The NHL announced Wednesday that, for the first time, it will hold outdoor games in Florida – it will be next season and will combine the action on the ice with the contrast in the stands which are expected to be filled with people in short sleeves, hats and sunglasses. This is another example of the sport moving into new markets and transforming its consumer experience without altering its sporting essence.
The 2026 Winter Classic will take place on January 2 at Miami Marlins Stadium, where the Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers. A month later, on February 1, Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium will host the Stadium Series, where the Tampa Bay Lightning will face the Boston Bruins. These stadiums, home to MLB and NFL teams, respectively, will be transformed into the epicenter of ice hockey.
Florida has established itself as a key field hockey state, with the Panthers being crowned Stanley Cup champions in 2024 and the Lightning racking up three titles, including back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021. Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, noted, “Stanley Cups, back-to-back sellouts and the exponential growth of youth and school field hockey prove that Florida is a field hockey hotspot.”
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE IN WARM CLIMATES
While field hockey is often associated with cold climates, the NHL has already brought outdoor games to warm cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas and Nashville. Florida represents a new challenge for the league, which continues to look for innovative ways to connect with fans and expand the sport’s reach.
Since the NHL expanded its presence in Florida more than 30 years ago, both teams have achieved remarkable success. In the last five Stanley Cup Finals, at least one Florida franchise has been present, cementing the state as a benchmark in professional field hockey.
A BEFORE AND AFTER?
The NHL’s outdoor games in Florida not only seek to attract local fans, but also to offer a unique spectacle in iconic arenas. With a mix of elite field hockey and breathtaking scenery, these games promise to be a success both on and off the ice.
