MIAMI – The Winter Classic is coming to South Florida.
On Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Florida Panthers will host the 2026 Winter Classic at loanDepot Park.
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The game will take place on Jan. 2, 2026 and Florida will host the New York Rangers.
Additionally, the league announced that the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins in a Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026.
“Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed. Outdoor NHL games in the Sunshine State? Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “The Panthers and Lightning have told us repeatedly that they and their fans want this special experience. Beginning in Miami on Jan. 2, when the Panthers host the Rangers in the Discover NHL Winter Classic, we will stage a month-long celebration of hockey throughout Florida that will culminate in Tampa on Feb. 1, when the Lightning host the Bruins in the Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series. Florida, we’re bringing our unique events to you, and we can’t wait.”
Between the Panthers and Lightning, they have represented the Eastern Conference in each of the past five Stanley Cup Finals.
Tampa Bay won the Cup in 2020 and 2021 while Florida hoisted the historic trophy last season.