The National Hockey League (NHL) is taking its iconic outdoor games to Florida, hosting two matchups in 2026.
Hockey has seen real growth in the state over the last three decades.Outdoor hockey in Florida? The National Hockey League says it is up for the challenge.The league will feature two matchups next year, one as part of the Winter Classic, followed by a Stadium Series game. The first game will feature the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park, home of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, on Jan. 2, 2026.
And one month later, the NHL will do it all over again in Tampa, as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, home of the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.But why host a winter sport outdoors in a warm-weather state? '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,' said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.In order to pull this feat off, the league said that to keep the ice from melting it will use the LoanDepot Park roof in Miami until the game starts. The roof will then open for the game, held outdoors and under stadium lights. Tampa will be a bigger challenge because Raymond James Stadium does not have a roof. So the NHL said it will build a roof structure over the ice and strip it ahead of the game. The league expects an amount of prep and lead time similar to other outdoor events it has held. The NHL said it will take about two weeks to set up the stadiums.The matchups will cost more than a traditional Winter Classic or Stadium Series game, Steve Mayer, president of NHL content and events, told CNBC. 'It's a lot more to build a structure that we've never had to build before,' he said. 'I will say we are getting incredible contributions from the state of Florida sports commission that understands the value of a big event.'Pro hockey in Florida has been a bright spot for the leagu
HOCKEY NHL FLORIDA OUTDOOR GAMES WINTER CLASSIC
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