Outdoor hockey in Florida? The National Hockey League is ready for the challenge. The NHL recently announced plans to hold 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 in the Stadium Series.
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 Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman highlighted the growth of hockey in Florida, citing Stanley Cups, sellouts, and the increasing popularity of youth and high school hockey in the state. The league aims to demonstrate its willingness to take on challenges.
To maintain the ice during the games, the NHL plans to use the LoanDepot Park roof in Miami until the game begins. In Tampa, where the stadium lacks a roof, the league will construct a temporary roof structure over the ice.
Preparations for the events are expected to take about two weeks, similar to previous outdoor games. The league anticipates a combined attendance of approximately 100,000 fans for both matchups.
The success of professional hockey in Florida has been remarkable, with the Lightning and Panthers collectively winning four Stanley Cups. This success has translated into financial gains, with the Lightning valued at $1.8 billion and the Panthers at $1.35 billion.
The growth of hockey in Florida is evident in the increasing number of registered players, particularly among girls. Ice hockey registrations in the state have surged by 212% since 1999, with over 21,000 players registered last season. Girls’ hockey participation has also seen significant growth, up 16% year over year and 56% over the past eight years.
Steve Mayer, president of NHL content and events, acknowledges the risks of hosting outdoor games in Florida but believes that the state’s embrace of hockey and the game’s growth make it the right time for such events.
