The National Hockey League (NHL) will stage outdoor hockey games in Florida for the first time in league history.
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic will see the Florida Panthers host the New York Rangers at loanDepot park—home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins—on January 2, 2026.
Just a few weeks later, the Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on February 1, 2026.
Since its debut in 2008, the NHL Winter Classic has become a New Year’s tradition, bringing hockey to iconic outdoor venues across North America. The 2026 edition will mark the 17th Winter Classic and contribute to the 44th and 45th outdoor games in league history.
The two open-air showcases will headline a month-long celebration of hockey in Florida, with community and grassroots events planned across the state throughout January 2026.
With Florida’s growing hockey community and its reputation as a world-class travel destination, these events will blend sport and spectacle, making the Sunshine State the center of the hockey world in early 2026 – just before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, with NHL stars returning to the global stage for the first time since Sochi 2014.
The last five Stanley Cup Final series featured one of the Florida franchises
Over three decades have passed since the NHL expanded into Florida, with the Tampa Bay Lightning joining in the 1992-93 season and the Florida Panthers in the 1993-94 season. Both franchises have experienced significant success during this time, including the remarkable achievement of having one of the Florida teams featured in each of the last five Stanley Cup Final series.
The Panthers celebrated their first Stanley Cup championship in 2024, while the Lightning have claimed three titles, including back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.
Off the ice, the influence of these franchises has helped grow the sport across Florida. According to the NHL, ice hockey registration in the state has risen 212% between 1999 and 2024. More than 21,000 players were registered last season, triple the participation level at the turn of the millennium.
Girls’ hockey has also seen significant growth—up 16.1% year-over-year and 56% over the past eight years. This season, there are eight Florida-born players in the NHL, more than double the number from a decade ago.
Event and Ticket Information for the NHL Outdoor Games 2026
► 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic
New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers
Friday, January 2, 2026 – 8:00 PM loanDepot park, Miami, FL
More Information and tickets
► 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series
Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Sunday, February 1, 2026 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
More Information and tickets