Outdoor hockey in Florida? The National Hockey League is ready for the challenge. The NHL recently announced its plans to host its first outdoor games in the Sunshine State. The league will showcase two matchups next year, one as part of the Winter Classic and another as a Stadium Series game.
The first game will see the Florida Panthers facing off against the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins, on Jan. 2, 2026. A month later, the NHL will repeat the outdoor experience in Tampa, with the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite Florida’s warm weather, the NHL sees the state as a hockey hotbed due to its success in Stanley Cups, consistent sellouts, and the growth of youth and high school hockey. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized the league’s willingness to take on challenges.
To maintain the ice during the games, the league plans to use the LoanDepot Park roof in Miami until the game begins. In Tampa, where the stadium lacks a roof, the NHL will construct a temporary roof structure over the ice.
The league anticipates similar preparation times to previous outdoor events, estimating about two weeks to set up the stadiums. The unique nature of these matchups will incur higher costs compared to traditional games, according to Steve Mayer, president of NHL content and events.
The NHL expects a combined attendance of approximately 100,000 fans at both events. The success of pro hockey in Florida is evident through the achievements of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, who have collectively won four Stanley Cups.
The growth of hockey in Florida is reflected in increased ice hockey registrations, with a 212% rise since 1999 and over 21,000 registered players in the state last season. The league also notes a significant uptick in girls’ hockey participation, up 16% year over year and 56% over the past eight years.
Mayer attributes the growth of hockey in Florida to various factors, including the support from snowbirds and local communities. While acknowledging the risks involved in hosting outdoor games in Florida, the NHL believes that the state’s embrace of hockey and the game’s growth make it the right time for such events.
