NEW YORK — The NHL has unveiled an exciting render of Miami’s loanDepot park for the upcoming 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic. This outdoor game, set for January 2, will pit the Florida Panthers against the New York Rangers at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasted on TNT, HBO Max, SN, and TVAS.
The theme, “Snowy Winter Comes to Sunny Florida,” cleverly juxtaposes the league’s cold-weather origins with the warm Floridian backdrop. It’s a unique setting for Florida’s first outdoor hockey event. One side of the field will feature typical South Florida winter elements like sandy beaches, flamingos, and colorful beach chairs, while the other side will bring snow, pelicans, and even a synthetic ice rink.
On game day, fans can expect a lively atmosphere. While some will enjoy the sun on the beach, others will partake in snow-related fun, like making snow angels. It promises to be an unforgettable day for everyone involved.
To celebrate the growing interest in girls’ and women’s hockey in Florida, the outfield will host players from the Panthers’ Learn to Play program alongside members of the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee during the game’s pregame and intermissions. This is part of a broader trend in sports, where women’s participation in hockey has seen significant growth. According to a 2022 survey by USA Hockey, female participation increased by 16% over the past decade, showcasing a surge in interest across the nation.
Entertainment will be top-notch as well. Renowned Latin GRAMMY Award winner Luis Fonsi will perform at the game’s opening. Singer-songwriter Role Model is set to headline the first intermission, adding to the excitement. The U.S. National Anthem will be performed by SGT Emily Nichols of the Florida National Guard, with a special Deaf performer, Joshua Rodriguez, as part of the NHL’s partnership with P-X-P.
As the celebration continues, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium. This event also promises to attract a large audience, emphasizing hockey’s expanding influence in the region.
The NHL is tapping into the growing trend of unique and engaging sporting events. With this approach, they not only draw in traditional fans but also attract new audiences. As hockey’s popularity continues to rise in unexpected places like Florida, events like these are helping reshape the landscape of the sport.
For those interested in attending the NHL Stadium Series, limited tickets are still available through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the NHL.
