The inaugural 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot park transformed the Miami Marlins' stadium into a beach-themed rink, drawing a sellout crowd of 36,153 to witness the New York Rangers' 5-1 rout of the Florida Panthers. Unique festivities highlighted hockey's growth in South Florida amid the historic outdoor debut.
Surrounded by sand, flamingos, and lifeguard towers under a crisp 63-degree evening sky with the retractable roof open, the game fused South Florida flair with NHL tradition. Fireworks and Luis Fonsi's 'Despacito' performance greeted the teams' Miami Vice-inspired arrivals—Florida players in flashy sports cars—setting a festive tone.
Mika Zibanejad's hat trick, the first in Winter Classic history, earned him MVP as the 'Cocoa Cup,' complementing the Rangers' dominance. In nets, Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky faced New York's Igor Shesterkin in the first all-Russian-born goaltender matchup outdoors.
Pre-game buzz included the NHL PreGame fan festival with custom trading cards at Perry Ellis, Stanley Cup viewing, and auctions of 'Panthers on the Prowl' statues benefiting the American Cancer Society. Olympic reps J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Matthew Tkachuk, and Seth Jones were honored pre-puck drop by Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo.
Mascots Stanley C. Panther, Viktor E. Ratt, and Billy the Marlin amped up the crowd. At first intermission, Role Model's 'Sally, When the Wine Runs Out' featured Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and Tkachuk onstage carrying the Stanley Cup.
The event underscored hockey's surge in Florida, with statewide registration up 49.63% since the Panthers' 1993-94 debut. Despite the loss, players called it an 'awesome event,' cementing the Winter Classic's innovative legacy.
