Winter Classic Heads to South Florida in 2026
For the first time in its history, the NHL Winter Classic is venturing into the warmer climes of South Florida. This event, traditionally associated with snowflakes and frosty breath, will take an exciting twist as the Florida Panthers prepare to face the New York Rangers on January 2, 2026, at loanDepot Park—a venue typically known for hosting baseball games of the Miami Marlins.
Winter Wonderland in the Sunshine State
It’s a bold move, bringing outdoor hockey to a state where palm trees outnumber winter coats, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is embracing the challenge head-on. "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," Bettman noted. “Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge.”
The Panthers will make their inaugural Winter Classic appearance, hoping to showcase the kind of play that secured them their first Stanley Cup in 2024. Meanwhile, the Rangers, veterans of the Winter Classic scene, will be stepping into their sixth outing, last having won against the Buffalo Sabres at Citi Field in 2018.
Tampa Bay to Host Stadium Series
Further south, the excitement continues as Florida is also set to host the Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2026. The Tampa Bay Lightning, who had their first go at outdoor play in the 2022 Stadium Series against the Nashville Predators, will take on the Boston Bruins. Tampa Bay emerged victoriously 3-2 back then, reflecting their strong outdoor track record.
Boston’s Bruins are no strangers to the outdoor scene either, with a formidable record in their five previous games, most recently defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2023 Winter Classic held at Fenway Park.
Weather Considerations and Historical Context
While Florida's climate poses unique challenges for ice maintenance, the NHL has faced warmer temperatures before. The 2021 Stadium Series offered a lesson with afternoon sun causing ice issues, prompting the game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights to be paused and resumed under the cooler, evening sky.
Despite such logistical challenges, the decision to bring these marquee games to Florida underscores the state's burgeoning love affair with hockey, driven by Stanley Cup victories from both the Panthers and Lightning. Each franchise, with its relatively recent debut in the NHL during the early '90s, has significantly contributed to defining Florida as a rising hockey epicenter.