In a thrilling embrace of hockey's continued expansion and evolution, the NHL Winter Classic is set to break new ground by heading to South Florida for the first time in its storied history. The 2026 Winter Classic will feature the Florida Panthers facing off against the New York Rangers on January 2 at loanDepot Park—a venue more accustomed to the crack of baseball bats than the glide of ice skates, as it serves as the home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins.
This event marks a significant milestone for the Panthers as they make their inaugural appearance in the Winter Classic. On the other hand, the Rangers will be participating in their sixth Winter Classic, showcasing a legacy of outdoor hockey that stretches back over a decade. The last time the Rangers graced the Winter Classic stage was in a memorable showdown against the Buffalo Sabres at Citi Field in 2018.
LoanDepot Park will serve as a unique setting for this historic event, symbolizing the broader trend of the NHL embracing diverse and unconventional locations. As NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman puts it, “Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge.” It’s this willingness to adapt and innovate that has seen hockey thrive even in the warm climates of Florida—a state that has increasingly become a hockey hotbed.
Further cementing Florida's burgeoning status as a key node in the hockey world, the state is set to host the Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium, the bolstered event taking place on February 1, 2026. This time, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be pitted against the Boston Bruins. The Lightning, no strangers to outdoor games, played in the 2022 Stadium Series against the Nashville Predators. That match saw the Lightning clinch a nail-biting 3-2 victory.
The Boston Bruins, with their own illustrious history of outdoor games, will bring experienced fervor to the series. The Bruins have competed in five previous outdoor NHL showcase events. Their most recent foray, a triumphant victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, took place at the 2023 Winter Classic hosted at the iconic Fenway Park.
These outdoor spectacles are not without their challenges. Warmer climates can present unforeseen issues, as illustrated by the 2021 Stadium Series match between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights, where play was interrupted by the relentless afternoon sun. Yet, such concerns have hardly curtailed the excitement surrounding these events. Instead, they add a layer of unpredictability and intrigue that both players and fans relish.
The impact of the Panthers and Lightning on the hockey scene is undeniable. Historically seen as unlikely pioneers in the sport, these two teams have defied expectations, bringing home Stanley Cup victories and broadening the sport's fan base in the region. As Bettman notes, “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.”
Florida’s ascent in the hockey world owes much to the Panthers and Lightning, who became part of the NHL during the pivotal expansion of the early 1990s. Their success is a testament to hockey's ability to adapt and thrive, even in the most unexpected locales.
As the NHL prepares for this groundbreaking Winter Classic, the stage is set for a celebration of hockey’s growth and its ability to capture the imagination across diverse geographies. The choice to bring the Winter Classic to South Florida is not only a nod to the sport's wide appeal but also a bold affirmation that, regardless of the climate, "the ice is always right” for hockey’s burgeoning epicenter in the Sunshine State.