The NHL has revealed the thematic design for the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic, pitting the Florida Panthers against the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami on January 2. The event will blend South Florida's sunny vibe with winter elements, creating a unique fan experience for Florida's first outdoor game. Preparations are on track, with performers and interactive features enhancing the spectacle.
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic marks a historic milestone as the first outdoor NHL game in Florida, hosted by the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers against the Rangers at the Miami Marlins' loanDepot Park. Scheduled for January 2 at 8 p.m. ET and broadcast on TNT, HBO Max, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports, the event embraces a 'Snowy Winter Comes to Sunny Florida' theme to juxtapose the state's warm climate with hockey's cold roots.
A rendering released by the NHL depicts the field divided: one side features a sandy Miami Beach scene with flamingos, umbrella chairs, a lifeguard shack, and a street hockey rink, while the other is blanketed in snow, complete with pelicans, snow-capped chairs, a snowplow-equipped lifeguard stand, and a synthetic ice rink. Palm trees frame both halves. 'We've designed it so here in Florida summer meets winter, fire and ice, hot and cold, all of the thematics you would think,' said Steve Mayer, NHL president of content and events. Cast members will portray the contrast, with some in parkas and others in bikinis and speedos, and fans on one side might even experience artificial snow.
The rink build is progressing smoothly under the stadium's closed retractable roof and air conditioning to protect against sun and rain. Ice lines and logos were installed quickly, with workers setting up the dual-themed scene. The game starts with the roof closed two hours before puck drop, opening later as a surprise element. Mayer anticipates ideal conditions in the low 60s, avoiding past issues like sun damage seen in the 2021 Lake Tahoe game. An evening start ensures playable ice.
Enhancing the experience, Latin Grammy winner Luis Fonsi performs at opening faceoff, joined by Role Model during first intermission. The U.S. anthem features Veteran SGT Emily Nichols, with Joshua Rodriguez as deaf performer via NHL's P-X-P partnership; University of Miami Color Guard presents colors, and University of South Florida ROTC unfurls the flag. Outfield rinks will host Panthers' Learn to Play participants and Women's Hockey Advancement Committee members during pregame and intermissions to promote girls' and women's hockey growth in Florida.
Fans can engage via the NHL BINGO game, registering from December 30 for prizes like a $1,000 NHL Shop gift card, with tiles activating on in-game events. A pregame fan festival in West Lot 3 and West Plaza includes Role Model's concert; early arrival and pre-booked parking are advised due to congestion. 'We're going to have fun... This is a show. There's a hockey game that goes on, and that is so important,' Mayer emphasized, noting the playoff-potential matchup.
For Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich, a former Rangers fan from Connecticut, the game holds personal significance. 'I'll just try to cherish every second of it and enjoy it as much as possible,' he said, recalling childhood memories at Madison Square Garden.
