Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena — Courtesy: Shutterstock — YES Market Media
Florida outdoor hockey? According to the National Hockey League, it is willing to take on the challenge.
The Sunshine State will host the NHL’s first outdoor games, the league announced Wednesday.
Next year, the league will have two games: a Stadium Series game and one as part of the Winter Classic.
On January 2, 2026, the Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park, the home field of the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball.
The NHL will repeat the event in Tampa a month later when the Tampa Bay Lightning play the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.
However, in a state with warm temperatures, why hold a winter sport outside?
“Florida is a hockey hotbed, as evidenced by Stanley Cups, sellouts, and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
He continued by saying, “Never let it be said that our League isn’t willing to accept a challenge.”
The league stated that it will use the roof of LoanDepot Park in Miami until the game begins in order to prevent the ice from melting. After that, the roof will open for the game, which will take place outside under stadium lights.
Raymond James Stadium lacks a roof, thus Tampa will present a greater obstacle. Therefore, the NHL said that it would construct a roof structure over the ice and remove it before the game.
The league anticipates the same level of preparation and lead time as previous outdoor events. According to the NHL, the stadium setup will take roughly two weeks.
Steve Mayer, head of NHL content and events, told CNBC that the games will cost more than a typical Winter Classic or Stadium Series contest.
“Building a structure that we have never had to build before is much more difficult,” he stated. “I will say that the state of Florida sports commission, which recognizes the importance of a major event, is providing us with amazing contributions.”
About 100,000 people are anticipated to attend both events combined, according to the league.
One area where the league has shown success is in Florida pro hockey. Since entering the NHL more than 30 years ago, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have won four Stanley Cups between them. The league’s defending champions are the Panthers.
Off the ice, that success is being translated.
According to CNBC’s Official NHL Valuations, the Panthers are currently worth $1.35 billion while the Lightning are worth $1.8 billion.
A new generation of youthful hockey fans is likewise being produced by the sport’s popularity in Florida.
According to the NHL, Florida has had a 212% increase in ice hockey registrations since 1999, with over 21,000 players enrolled in the state last season. According to the league, girls’ hockey participation in Florida alone is increasing, rising by roughly 16% annually and 56% over the previous eight years.
Mayer cites a number of reasons for Florida hockey’s rise: Local towns have welcomed the Panthers and Lightning, while snowbirds in Florida have taken to the game.
The NHL admits that it is dangerous to try to host games outside in Florida, but claims the benefits outweigh the risks.
“We are aware that there is a certain amount of risk, but there is risk in all of these games we play, wherever we go,” Mayer stated. “It seemed like the ideal moment, and we feel like Florida has embraced hockey and its growth.”
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.