The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced that the 2026 NHL Winter Classic will feature the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami on 2 January 2026. This event will be the first outdoor NHL game held in Florida, indicating the sport's expansion in the state. The Panthers, who won the Stanley Cup last season, will participate in their first outdoor game. The Rangers, with a 5-0 record in previous outdoor games, will make their sixth appearance in such an event.
loanDepot Park, home to Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, has a retractable roof that will help manage Miami's warm January temperatures with the NHL planning to keep the roof open during the game while using the stadium's air conditioning system to maintain optimal ice conditions. This method aims to create a suitable atmosphere for outdoor hockey in a warm climate.
The 2026 Winter Classic is expected to attract a significant audience, with loanDepot Park's capacity accommodating approximately 37,000 fans, and the novelty of a warm-weather outdoor fixture enticing a large TV audience. This event reflects the NHL's goal to expand its influence and take on new challenges by bringing outdoor hockey to various locations.
In addition to the Winter Classic, the NHL has scheduled another outdoor game in Florida for the 2025-26 season. The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on 1 February 2026, as part of the Stadium Series. This game will also be the first outdoor event for the Lightning, who have been advocating for an outdoor game in Florida.
These events highlight the NHL's recognition of Florida as an emerging hockey market, with both the Panthers and Lightning experiencing considerable success in recent years. The introduction of outdoor games in the region is expected to further promote the sport and engage the community.
