Building on the NHL's announcement of the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, ESPN has revealed advanced production elements for the February 1 outdoor game. Airing at 6:30 p.m. ET with coverage starting at 6 p.m., the broadcast marks the fifth straight year of the event on ESPN platforms and includes celebrity interviews, special performances, and cutting-edge tech.
As previously detailed, the game—enabled by Lightning owner Jeff Vinik's persistence and featuring unique Florida logistics like an air-conditioned ice tent—promises playoff intensity in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' home stadium.
ESPN's enhanced production incorporates aerial coverage, Skycam, on-ice skatecam, referee chest cameras, mic'd-up players, and virtual graphics. A 'Best Seat in the House' ice-level setup will feature former NFL star Jason Kelce interviewing rotating guests.
Grammy winner Tim McGraw performs at first intermission, with additional celebrity appearances throughout. The visual campaign draws on Tampa's pirate theme via custom illustrations.
Sean McDonough handles play-by-play with Ray Ferraro analyzing, alongside reporters Kevin Weekes and Emily Kaplan. Studio hosts Steve Levy, Mark Messier, and P.K. Subban join from Tampa for weekend coverage. An NHL in ASL alternate telecast streams on ESPN+ with Jason Altmann and Jeff Mansfield.
The game caps a busy ESPN weekend, following ABC's January 31 Hockey Saturday doubleheader: Avalanche-Red Wings at 1 p.m. ET and Rangers-Penguins at 3:30 p.m. ET. This underscores seven exclusive NHL games that week across ESPN platforms, highlighting the spectacle of outdoor hockey.
