Miami and Tampa to host outdoor NHL contests in 2026

The 2026 NHL Winter Classic will feature the Florida Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, playing host to the New York Rangers on January 2 at the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins. In addition, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins in the NHL Stadium Series on February 1, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our league isn't willing to accept a challenge," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.