to showcase Florida’s enthusiasm for hockey on a national stage.
Interestingly enough, youth hockey participation in Florida has also seen a substantial increase, with registrations up 212% from 1999 to 2024. The phenomenal splurge in the figures shows the sport’s expanding footprint in non-traditional hockey markets, which will add to the development of future talent and a broader fan base.
Looking ahead
As preparations commence for these historic events, both the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning are poised to make the 2025-2026 season memorable for fans.
For the latest updates on these upcoming outdoor games and the hockey scene in Florida, as well as other important sports events, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News Newsletter.
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