Courtesy of NHL.com
During the chilly winter months, most people dream of the state of Florida, with its warmer temperatures and sandy beaches– a welcoming escape from the cold and snow up north. Every year, when the weather gets colder, thousands of people– from families with young children to young adults to the “snowbirds” from the Northern U.S. and Canada–migrate south to the Florida warmth to enjoy their winters in more pleasant weather.
The NHL must have caught on to the appeal the Sunshine State has in the wintertime because both the 2026 Winter Classic, which is held around New Year’s day, and the 2026 Stadium Series, which is usually held in February, will be played in Miami and Tampa, respectively.
Upon learning the news, hockey fans turned to social media to voice their opinions. Many fans weren’t necessarily happy with the decision because they believe the Winter Classic should be played in the typical winter weather.
However, it can be considered that holding both games in Florida is a genius move, as both Florida NHL teams combined have made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs every year for the past four years, AND have won three Stanley Cups during that time frame.
In response to fans, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, “Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge!”
Courtesy of Joel Auerbach/Getty Images
Now, what influenced the NHL to pick Florida, especially because hockey is a winter sport, and an integral part of the experience of these specific games is playing outside in the frigid temperatures?
To narrow down the options, the NHL looks for teams that have a rich history–or a history of rivalry–and locations that are popular with fans. As previously mentioned, both teams have made Stanley Cup appearances, if not won the Cup itself, in the past four years. This stellar record, combined with many people from up north migrating down to Florida for the winter season, has led to hockey becoming very popular. Both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers have drawn above NHL capacity this season at 100 percent and 98 percent, respectively. Additionally, after their Stanley Cup win, the Panthers’ season tickets have sold out for the first time ever.
Furthermore, hockey registration in Florida has increased by over 200 percent, including a 16 percent increase for girls. A decade ago, the NHL had one, maybe two, Florida-born players. Now, the NHL has eight. It’s definitely safe to say the location is popular.
Courtesy of Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP
Regarding a history of rivalry, the teams picked to play have deep rivalries. In the Winter Classic, the Panthers are facing the New York Rangers, a team they eliminated in a grueling Eastern Conference Final in 2024. In the Stadium Series, the Lightning are facing the Boston Bruins, a team they have clashed with for the top spot in the Eastern Conference in years past. The migration of Bostonians to Tampa, in recent years, has also led fans of both teams to detest each other. Another interesting observation is both games feature an “Original Six” NHL team against a non-conventional team from Florida.
As for the elements, it will be interesting for both teams to play a game in temperatures that could very well be over 60 degrees, especially with players in layers of gear. loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, has a retractable roof that can help with protecting the players and the conditions of the outdoor rink if necessary, as it is fully intended for the game to be played with an open roof. Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, does not have a retractable roof. However, NHL games have been played in every condition–rain, shine or snow–so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Courtesy of miamiandbeaches.com
This also isn’t the first time a Florida team has attracted a crowd at a stadium. From 1993 to 1996, the Lightning played at the ThunderDome, which later became Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays until this past fall. In 1996, at the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Lightning drew a crowd of more than 28,000 for a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. This was the NHL stadium attendance record until stadium games were officially played in the league in 2003.
As for the Panthers, they have waited a long time for this moment. From being the underdog team in the NHL that other teams and fans scoffed at, to winning the ultimate prize in hockey, the Panthers have come a long way.
“I think our time has come and we deserve to be in an outdoor game. We’re fired up to have it right here locally,” said Panthers President Matt Caldwell.
Courtesy of NHL.com
After they hosted the All-StarWeekend in 2018, the Lightning lobbied to host an outdoor game with a billboard that said “THANK YOU NHL! NEXT TIME, LET’S GO OUTSIDE THE BOX!”
Well, it looks like both teams are getting their chance to “go outside the box” and it is sure to be the best and most worthwhile “challenges” that the NHL has taken on!
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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