The NHL will host its 2026 Discover Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at loanDepot park in Miami, pitting the Florida Panthers against the New York Rangers in the league's first outdoor game in Florida. The event marks a celebration of hockey's growth in the Sunshine State, with another outdoor matchup set for Tampa Bay later in the month. Officials highlighted the unique tropical setting and fan experiences planned for the game.
The announcement came during a visit to the Miami Marlins' home stadium in the Little Havana neighborhood, where NHL president of content and events Steve Mayer described the preparations as progressing well. "We feel like we are at a great stage to put on this year’s Winter Classic in Miami," Mayer said. "It’s going to be great."
The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and broadcast on HBO Max, truTV, TNT, SNW, SNO, SNE and TVAS, will transform the baseball field into a hockey rink. To address Miami's warm climate, the venue's retractable roof will close during ice installation, with plans to open it for the evening contest. Mayer noted the NHL's refined ice-making process suits the conditions, adding extra air conditioning units for safety. The average low temperature around New Year's Day in Miami is in the 60s, with low winter humidity aiding ice maintenance.
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand expressed excitement about the historic matchup. "This is an incredible opportunity. These outdoor games are so much fun," he said. "We’re going to be the first teams to play an outdoor game in Florida. How cool is that? It's going to be a really special time, and we're going to have a lot of fun together, and there will be incredible memories, not just for us as a team, but for our families and the fans."
Panthers coach Paul Maurice reflected on the state's hockey evolution since the team's 1993-94 entry into the league. The Panthers are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions and have reached the Final in each of the past three seasons. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have three Stanley Cup wins (2004, 2020, 2021). The past six Finals featured either the Lightning (2020-22) or Panthers (2023-25).
A second outdoor game follows on Feb. 1, with the Lightning facing the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium. The field design will blend themes, with one half evoking Miami's beach culture and the other a traditional winter scene. Additional features include a pregame concert by a major act and a fan fest outside the ballpark. Center Anton Lundell, set for his first Winter Classic, called the venue "a super-cool place."
Mayer emphasized the events as a "Florida celebration," noting both teams' interest in hosting outdoor games amid the region's rising hockey popularity.